dowels or rabbits

I would use dowels of some sort. Miller’s if you want but normal dowels will work. Depending upon how you assemble the box (grain going round the box?) you won’t have a lot of strength because you’ll have end grain involved.

Actually, if this birdhouse is going to be used outside, I would do either concealed dowel joints or I would use screws in counterbores and countersinks and plug the holes. Plugs have exposed face grain whereas dowels have exposed end grain. the end grain will tend to wick moisture in which you probably don’t want.

-- Until you spread your wings, you'll have no idea how far you can walk.

Hey Jim unless this a very large bird house all you need is some glue and nails for the joinery. I f you want to practice making rabbit joints or miters go for it . Practice makes perfect. If you want to learn all about joinery invest in a book called “joinery” by Gary Rogowski its the best out there .

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture ,maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com

Update today I choose to rabbit the sides of my bird house. I wanted to do this just to see if i could. Even using a small craftsman table saw of my dad’s cutting a blade width at a time. it’s crude but the joints are even and it fits. I have 1 side glued to the back so far.

Thanks a1Jim for your help.