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| The center pole is a 2"x2", cut to a height of 67 3/4". I sanded the corners smooth, except where it inserts into the base. |
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| The base is made from 1"x4"s. First I made a sheath to go around the pole. I cut 4 pieces, each 6" tall and wide enough to fit snug around the pole. The pole is not anchored to this 'sheath', rather I can pull it out any time I want, it is separate from the stand. I then used a jig saw to cut out four identical legs, each roughly 15" long and tapered. I staggered these around the sheath, anchoring them to the sheath, but again, not to the pole itself. The stand is a separate entity from the pole. The pole can be removed at any time, but it's a good snug fit so as not to wobble. That's also why I built the sheath, as I felt the height of the legs themselves was insufficient to keep the structure from tipping over or wobbling. The stand is assembled using both glue and screws. |
 
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I used 1/4" diameter dowels, cut into pieces approximately 4 1/2" long. These pieces of dowelling were sunk about 3/4" into the pole, leaving roughly 3 3/4" visible.
The dowels are spaced 1 3/4" on center, measured vertically. Horizontal spacing around the pole is: flat side of pole, corner, flat side, corner, etc....
To attach the dowels, I used a drill. I used 3 different sized bits, beginning with a fairly small one, then drilled again with a mid sized bit, then again with one that was the same size diameter as the dowels. Take masking tape and mark each bit at approximately 3/4" from its tip, so as not to drill too deep and to keep all holes at a consistant depth. I did not glue the dowels into the holes. The fit is tight enough that by tapping them with a hammer, I was able to snug them into the pole. They won't move, at least not by birdie strength alone. |
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I originally had the dowels placed straight up and down on the top part of the gym. I later decided to change the upper part to a spiral staircase similar to the lower part.
I simply used a keyhole saw to cut the dowels off where they entered the pole, thus leaving the holes filled with wood, and re-drilled new holes for new dowels to be inserted.
Perches or branches of any sort can be attached as long as they have a bolt attachment. Use a drill bit the same size as the bolt, and then 'screw' the perch in until it snugs against the pole. If your hole is just the right size, these will not move or fall out, they will be attached quite tightly. Hang toys and swings or coconut huts from the perches/branches. The platform I built is optional. It was put there to accomodate a bathtub, but can also be used for food or treat dishes. There is also a perch attached to the platform, but again, this is optional. |
 
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