PROJECTS: R/C ROTATING BIRD FEEDER
makezine.com/11/birdfeeder
3. SPIN THE BIRDIE
3a. Make the feeder ratchet parts. The second R/C servo poses the birds by slowly ratcheting the feeder
around. Make the ratchet parts by using the templates at makezine.com/11/birdfeeder (the rest are
pre-made, from the Materials list on page 119).
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6
7
8
3
4
10
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11
2
12
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1
RATCHET ASSEMBLY
1. Feeder hanger Use a
length of 3"×½" plywood
to extend from your
feeder support (pole,
tree, etc.) to the feeder.
Pre-drill appropriate
holes in the other end to
attach the hanger to your
support.
2. Click Use thin Q"
metal.
3. Spring
4. Pawl Use a paper clip.
5. Pivot screw washers
6. Ratchet spacers ( 3)
made from 1" acrylic.
Most any shape works
as long as the hole is
5" from the curved
edge. These must clear
the pawl.
7. Ratchet support Use
½" plywood.
8. Ratchet Make it
from 5" Formica
using a band saw or a
jigsaw mounted upside
down; use a file to
shape the teeth. The
photo shows 14 teeth;
it’s not critical as long 12. #10 washers
as they’re fairly evenly 13. Feeder hooks Since
spaced and the throw on feeders vary, you’ll
your servo is adequate customize these. Make
to advance the ratchet them from r" brazing
1 full tooth. rod or a coat hanger.
9. Ratchet pivot screw Bend an eye into one
This pivot method using end of each hook for
the 3" machine screw is mounting to the ratchet.
almost foolproof. If you Use at least 2 hooks
use a wood screw, make to smoothly transfer
sure its threads are at torque to the feeder.
least 1½" long.
10. Pivot screw nail
11. Sheet metal screws
#10×¾"
Photography by Larry Cotton
NOTE: For parts templates,
go to makezine.com/11/
birdfeeder.
122 Make: Volume 11
