Tools I use: 1 ¼†& 1 ½†Forsner Bits, ½â€, 3/16†and 1/16†drill bits. Lathe and lathe tools.
I’ll explain my process. Much of this is borrowed and I have made modification to fit my skills.
They are made in two sections, bases and lids.
I start with a block of wood that is 2"x2" and at least 2" long. I drill a ½" hole ¾†below the top of the blank and a 3/16" hole at 1 ¼". I use a 1 ¼" forsner bit to hollow base. I do not go all the way through, but below the large hole. At least 1 ½â€. I drill into the end grain of the blank to ease the turning and sanding. I then drill a 3/16" hole through the bottom and use a dowel to secure and bottom pieces I am adding. Pen blank cutoffs make great bottom additions. Once your pieces are added to the bottom and the glue is dry, you can turn. I created a jam chuck from a piece of hard wood that is fits the inside of the blank and protrudes 1 ½â€. With the tailstock to secure the piece, you turn to your desired shape. Make sure the very top is 1 ½†because that will fit into the top. I sand through 400 grip and use 00, 000 and 0000 steal wool. I then apply a sanding sealer.
The bottom is similar. I start with a piece that is at least 2â€x2†square. The thickness depends on what you want to do with the top. Using a 1 ½†forsner bit, bore a hole that is around ¼†deep. This is then put on a jam chuck that is made to fit the top. With the tailstock in place, I turn it round and give it a very general shape. I then take it off the lathe and drill a 3/16†hole through the mark that the tail stock made. You could use a drill chuck on the lathe, but I don’t like the set up and tear down to make a simple hole. Using a dowel, attach additional pieces to the top. Once they are dry, put it back on the lathe and turn to your desired shape, sand and apply sanding sealer. Do not make the very top too small. Drill with a 1/16†bit, a hole in the very top. This will take the ring hook at the top.
Find the smallest ring hook you can find and screw in the top. I have found that Michaels and Hobby Lobby are the best supply of these. The smaller the better. Too big and you may split the top.
Glue the top on. Cut a ¾†long piece of 3/16†hardwood dowel. Apply stain of your choice. Once dry, glue it in the hole you created for the perch. If you are a purest, turn your own perch instead of the dowel.
I use a glossy spray lacquer or shellac to give it a nice shine.
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