Best Slack Tub for your Blacksmith Shop?

[@frankbruce6889]

Your local brew pub or brewery will have "damaged or dented" kegs that they can't use any more and will sell them pretty cheap.

[@StanErvin-yo9vl]

Damaged or dented? You have to actually know someone in upper management to get a chance of getting one that has been too badly damaged that the in-house welding shop will not touch. But yes, it is an option. From what I've seen, the welding on NSF kegs appears to be expertly tigged. I presume they are fully certified .

[@mrrberger]

There are plenty of brewery reject kegs, most rejects have the spear collar misaligned from transport abuse and fail inspection for automatic fill stations. Have several myself purchased dirt cheap ($30) that now play brew kettle, deck stools and plant pot with cladding. Now I have another use for one!

[@knlazar08]

Another way is to just go buy a full keg from your local beer distributor. They will require a deposit on the keg and pump, to make sure that you return them. But at least in my area, the deposit on both the keg and pump is less then what Mr. Switzer said he paid for the keg alone on fleabay. Plus, no shipping! Unless one lives in an area without beer! 🙂 This also has the advantage of selecting the 8 gallon pony keg as well, should one want a smaller tank. OFC, one does have to drink the beer before cutting up the keg and losing your deposit. But many would consider that an advantage rather than a disadvantage! 🙂

[@StanErvin-yo9vl]

@@knlazar08 : I've also seen kegs in horrible shape with repaired battle scars that would make the Texas Chainsaw Massacre guy look like a Gerber ad campaign winner.

[@kevind7617]

Kegs ain't as cheap as they used to be with the rise in home brewing & home distilling.. and the brewing community looks down on paying a deposit on a full keg ..notbreturnimg it and cutting it up.. because the breweries have to pay for then. Might could get some bud light kegs cheap now

[@TonyUrryMakes]

I cut a water heater tank in half and welded plugs on the holes and put three rebar legs on it. Since it was lined with glass (enameled) it does not rust. Used it for seven years so far.

[@Vikingwerk]

Ooh I even have an old water heater, now I have a plan for it!

[@clongshanks5206]

Found two of those while working, thanks! I’ve been looking for a use out of them since I stripped the brass out of em

[@bc65925]

Opening weekend Sunday at the Pioneer Village one year I decided it was time to empty out the half barrel tub at the blacksmith shop. So I bucketed out most of the water then rolled it out as best I could without dumping it to a spot in the yard and dumped it out. I then started the job of carrying two 5 gallon buckets up from the one water source to the shop to fill it back up. I piked Sunday because usually there were no people in the village until about 11:00 or so even though it opened at 9:00. After getting my fire going there was an older couple just out for a walk and they came in and said "we were just outside admiring your butterflies." I had no clue what they were talking about, so I walked outside. There were about 30 monarch butterflies drinking in the metal infused water that I had dumped out on the ground.

[@VinceSpragueArt]

Proud member of the bucket cracked club and the I poked a hole in the bucket club. A keg is genius.

[@mattrich1081]

I have bought several diesel semi truck feul tanks they are round ,i have cut them in half and made all size drums they are thick aluminum, and can get them in a truck salvage yard usually 50 to 75 bucks

[@chewyakarieckenicholas6049]

I wouldn't have thought of that as a slack tub or even a quench tank thanks to the idea

[@nofunclub]

With plastic buckets, put a stainless bowl in the bottom to help avoiding melting holes

[@Vikingwerk]

Good idea!

[@StanErvin-yo9vl]

@@Vikingwerk roofing supply companies will give away their empty metal 5 gallon metal cans so that they don't have to pay the junkyard to haul them in due to the tar residues. We know how to gently burn off residues, wink wink. Best thing is that you will have the perfect opportunity to get a second one WITH LID THAT FITS for your oil quenching tank. The plastic is good for ferric chloride etchant on the larger pattern welding ventures like axes or an achievement or awards plaque. Lemon juice works as well l substitute

[@StanErvin-yo9vl]

As etchant substitute for it .

