Salvaged Metal Bird Feeder

Metal worker Amber Conger demonstrates how to transform old scrap metal and engine gears into a useful and eye-catching bird feeder.

Materials Needed:

• salvaged steel pipe
• rod
• angle iron
• bearings
• gears
• misc. parts and pieces
• linseed oil
• patina agent
• steel chop saw

• safety glasses
• leather work gloves
• electric hand grinder
• plasma cutter
• MIG or TIG welder
• welding helmet and face shield
• wire brush
• air compressor
• birdseed

Steps:

1. Gather an assortment of parts for the birdhouse. Clean the parts that need cleaning.

2. Cut the pipe and rods to length with a steel chop saw.

3. Put on safety glasses and leather work gloves. Cut holes in the pipe for birdseed using a plasma cutter.

4. Grind the rough edges on the pipe and rods using a handheld electric grinder (Image 1).

5. Weld the parts together with a MIG or TIG welder. Add decorative welding (Image 2).

6. Clean the welded areas with a wire brush to remove the black welding soot.

7. Apply a patina agent by spraying a patina agent from a spray bottle. Rinse the patina away and dry with compressed air (Image 1).

8. Fill the salvaged metal bird feeder with birdseed (Image 2).