How to roughen wood

[brianhabby]

I know we usually want a smooth finish on wood but how would you roughen a wooden surface, in particular plywood? The reason I am asking is because I have an idea for some bird nest boxes made from ply but the RSPB website suggests that the inside of the front (where the hole would go) should be rough to allow the fledglings to clamber up it to escape.

regards

Brian

 

[marcros]

I know we usually want a smooth finish on wood but how would you roughen a wooden surface, in particular plywood? The reason I am asking is because I have an idea for some bird nest boxes made from ply but the RSPB website suggests that the inside of the front (where the hole would go) should be rough to allow the fledglings to clamber up it to escape.

regards

Brian

Spread with glue and sprinkle with sand maybe?

 

[Sgian Dubh]

A wire brush perhaps, probably in a drill, but hand held might work if the hole is big enough. Slainte.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

A series of horizontal saw or router grooves should suffice. Or maybe stick some sand paper to the inside.

Regards Mick

 

[wizard]

toothing plane

 

[Flynnwood]

I know we usually want a smooth finish on wood but how would you roughen a wooden surface, in particular plywood? The reason I am asking is because I have an idea for some bird nest boxes made from ply but the RSPB website suggests that the inside of the front (where the hole would go) should be rough to allow the fledglings to clamber up it to escape.

regards

Brian

Attach a piece of bark (at an angle) below the hole?

 

[ColeyS1]

A rasp ?

 

[Zeddedhed]

I've got some spectacularly knackered blades for my Planer/Thicknesser. They cause wood to come out looking like decking!!

 

[bugbear]

"draw file" technique with the nastiest coarse rasp (e.g. farriers) you can find?

BugBear

 

[brianhabby]

Wow, thanks for all the great ideas and all very quick as well.

I've never heard of a toothing plane but have googled it and agree it would be a good tool for this job. I think I'll try the rasp as I have a couple of very course ones.

regards

Brian

 

[Owl]

I think I'll try the rasp as I have a couple of very course ones.
regards

Brian

If you get stuck I could send the wife over .... she has a very rough tongue ! #-o

 

[JIJ]

I read the same website yesterday when I made a nestbox with my young son. We used a small chisel to dig in and curl over a little bit of the timber, and just randomly covered the area under the hole. Only took a minute and I imagine will work fine for the chicks to get out.

James

 

[Benchwayze]

Just peel away one of the plywood layers? Start it with a 30mm chisel probably.

 

[Altheo]

I've been using Bluetit boxes made from unroughened ply for at least 20 years now and have never had a trapped chick. What I do provide though is a 10mm dowel perch running from front to back of the box, projecting about 50mm at the front, just below the entrance hole.
Fledglings are very athletic.

 

[woodfarmer]

Glue small sticks cut to length inside to line it, Bit like the insides of a bamboo house.