[@bruceprosser8332]

I have an 8 gallon one that I got from my brother after he passed. It's nice to have.

[@twg6669]

Hey John, I was able to get a keg from my local beer store that rents kegs. You have to put a $40 deposit on the tank. Once you've finished your beer, simply don't bring it back and you have a keg for $40. Keep on hammering!

[@garethbaus5471]

In my home shop I use a 5 gallon bucket, and at work I use half an old wooden barrel. Beer kegs are an awesome idea.

[@sasssquatch1467]

After years of struggling with very temporary solutions, I'd finally had enough. I cut the top off of an old empty propane tank, leaving me with the handles and a disk the same diameter as the rest of the tank, I cleaned up the disk to make a level stand, then welded the handles to the bottom ring of the tank. Now I have a fairly thick walled slack tub that's up off the ground and stable. Later on I welded a little rocket stove to the side of the tank to thaw any ice buildup in winter. It looks like R2D2 with a hard-on, but it works. The water gets a bit dirty with rust after a few days, so I know it'll eventually need to be replaced, but I can typically buy a new tank at a garage sale for $5-$10 when the time comes.

[@BlackBearForge]

Interesting idea.

[@whitewizard915]

I use a very large aluminum deep fryer bucket. But being in Michigan I have to empty it for winter.

[@GypsyJvan]

that's what i use..there's a brewery near me.. .good info.. thanks.. ... Black Art Forge...

[@todde2231]

I was fortunate to find an old keg at a small store in Ouray, CO for $40. Love it.

[@OneWheelDrive365]

I use a stainless steel beer keg.I paid 30€ deposit for it. It's a good deal, i think. Haha, i wrote the comment before i watched the whole video. I purchase the kegs by a local catering service. The beer brewer's aren't happy with that, but I don't care because the beer is already expensive enough.

[@aceystar1478]

My summer camps shop uses those. They've had them since 07 I believe. Still going strong

[@jhcc289]

I have an identical leg that I got from a friend for free - it was sitting in the garage of a house they bought in a college town!

[@vedamaritabullockashley2770]

I've been using a small galvanized stock tank for about 2 years. Works great and has two handles.

[@JayInOz1]

G'day again John. Another good one. Just wanted to say that I was lucky enough to pick up half a dozen old hundred pound gas bottles for free and cut the top off one to use as my quench tank. About an eighth inch thick, good quality galvanised steel- will still be around after I'm gone. I actually cut the domed top off one about six inches down, turned it over and welded it back on as my first portable little forge, with a rack welded on the side to hold tools. It already has the perfect sized threaded hole in it for the tuyere. And I have half a smaller diameter gas cylinder- acetylene I think- on the roof of my verandah as a dinner bell- rings forever with a lovely clear note. Keep the vids coming- always enjoyable and informative. Jay.

[@davidbutler3661]

Hi John. I've been using a keg like that for a couple of years. I have added a tong and hammer rack around the top edge and I use it with my portable forge at show days.

[@StoutHammerForge]

That's an awesome idea! Definitely gonna try that for my portable set up

[@messylaura]

great shout on the beer keg, for the last couple years i been using a good quality bucket with a large stainless steel bowl that is same inside diameter as the bucket in the bottom, i can drop hot stuff in it without worrying about it burning through the plastic, i've always had a couple of fire extinguishers around the shop and a water hose just in case. if you can find one these days a second hand copper water tank ie immersion heater would make a great large water container

[@tonyn3123]

I'm not a blacksmith but appreciate your videos and watch regularly when notified of a new video. When younger, I think I would have liked to try my hand at blacksmithing. (I am now a retired hobbyist woodworker) I had not thought of a beer keg, but it would appear to be a perfect solution. The only thing I might have done differently is install a drain valve at the bottom when it was empty. That would resolve the freezing and draining issues in a non-heated shop. I full keg would weigh around 125 lbs. when full. Thanks.

