Bird feeder inspired by Dutch-style Windmill in Szwarszowice

The windmill in Szwarszowice (Holy Cross Voivodeship, Poland) is an unique landmark in my region - built in 1880s with limestone walls and wooden roof with rather unusual 5-sail configuration and rather stocky built makes it stood out among all other windmills in the region.

This build coincidentally makes it's shape quite fitting for a bird feeder! And who knows windmills, also knows that birds loved to nibble on not yet processed grain, so it's a perfect fit!

Assembly

The windmill bird feeder comes in 3 parts:

1. Main Body
2. Roof
3. Sails with integrated shaft

The assembly is straightforward:

1. Insert the shaft into the front opening of the roof. The shaft will lock in place, allowing the sails to spin freely.
2. Place the roof on top of the main body. The groove on the bottom of the roof should align with the lip on the main body, allowing the roof to sit flush on top.
3. Mount the feeder in the desired place

Mounting options

The main body has a single central mounting hole with a standoff and the roof has a hole in the center allowing for the birdfeeder to be either hanged or screwed to post.

• Hanging: Using a hanging wire or nylon cord: thread the wire/cord through the roof and through the center hole in the main body and attach any blocking piece to the bottom, then hang the whole bird feeder from the wire. Despite the single suspension point, the main weight is in the bottom (especially with birdseed), ensuring stability.
• Post mounting: Screw the main body to the post using wood screw through the central hole.

Usage

Simply lift the roof, add birdseed to the main body, and place the roof back on. The birds should find the food soon enough!

Dimensions & Capacity

• Main Body: 24cm bottom diameter, 20cm feed area diameter, and 13cm tall. Features water drainage holes for rainy days. Weight: 265 grams.
• Roof: 15cm diameter, 6cm tall, weighing 88 grams.
• Sails: Each sail is 3cm wide and 12.5cm long from the center of the shaft, giving the entire windmill a 25cm sail diameter. Sails and shaft weigh 21 grams.
• Assembled Size: Stands 20cm tall from base to roof, or 29cm tall to the topmost sail position. Total weight (without feed): 375 grams.

Print and post-processing recommendations

While the slicer may suggest supports, this model prints cleanly without them if using quality filament.

The model on the photo was printed in single, dark gray PLA then painted and weather-sealed with spray lacquer.

If you'd like more realistic look without painting I'd recommend:

• Sails & Roof - In order of recommendation: Wood-filled PLA, PLA Matte Latte/Dark Brown, PLA Basic Brown
• Main Body - in order of recommendation: PLA Marble White, PLA Matte Ash Grey, PLA Matte Desert Tan, PLA Basic Gray

PLA can withstand the outdoor conditions, however weather-sealing is recommended for long-term durability.