How to Make a Tripod Bird Bath

Using the miter box, cut a 45 degree angle on each end of the three 2 inch by 2 inch pieces of lumber. A 45 degree angle will provide support for the tripod and a flat surface on one end for attachment of the small box. Miter boxes have grooves in them that allow the saw to go through at certain angles. They are perfect for cutting angles in small pieces of lumber. Many people use them for making picture frames.

Bring the three pieces of 2 inch by 2 inch lumber together at one end, forming a flat surface, and spread the opposite ends out evenly and flat on the ground to form tripod legs.

Place the cheese box on top of the surface where the legs meet and drill six pilot holes in the bottom of the box where it meets each leg. There should be two holes in each leg. Put two wood screws through the bottom of the cheese box and through the top of each one of the legs. If you do not have access to a round cheese box, use a wooden orange crate or other type of wooden box.

The box provides a holder for a footed bowl or any basin that will sit flat. Oval shaped bowls or basins might work better with square boxes. Round shaped bowls will work better with the cheese box or other round box. Keep in mind that birds generally do not like bird baths to be any deeper than three inches, so a shallow bowl or basin will work best. Bowls or basins can be made of clay, ceramic, plastic or glass.

Paint the box with a color that matches or goes well with the bowl or basin. Decorate it by painting flowers on the sides.