[@robsonsantosOSO]

I really liked the two places for the forges. Separating the charcoal forge into its own space makes it possible to work more appropriately in it, as well as leaving the other workshop freer as well.

[@robsonsantosOSO]

*Coal forge.

[@stoneinthefield1]

Great use of an old keg.

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

Lots of information. Like the keg idea!!. Now when you get one for the main shop..... Man what a move it's going to be.....I saw what you have in your manky tank! A veritable underwater otherworld in there! Blessings aboundant brother Crawford out 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼‍♂️

[@timdickerson7921]

Hey John, for about 4 years i have used a recycled water heater tank!. I Removed the outside skins, cut to desired depth and fill up. So far, so good.

[@BlackBearForge]

Great tip!

[@TALLYTHER]

I find using an old aluminum 80 scuba tank works for the great majority of my projects. It takes up less room, doesn't rust, and I cut off the tank bottom which becomes the top and I change out the the first stage valve with a standard water valve so I can hook up a hose to drain it. To me the only downsize is making a stand out of rebar or scrap wood. But you can usually get old tanks for free at a scuba shop which really makes it a plus if you don't need something wide at the mouth.

[@ironhead65]

John, wish I knew you were working on that, I would have brought my plasma torch down. Would have stayed the night at my buddy’s place in Elbert.

[@DIYToPen]

I'd have suggested gas canister as well. Or any steel container, could be spray coated before you put water in it. Galv spray or just paint. Might contaminate the steel when you touch the side but, I doubt that's a big issue

[@roadyinzer2461]

I think the best and probably cheaper way to get a beer keg is to get a full one from your local distributor. Invite some buddies over for a good time then keep the keg. You’ve drank all the beer and at most your only out the $30 deposit on the keg.

[@demos235]

You know, I was thinking this myself...I'm using an old aluminum keg I found in the ravine behind my house years ago. It's probably a relic from a long gone teenage party, chucked down the hill to avoid being caught.

[@StanErvin-yo9vl]

Great idea! They sure look like enough for a good dozen to get lit.

[@bc2.by.design]

That's theft, pure and simple.

[@roadyinzer2461]

@@bc2.by.design I work in the beer industry. That’s why you pay the deposit. If you want the money back take the keg back. If not keep it.

[@rch317]

You can usually get a stainless keg anywhere from $20-30 from most breweries. I have two, and I don't have to worry about them rusting out.

[@williamsforge6263]

I got 2 25 gallon drums and had them for years. I've had the bottom freeze knocked out the swell. Never leaked. Definitely worth the investment.

[@cafaque]

After watching many of your videos, I must say that you're a great teacher. I truly wish I could become a blacksmith because of you. Unfortunately, life circumstances makes it impossible at this moment, but sir, you got me hooked on the idea regardless. You are very good at sharing your passion! Thank you for what you're doing. Maybe one day my situation will allow this to happen, then you can be sure to be on top of my list as an "online mentor". Much respect.

[@nppjbrown]

I picked up an old stainless beer keg for free and used it for a double burner forge, I also have another keg for quenching but I had to buy that one.

[@erikisberg3886]

Excellent subject, I never had a really good solution for this. Having a concrete floor I should probably put it on a wheel dolly so it can be moved around. An aluminum propane tank is another possibility that came to mind. For me a higher and slimmer tank would probably be better. A tour of the local junkyard may turn up the ideal container...

[@mountainwolf1]

I made my slack tub from a water pressure tank that I was lucky enough to get from the dump. I removed the bladder and ground sanded and painted the interior. I also kept the drain so I don't have to move it to drain the water just attach a hoes.

[@aspitofmud6257]

Stock tanks work pretty good too. Metal galvanized buckets work as smaller slack tubs also.

