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HOW TO MAKE AN EZ-CLEAN (tilting) BIRDHOUSE POST
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PARTS LIST
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1 - 10' X 4" X 4" pressure treated post
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1 - 4' X 2" X 4" pressure treated
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2 - 3/8" X 8" hot dipped galvanized carriage bolts
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2 - 3/8" hot dipped galvanized washers
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4 - 3/8" nuts
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8 - 2 1/2" galvanized or rust resistant deck screws
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Measure 78" from what will be the top of the 4" X 4" post, mark and cut the post on a 45 degree diagonal running toward the top of post. Cut the 4' X 2" X 4" in half also on a 45 degree angle. Cut the two square ends of the 2" X 4" on a 45 degree angle to make two cleats that are elongated trapezoids. The photos below should make this clear.
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The post cut at 45 degrees.
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Place one of the cleats on the 45 degree end of the bottom (shorter) piece of the 4" X 4" post - measure 10 1/2" from the bottom of the cleat to the lower end of the 45 degree cut to center the cleat.
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Keeping the cleat aligned with the post drill four 9/64" pilot holes in a staggered pattern through the cleat...
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and screw the cleat to the post.
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Turn the post over and repeat the process to place the second cleat on the other side.
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Align the two pieces of the post between the cleats so that there is a 1/16" gap at the 45 degree cut. You might want to support the ends of the post with scrap 2" X 4"
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Being careful to keep the holes centered and straight, drill two 7/16" holes 3" and 9" from the upper end of the cleat. We supported the post with wood scraps to keep the drill from hitting the ground.
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Put the lower carriage bolt through the post and cleats. It shouldn't be necessary to drive it through but if needed, a light tap with a hammer is OK.
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Put the upper bolt through the post, turn the assembled post over and put a washer and two nuts on the lower bolt. (Use the second nut to lock the first one.)
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Take the top bolt out of the post and check the operation to see how EZ the post tilts (it won't be as stiff with one end in the ground) If you plan on painting or staining your post now is a good time to do so.
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