Saw a question being asked on how to make a squirrel feeder recently and as I’ve just finished yet another one I thought It’d be a good idea to show how easy they are to make.Now I never set out to make any particular size and just use whatever i have to hand material wise (other than the electrical back box, hinge, screws and makrolon sheet for the flip up lid.
All the wooden materials have been recycled from local skips.
First off cut your sides and keep the off cuts.
Screw the off cuts to the bottom of the sides so you have a location for the internal ramp to be fitted, so make sure you fit them on the inner side.
Screw on the back plate.
Mark and cut out the slot in the front plate for the electrical box centrally, don’t leave an excessive gap just make sure the box slides in smoothly.
Fit the front plate.
Fit the base plate.
Now cut the ramp to fit internally, it’s a bit fiddly getting it right first time as you’re working a little blind, when it fits mark out the opening for the feed to drop into the electrical box and then secure it in.
The electrical box will now need to be slide into position, I leave 50mm of the box outside of the front plate, now mark the sides of the electrical box where you need to remove material so that the feed doesn’t get stuck on the ramp, then cut the box to suit and screw into place on the base plate.
Mastic any gaps in the ramp internally so feed doesn’t drop past any gaps and go rotten.
Drill and fit the hinge to the electrical box with screws or pop rivets, fit the flip up lid making sure it has just enough clearance with the front plate so as not to stick when opening.
Open the flip up lid to 45 degrees and mark the front plate so that you can fit a stop screw/bolt so that the lid doesn’t stay up after feed has been taken from the electrical box, otherwise it’s a free for all on your feed.
Cut the lid to size and fit it using either a hinge (hard work) or some rubber sheet screwed or stapled into place, I use both depending how I feel at the time.
Cut the runners and drill to suit for either rope or wire for attachment to the tree/post you’re going to be using.
Attach the runners to the back of the box and your nearly finished.
Now it’s always a good idea to armour up the edges and front plate of the box to stop any gnawing taking place when the squirrels feel like a bit of vandalism, that is entirely up to you.
The box in the photos has had all the edges sealed with hammerite and varnish, and the exterior has also been varnished, at the moment I’m undecided whether to armour it up or not….
as basically I’ve run out and need to do a bit of skip diving 
.So I hope this helps someone/anyone who always wants to make a feeder but just wasn’t feeling that confident, and should you have any questions you can PM me.
Cheers….
Cracking “how to” thread Clive….
, I can see you going into production on the dinning room table 
=
now that’s what I like to hear…..