[@demos235]

You know, I found an old 80s keg in the ravine behind my house. Did exactly this about 3 days before this video came out. Now thinking that a medium size keg would make a dandy ribbon burner forge housing....

[@SylwiaJankowska-rw5uw]

I like Old Anvils and tools ⚒️🛠️🧰

[@erikcourtney1834]

I’ve thought about using the same thing. Also using one for a new foundry. Only problem is don’t throw grinding sparks on it. That will cause it to rust and will defeat the purpose of having stainless steel.

[@BlackBearForge]

Good point

[@StoutHammerForge]

Awesome video, gonna talk to my local beer supplier and see if they have old ones for sale!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Hopefully that works out well. Hopefully you get great use out of it for many years to come my friend. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge On. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Forge lit. Keep Making. God bless.

[@pjamestx]

A keg is so smart! I started off with the plastic bucket because I had one on hand, and sure enough one day I was working on a railroad spike straight from the forge, it slipped out of my tongs and flipped directly into the bucket, and melted a tiny hole in the side. I ended up using a small stock tank, but it was a little expensive (but is holding up really well).

[@z0mb13h0rd3]

I really like this idea, and I have a keg I pulled out of a family member’s shed when they bought a house. However, I had planned to turn it into a still… I will have to try to find another one now.

[@brianlombardi8390]

I was thinking of finding an old hot water heater and cut it down. Maybe not stainless, but they last for years with water in them for your house.

[@megadeuz6148]

That's a great idea for a cooling tank! I have a couple of those at my shop that I've bought from the local scrap yard and one was given to me years ago.

[@chriswaters926]

The tank of a large stainless shop vac . Discard the burned out motor and your done. It even has wheels to move around the shop, on a smooth floor that is.

[@BlackBearForge]

Great idea

[@markmoreno7295]

I have a small kick bucket that I bought when the hospital I worked at closed down due to competition. It is stainless and was used in surgery. However it is too small at less than 4 gallons. I like the beer keg better. Plus it saves me the trouble of welding a bottom on my 16 inch steel square tube which stands at 3 feet. It does have 1/4 inch walls though.

[@JohnHyland]

I spent forever trying to find a good slack tub, and finally found what I think is the holy grail: stock pots. You can get them in nice heavy duty aluminum or stainless steel, they're ready to use right out of the box, they've got handles, and you can get a 15-gallon pot delivered for less than a hundred bucks. I've been using one for about a year now in my shop, and it's basically perfect.

[@The_Smith]

That makes a nice slacktub!

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great fix for the shop John. We appreciate the information you share with us. That new cooling can will last a real long time. Stay safe and keep up the great videos and fun you have around there. OLD DAWG DREAMING Fred.

[@standaffern6595]

I have picked up several hot water tanks, So I have choices. Hot water tanks are glass lined to prevent rusting I believe, (at least the ones I’ve made wood stoves out of were) so I will cut off end with an abrasive cutoff wheel as cutting torch will not work and makes quite a mess of things. The owner of one of them claimed it was almost new but was upgraded to a larger tank and wasn’t leaking so may use this one as option. The other one I was planning on cutting the bottom out of and welding on three legs on top end and pipe plugs in the threaded holes,as most likely if it was leaking it would have been leaking from the bottom. Then I will be priming and painting were the welds were on the inside to prevent rust from starting at those points.

[@jamysmith7891]

Walmart has cheap 16qt stainless stockpots I use for oil, replace the glass lid with hinged metal easy enough 100gal trough catches rainwater, hot iron kills misquote larvae

[@brandonabbott9817]

I have an old bourbon barrel that only holds water to half way up because of the shrinking/warping you mentioned, but it works well enough even as that. However, I also keep a 'clean tank' of water I replace every time I smith. This is smaller, a ten gallon steel can from a farm store that I think was marketed as a feed pail, that is large enough to stick my head or boot in but small enough that I can lift and pour. If I've burned myself (blissfully rare for me thank the dwarves) I want mostly clean water to be used. During the summer I dump it out in the wood barrel to keep it's level up and stop more drying out. I also put a few drops of Dawn into the wooden barrel every so often. It really cuts down on the frogs and other critters who want to take up residence between emptying. I did forget to empty the clean tank one day this winter and now it's burst, so I've gone back to a stainless 4 gallon pail, but it works mostly the same.

