Replies

1. 
   tkumpf | Jul 03, 2007 11:03pm | #1

   See if this will help.
   josephfusco.org/calculators/advanced_box_cutter.html

2. 
   Joe | Jul 04, 2007 12:37am | #2

   This is the complete link:

   http://www.josephfusco.org/Calculators/Advanced_Box_Cutter.html

   I hope it helps you out.

   http://joes-stuff1960.blogspot.com/
1. 
   blakeyoung | Jul 04, 2007 01:55am | #4

   Thanks so much... exactly what I needed....I ended up getting out an old college trig book and figured it out... really ling math problembut i'm gonna build two more bird houses thi style but in a one story fashion... with a extremely steep roof... so this will come in very handly when I start on that one

3. 
   byhammerandhand | Jul 04, 2007 01:04am | #3

   Yes, you need a compound cut. This is often called a "hopper"

   If you have Microsoft Excel or Spreadsheet, you can download this file and plug in your numbers.
   http://www.popularwoodworking.com/new/calc.xls

4. 
   nazard | Jul 04, 2007 07:57am | #5

   That looks like a really super project.  Could you post some details about the construction and perhaps a photo?  Are you flaming the copper like the roof pictured on the goldschmidt website?

   Thanks!

   -Nazard

5. 
   Jfrostjr | Jul 04, 2007 03:37pm | #6

   Somewhere else is a post with the approximate title "How to get rich in woodworking".

   I tseems you have found the answer - $60 cost; $3,000 selling price.

   Frosty

1. 
   byhammerandhand | Jul 04, 2007 04:34pm | #7

   Here is another: http://www.mackenzie-childs.com/departments.aspx?floor=14&keywords=/Fur14/Cheap frames, give some Chinese a paint brush, and voila.

6. 
   JohnH | Jul 04, 2007 05:41pm | #8

   The equations and lots of tips and hints on jigs, sleds, and techniques are in the chapter on stave construction in The Art of Segmented Woodturning by Malcolm Tibbets. Even though you aren't turning your project, the information in this book may be worth the price. Available from Woodcraft and Amazon.

7. 
   firstac | Jul 04, 2007 07:56pm | #9

   I imagine that imitation is one of the greatest froms of flattery. The beauty of form that the Fletcher Steele Bidhouse represents is what prompted my reproduction of this stunning piece.  Hours of research, conversation, pattern making, cabinet making skills, blacksmith and coppersmith art, marketing, licensing and copywriting and yes lots of math, have resulted in this wonderful birdhouse. I take great pride in the positive comments that are received on this historically correct, museum quality work of art. To have someone say that they can build one for $60. is not only an insult, but a true indicator of the final quality of the piece that you would build. I spent $60 on the copper alone.

1. 
   blakeyoung | Jul 04, 2007 08:33pm | #10

   Well I am very sorry to insult you.. but for the common man $3000 is a whole lot more than reasonable for a birdhouse.And as for my final quality, you have no indication or knowledge of my skill or competence in woodworking. For your information I am using solid poplar just like your rendition, and though I might not be over paying for copper for a shaped roof, I think It will be nice enough to make an old woman happy.Personally I think it is great that you are reviving this beautiful birdhouse, but I don't think that someone building a replica of your work for cheaper should be insulting. Me building a inaccurate copy of Fletcher Steele's work ( for my mother's birthday) is not going to hurt you business or infringe on your copyrights. In fact you should be honored that people who can't afford your piece, are so impressed by it that they want their son to take time out of his rat race of a life schedule to make one. If I was trying to sell this birdhouse I would understand your anger.... but in this case you wouldn't be selling one to my mother anyway.

1. 
   firstac | Jul 04, 2007 10:23pm | #11

   Thank you for your reply. You are right, $3,000. is a lot of money for a birdhouse for the common man. Steele designed over 700 gardens during his career and his clients certianly were not the common man. As I said, immitation is the ulimate from of flattery and take your compliments of this piece as coming from the heart. God bless you for the time you are taking to make your mother's birthday perfect. I am sure that there are many woodworkers like yourself, who will be inspired as I was and replicate this terriffic birdhouse. My bewilderment, not anger, comes from the responses generated during your technical search, that compares my work to the low cost/high mark-up of a Chinese sweat shop or the farmed-out  pottery of Mekenzie-Childs. Enjoy your project and I hope your mother has a happy birthday.

   Edited 7/4/2007 3:46 pm ET by firstac

   Edited 7/5/2007 5:55 pm ET by firstac