Filling Sandbags the Easy way, with Sandbag Tubes

Step 2 Assemble your Tubes

First, get out the saw-
 
  - Cut  the sewer pipe into 6 sections (each 19-7/8" long)
  - Cut the lumber into the following sections
        - (3) 2' 2"
        - (2) 1' 5-1/16"
        - (4) 6- 5/16"

Now, assemble the wood as shown in the diagram below, using the 3" screws (or nails) to hold the boards together.

Once you have your frame, you can see how you will slide the tubes into each hole.  You will need to put the 1-5/8 screws through the tube and into the sides where it touches the boards on all four sides. There should be two screws at each spot.  First, take your drill and pre-drill the 8 holes on each tube; one at 1" from the top and one at 2.5" from the top every 90 degrees. Now put the tube in the frame and put screws in each hole. The easiest way is with a right angle drill.

When all 6 tubes are screwed on, the tubes are usable. At this point, you can put on the optional top. The advantage of putting on the top is that it will prevent sand from falling down next to the tubes and pushing the bags down. If you are going to put the top on, cut the top to fit over the frame. Screw the top onto the frame boards. Now drill a hole and then using either a router or a hand jigsaw, cut the holes out for each tube.

 

Comments

[akgooseman]

Very nice. One could add a 1x4 or 1x6 hopper on top to help catch the shoveled sand and drop it into the tubes instead of shooting off the side.

[RiverOakRanch]

Ideally, if these were manufactured they would have a rounded top so the sand natuarally falls into tubes that are tapered. But realistically, that only works if they aren't home made, and that is one of the big advantages of this design. We had looked at putting somethign on the top, but the problem is sand would get stuck there and make it heavier to lift. You wouldn't be able to get all the sand out of the corners, so that sand would fall on the ground when you dumped it, and a little sand falling off the sides when you fill isn't that big of a deal because sand gets spilled when filling sandbags, so you just pick it up on the next scoop. Your mileage may vary, but I don't think the added weight and complexity are offset by any gains.  Everyone is free to try whatever mods they like though.

[billrehm]

What about using a sheet of heavy pvc plastic instead of plywood? The only kind I can think of readily available is those "roll up" plastic toboggans. That would make the unit lighter and you might be able to "form" it with hot water.

I'm offering this as a possible minor tweak to an already brilliant idea.

[RiverOakRanch]

That’s a great Idea. I had considered using a thin wood paneling for the top plate to cut down weight, but hadn't yet tried it because I was concerned about the longetivity of paneling in a wet environment. The plastic would be stronger, lighter and waterproof. Now I just need to find a readily available source

[alpratt]

You could perhaps use one of the plastic floor mats like those used under chairs in places which have rugs. (Like I have in my home office.) Office Max or Office Depot will carry them. They're not real cheap, but you could get several top plates out of one mat.