[@Duckrabbit_Forging]

I have a 10 gallon bucket on casters so i can move it around. Works very well.

[@Bangalangs]

An excellently inventive way to make use of a non standard slack tank. If you do a video on oil quench tanks, I’d recommend asking logging companies for old log truck stakes. I’m currently using a length of one for my oil quench tank. Some logging companies are switching from steel stakes to aluminum, which are nice if you can find them used/damaged-but-useful. Another excellent video sir.

[@arthurdibbartistblacksmith6096]

I've been using a steel 50cal ammo box for years raised up to waist hieght. Works brilliantly.

[@20mcarroll02]

I use a 5 gallon corny keg(soda fountain keg) a friend owns a convenience store, and when they switched soda providers, they had 4 old kegs that were left behind so they gave them to me. I cut the top out of one and use it as a slack tub. The other 3 im using as pressurized fuel tanks for the waste oil/diesel forge burner ive been working on

[@OdegardOnline]

For my little setup in the garage, I got a galvanized bucket from Big R.

[@johnvradenburg192]

I used to get 5gal syrup kegs that were broke or damaged cheap when my dad worked for Pepsi nice thing was they had removable lids so i could close them up when not in use

[@RaymondWKing-dn8wf]

Interesting Idea John, probably works well for small items. I have a tendency to work on long flat straps, plowshares and the like. I have to have a Long Rectangular quinch tub, 40"L x 20"W x18"D. Typically made from a sheet of 18 Gage plate, I made one with 45 Degree Slopes on both ends, I'm not Shure how it will work, or if it will even hold water yet. doesn't have a 2x4 rim yet. It will Reust out and I will have to replace it. There Might be some spray on stuff to prevent steel and water contact. This is what my Granddad John A. Forrest used when I was young and He still had His Forge, it is probably copied after what my Grate Grandfather Will Forrest used. Melvin Doughty (Doughy Steel and Machine in Delta CO.) was buddies with my folks He to made one for the Pioneer Town Blacksmith Shop in Cedaredge.

[@alextopfer1068]

My current quench tank for blades is a 50l stainless garbage can. A bit flimsy and I did have to seal it with silicone

[@sirkai007]

I've been using my wife's old Tamale pot. It's aluminum so it's not going to rust but I have had to patch holes in it when something I've tossed in there poked a hole in it. That said, I might need to hit up one of the local bar or brewery

[@ironhead65]

Some great ideas for a new tub. Been trying to work that out for my portable shop. Didn’t think to find something in stainless!

[@stephenmcfadyen1385]

A traditional name for the quench is a "bosch", also a barrel with salt water is used as a quench.

[@howardrichburg2398]

I have a 5 gallon steel pot I found out in the national forest. If I had to it would cost around $30. I like the keg though. Melted a hole in a buddies plastic bucket just last week.

[@jackdawg4579]

Best thing I ever did was get an old stainless steel keg for my quench tank, water pretty much stays crystal clear. I give it a rinse out once every year or so to get rid of the scale which has fallen to the bottom which starts to rust and muck up the water a bit. 50 bucks second hand and commonly available here. I cut the top off mine completely about 3cm below the top skin and eased out the lip so the top could work as a lid, as mosquitos are an issue where I live.

[@mikepettengill2706]

Great resource idea John, thanks!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@homefireforge8123]

I like that. I use a stainless milk pail. It works pretty good

[@BlackBearForge]

Great tip!

