DIY -BIRD FEEDER TO MAKE FROM OLD COFFEE CAN !
Repurpose a coffee can and metal castoffs to create a funky feeder that will keep the birds coming back for more.
Supplies:
clean coffee can with lid
paper
pencil
metal paint
painter's tape
pot lid
round metal tray or pan (4" wider diameter than coffee can)
2 dowel rods (4" longer than coffee can diameter)
punch-style can opener
awl
mallet
eye screw
ball finial
craft paint
2’ chain
quick-lock chain link
craft knife
3 washers of graduating size (the chain must fit through the holes)
heavy-duty glue
fluted duct cap
glue gun
instant-dry glue
aluminum caulk
birdseed
Steps:
1. Paint the coffee can using metal paint; use painter's tape to create stripes if desired. Also paint the tray or pan, pot lid and duct cap with metal paint. Use craft paint to paint the ball finial and dowels.
2. Make a circle template by tracing the bottom of the coffee can onto a sheet of paper. Cut out the traced circle and fold it in half three times. Rest the coffee can upside down on a work surface and tape the template to the bottom. Make a mark on the side of the can at each fold in the paper.
Figure B
Figure C 
3. Use a mallet and awl to punch a hole through the center of the can bottom. Remove the template and use a can opener to make holes around the sides of the can at the marks (figure A). This is where the birdseed will come out.
4. Use an awl to make holes for the dowel rods, which will serve as bird perches. Make each pair of holes directly opposite each other; use the can opener holes as guides.
5. Unscrew the handle of the pot lid and remove the screw to leave a hole in the center. Punch a hole in the center of the pizza pan or tray.
6. Thread the eye screw through the bottom of the can so the eye is on the inside of the can. Place the pan or tray on the screw end, with any curved edge going toward the can. Fit the pot lid over the screw with the curve facing away from the can; this will act as a squirrel deterrent. Cap off the eye screw with a ball finial (figure B).
7. Use the quick-lock link to attach one end of the chain to the eye screw. Twist the link closed.
8. Thread the dowels through the holes in the can and secure with hot glue (figure C).
9. Cut a small X in the top of the coffee can lid large enough for the hanging chain to pass through. The fit should be snug to keep water out of the birdseed.
8. Thread the dowels through the holes in the can and secure with hot glue (figure C).
9. Cut a small X in the top of the coffee can lid large enough for the hanging chain to pass through. The fit should be snug to keep water out of the birdseed.
10. Stack the three washers and glue together with heavy-duty glue. After the glue dries, glue them over the hole in the lid. Thread the chain through the lid. The washers will help weight down the lid and keep squirrels away from the seed.
11. Use aluminum caulk to attach the fluted duct cap to the plastic lid (figure D). Let the caulk dry 24 hours. Fill the feeder with birdseed and hang it.
