[Nfb-krafters-korner] Gourd Bird Houses

[Zimmer, Cindy]

Thanks Dixie!  I learned something today.  Good information you shared.

Cindy Zimmer, CVRCB
Client Services Counselor
NCBVI (Lincoln) 
4600 Valley Road, Suite 100
Lincoln, NE 68510
402.450.5262  Fax:  402.471.3009




-----Original Message-----
From: Nfb-krafters-korner <nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Dixie via Nfb-krafters-korner
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2018 5:34 AM
To: 'List for blind crafters and artists' <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Dixie <cobaltblueheron at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Gourd Bird Houses

I would suggest a hole saw.  The paddle bit is less expensive so is often recommended.

A whole saw is a cup shaped saw blade, used to cut the holes to make for door knobs and things like that.  It is used by attaching it to a drill as well.  

Being that the whole saw is something where pressure is applied equally around the perimeter of the entire whole you may have better luck keeping it put.

The other idea I would suggest is to start a pilot whole and then use either the hole saw or the paddle saw.  This will get the tip of the paddle saw into the gourd a bit and steady it a bit, and maybe that way you'll have more luck.

Depending on what species of bird you're trying to house depends on what size hole you put in your bird house.
For a Wren the hole size is 1 1/4 inches.

The proper size hole for a Purple Martin is: 1 7/8 or 2 inches.


Also it is important to know that the whole in a gourd bird house belongs up on the neck of the gourd not on the belly.

Dixie

@-> + <-@

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfb-krafters-korner <nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via Nfb-krafters-korner
Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2018 10:55 AM
To: 'List for blind crafters and artists' <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Gourds

I have grown birdhouse gourds a few times.  Those are the big, bottle-shaped guys.
I bought a paddle drill bit that the guy at the hardware store said was the right thing to cut a bird hole, but it went wild when I tried to use it and tore my gourd to bits.  Clearly not the tool for me.  I'd be interested to hear about what are the tools others have used to cut a decent hole in a gourd.
Tracy




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