Simple DIY food/treat bench

[Dornen]

I got a bit sick of the cheap plastic food bowls getting knocked about all the time so I decided to make a simple food bowl bench~

You will need:

• Ikea GLIMMA tealight holder (GLIMMA Tealight holder - IKEA) or something similar.
• Wood - 1.25" rough cut poplar OR about a foot of 1" by 3" finished poplar or other small animal safe wood
• Optional: 1/8 or 1/4" poplar for bottom and non toxic glue.
• 2" spade bit, forstner bit, or hole saw
• Drill press OR electric drill.
• Sandpaper
• Miter saw OR miter box and hand saw.
• Appropriate safety gear for working with wood and power tools.
• Material Cost: 25 cents per bowl and about a buck for wood.

Construction

• If you are using rough cut lumber, rip it down to 3" long by 1" thick.
• Mark a center line along the wood, then mark out the margins and layout for the holes. Check the diagram I've attached for a better idea, drill where the red X's are.
• Cut to length, about 8" if following my measurements.
• Drill out the holes. This is easier with a drill press but can be done with a regular drill. Take your time and be careful. Hole saws in particular can really heat up so be mindful.
• OPTIONAL: If you aren't going to be placing the bench on a shelf or hard surface, you will need to add a bottom. Cut the 1/4 or 1/8th wood to match and glue it to the bottom of the bench.
• Sand everything down to remove splinters and any pencil lines.

Tips

• You can do this without any large power tools (except the drill) but most wood shops will have a drill press. If you have a friend that does, ask to use it, it will make things much easier.
• Rough cut wood is cheaper, if you have access to a planer its a good way to save a few bucks.
• I didn't bother sealing or finishing this but you could. Make sure whatever you use is non-toxic.
• Ikea also sells a larger version of the tealight holder if you wanted to make a rat or guinea pig version.
• If you can't get to an ikea, try a dollar store or somewhere that sells kitchen things, dip bowls work well for these too. You may need to adjust the measurements.
• If your pet is still throwing the bench around, fasten it to bars with a bolt, washer and wing-nut.
• Try a local lumber yard instead of a big-box retailer for wood. They often have a much better selection and may even offer good deals on seconds or small pieces.

[Kissa]

That looks really cool

[Pouches]

Very nice, might I suggest instead of poplar maybe applewood? Just a thought of course
Keep up the good work!

[Queen Of The High Teas]

Very good, I love it. Someone should tell Ikea that they don't half make some good hamster accessories