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Bug Home

This is a very simple project. Only adult woodcrafters should use a drill or drill press to make the holes in this item. The entire project is constructed from 3/4" pine planking boards and an old coat hanger.
There are only seven (7) pieces in this project: one bottom, one support, two ends pieces, a door, screening, and a handle
Simply click on each of the pictures to open, or download, a larger version.

The actual finished item.
First, cut out the 8" by 3-1/2" bottom piece (A). Cut one piece to 8" by 3/4" for the top brace (B). Next, cut out two 4-1/2" by 3-1/2" ends (C). Now, cut off the two 45 degree bevels on each top corner of each end. Instead, you can cut the top of the ends as a semi-circle with a 1-3/4 radius for a nicer final project.
There are two options for the door. For a quick and easy door, simply use a cork to plug the hole. For a more secure door, cut the teardrop as shown in the drawings (D). Download the pdf file for this project by clicking here and print the drawings to full scale. Use the template to cut the door out then resaw it to a 3/8" thickness.
Drill two holes through the handle 4" apart and centered end-to-end. The diameter of these holes should be slightly larger than the wire used for the handle.
Drill the 2" diameter door hole into one end piece. Mark the spot for the hole in the teardrop door (optional) with a pencil dot. Drill the hole into the door for a mounting screw unless you wish to let the Jr. Woodcrafter drill the hole. The door screw should be 1" long round head screw and the hole in the door should be a little snug yet allow the door to be opened.
Cut a piece of nylon screen to 10" by 8-3/4" and test fit it on one of the end pieces.
Finally, cut a 10" length from a heavy wire clothes hanger for the handle (E). Bed the wire into a 'U' shape with two 3" sides and a 4" top.
The Jr Woodcrafter will need a hand drill and the proper size bits if you did not complete the drilling. Now all your Junior Woodcrafter needs is the seven project pieces, the directions, one 1" round head screw (optional door), a screwdrive, 45 tacks, ten finishing nails (points slightly dulled), a hammer, a hand drill, a pair of pliers, one drill bit, one sheet of 150 grit sandpaper, a really cool workshop apron small enough for kids, and safety goggles.
Construction.
1. Apply glue to one end of the bottom (A) then place one end piece (C) against the end of the bottom.
2. Stand the pieces up and nail the end to the base.
3. Apply glue to other end of the bottom (A) then place the other end piece (C) against the end of the bottom.
4. Stand the pieces up and nail the end to the base.
5. Apply glue to both ends of the top brace (B).
Click here for a larger picture.
Click here for a larger picture. 6. Position the brace (B) between the ends with the holes pointing up. Keep it flush with the top of the ends.
7. Nail the brace to each end.
8. Drill the screw hole into the door with the drill and bit provided.
9. Position the door over the hole in the end and use the round head screw to attach the door. The screw should be snug but not too tight..
10. Use tacks to attach the screen to the house. Space the tacks about 1" apart.
11. Tack one edge of the screen to the edge of the bottom. Do not hammer the tacks to deep or the will break off.
12. Tack the screen up to the top support.
Click here for a larger picture.
Click here for a larger picture. 13. Push the wire handle through the holes in the top brace.
14. Use the pliers to bend over about 1/4" of the handle wire.
15. Tack down the rest of the screen to the other side
16. Decorate the ends with acrylic paints.
* * * * Click on any picture above to download a higher resolution picture. * * * *

*********** WARNING***********
Read my page on safety before building this item.