Bird feeder - suet fat block multiuse cage - Energyblock (UPDATE - new Size)

A versatile cage with multiple mounting options to feed fatblocks to garden birds - can be printed without supports
24h 19m
8× print file
0.20 mm
0.40 mm
368.00 g
14
55
1
336
updated June 22, 2024

Description

PDF

I recently made some mounts for suet balls 

to avoid using the still often sold suetballs with a net around them. Those nets are  really  dangerous for small birds  (risk of entangling) and produce even more plastic waste.

 

 

Our birds need additional fat and protein besides picking seeds. Therefore you can buy Energy Blocks like these (Amazon link): 

The cage has a hexagonal pattern and a detachable lid. The hexagonal wall pattern allows to install the mounting hook in countless ways. 

There are two different hookdesigns you can choose from. The hexagonal prints faster (it’s flat) without supports. The round one looks nicer but needs some extra time and supports. Choose which one you like best. The hexagonal shape of the base of the printable mounting screw prevents rotation of the cage. You can chose the rotation angle of the mount and preserve this by choosing different rotation angles when inserting the screw in the hook.

The screw for mounting the hooks is printed in upright position and has a hexagonal shaped pattern that fits the wall patterns. So everywhere where there is a hexagon in the wall you can put the hook in. But don’t over-tighten the screw! It may break very likely _ it’s PETG not metal! Be careful when screwing in! Otherwise you have to print screw and hook again :-)

The topjoints need three M3x12 bolts that go directly in the PETG, so don’t overt-tighten here, too. To secure the closed lid a longer M3 screw (16mm i.e.) is used. I recommend using stainless steel. 

I printed it in PETG for it is for outdoor use (UV light exposed). PLA may be too fragile for printing the screw. I don’t recommend PLA for this model.

20% Infill, 0,4mm layer, no supports needed. 
 


Update 21.06.2024:

I resized the mainparts to make the feeder a bit bigger (10%) because some fatblocks were slightly to big for V1 model cage. It is not a simple resize because the bolts for the joint and the lock should stay at the same size (M3). 
The files are for download in the “bigger Version 110%“-folder.

 

 

 

You may check out my other bird feeder models:
 


hanging “Bird’s Fly-In”. The ball can be screwed apart in two halves to insert a new suet ball.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or the Birdfy Bamboo Birdcam Mount: 
snaps on an the ball can easily be opened by screwing top and bottom half apart.
 

 

 

 

 

Please show me your results and send me fotos of your makes. I like to see how you use this model. If you have ideas for improvement don’t hesitate to send them to me in the comments.   I will try to incorporate your suggestions and will modify the model for special needs if you ask me to do so. 
And of course a like ♥ or a rating ⭐ of the design are always welcome. 

happy printing, clamikra   

 

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The author marked this model as their own original creation.

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