Print PDF
Favorite
Email
Step 2Basic Assembly
Cut a rectangular hole in the side of the barrel (this is easier said than done). I cut mine to be 18 in. x 20 in.
I didn't want the hole to be too big as it would have to carry considerable weight when rolling the full bin around, however, I wanted it to be big enough to get a rake or shovel into.
Attach the top edge of the door with 2 hinges, and then use the pin locks on the bottom edge. Make sure to place the locks on the side (parallel to the ground). I mistakenly placed them vertically along the bottom and when the barrel flexed, the door popped open every time.
I didn't want the hole to be too big as it would have to carry considerable weight when rolling the full bin around, however, I wanted it to be big enough to get a rake or shovel into.
Attach the top edge of the door with 2 hinges, and then use the pin locks on the bottom edge. Make sure to place the locks on the side (parallel to the ground). I mistakenly placed them vertically along the bottom and when the barrel flexed, the door popped open every time.
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
1
comment
|
Add Comment
|
Oct 9, 2008. 7:19 AMdreino
says:
I built basically the same composter 4 years ago. Over the years I made a few improvements in the original design. 1. Used 4" non-swiveling casters, as the little ones did not support the barrel enough, and it sagged when full.. Originally used cheapy 1.5" and they quickly proved inadequate. Turning the barrel is easier with the 4" when fully loaded as well. 2. Used pressure treated 4x4s as a base to raise the whole thing 3 feet off the ground to make loading and unloading easier. Mine sits outside year round and this helps a lot. 3. To eliminate any further sagging, used 1.5" (4) furring strips lengthwise strapped onto barrel with (2) 1" ratcheting tie-down straps. 4. Cut holes in each end and inserted 3" PVC pipe with many 1/8" holes drilled in it for air circulation, with a small blower mounted to one end to force air into the compost. The other end is capped. It has produced about 1/2 a barrel of fine compost 6-8 times a year, using shredded dry leaves, kitchen waste and grass clippings, loaded completely full. Total composting time with the blower is about 6 weeks, without it about 10-12 weeks. The door on mine is larger as well, using 4 hinges instead of 2. My next modification, this winter, will be to add a small gearmotor with a rubber tire from a old wheel barrow mounted to it's output shaft to continuously rotate the barrel during a batch. I am hoping it will speed up the process further.
Reply
 |
Add Comment
|