[@blackgriffinxx]

I got a 1 gallon stainless steel bucket . For little things and short work it great. Any thing 3 pounds or more .I got 5 dips before i can make tea. Cold pack weighted to the bottom fix that a little. Thought about making one from sheet metal with screws and glue ( I got no welder).

[@douglasyoung927]

I like to use an oak whiskey barrel that I pulled out of a dumpster and cut in half. I keep the outside oiled regularly and I coated the inside with bentonite clay to seal it up. It works well and lives outside (under an open walled shed roof) all year round here in Utah. I've never had any issues with leaking. My biggest complaint is that it's extremely difficult to move without draining it.

[@AtholIronworks]

Great video. I'll have to keep an eye out for a Lan old beer keg. I've been using a stainless feed bucket from a local feed store for the last couple of years but definitely lack some of the advantages of your solution.

[@moreybandel5560]

That's a great idea! Now i'm looking for one!

[@gregtucker4927]

I use 1/2 whiskey barrels

[@honthirty_]

Best idea. Looks at home in any smithy.

[@jho43586]

my dude i saw ur sticker adorning mr torbjorn ahmans cabinet

[@DGPHolyHandgrenade]

Now that I'm thinking about it, you can also check your local homebrew club boards or things like fb marketplace or craigslist for 10 gallon pots or converted keggles from homebrewers. Many are converted kegs like this already done up but just may be fitted with a ball valve at the bottom (or may not) and you can usually find them again roughly $50-$80 sometimes cheaper, sometimes more expensive. Sometimes you can find good kegs to convert from homebrewers that went through the right channels but never got around to doing the keggle conversion. I've seen those go for as low as $25 just to get it out of their garage. Basically look for used homebrew equipment from people leaving the hobby or updating their gear. The used stuff can be had pretty cheap sometimes.

[@NickNameNick2]

I've been using a 20l stainless bucket from the local hardware store as my slack tub for about 1.5 years. It has rusted and pitted slightly where the scale piled up in the corners. I suspect your keg will be a different grade of stainless. It might be interesting to see how it holds up to having scale and rusty mild steel up against it.

[@DireWolfForge]

All good examples, John. I use a stainless milk jug with a lid that I got pretty cheap. Looking for another for oil quenching

[@PeteResseguieSnyder]

That's a brilliant idea! I've been using metal buckets from the big box stores and I've yet to find one that doesn't leak right away, requiring some silicone sealant spray or the like. In Upstate, NY we have a ton of local breweries. Going to ask around for sure!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thingmaker3]

Folk who live near a craft brewery can sometimes obtain kegs with damaged bung or spear. These are of no use to the brewery and may be had for scrap value or even for free. (Here in Oregon one can hardly throw a dirt clod without hitting a craft brewery.)

[@MrDukaman]

Wow bud great idea. I been using an old fuel cylinder for the past few years. But I like the stainless look. Thx again ...Paul 🇺🇸⚒🔥

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to help

[@jimtaylor1738]

Was looking for an old beer keg, but they were a little bigger than I wanted. Found an old propane tank that should work fine

[@bc2.by.design]

FYI - 5 gallon stainless steel soda kegs can also be used. They are as tall as 15.5 gallon kegs, but slimmer. Cheaper on the used market, too.Still have handles and foot ring.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for the tips!

[@fredfchopin]

If you're talking about the thing I'm thinking of, then this is called a cornelius keg or "corny keg" and homebrewers use them a lot. I was actually going to comment about this on the video as they're probably easier to find and will be a lot easier to move around as well as taking less space, but same stainless construction (or maybe aluminum) so it'll work just as well unless you need to quench something really big or that has an awkward shape that won't fit through the opening like a big scroll or something. Most corny kegs will have a large latched cover on top too, so you can keep it closed to avoid spills when you aren't using it and it'll open wide enough to fit most types of things you'd need to quench. Now that I think about it, a corny keg would make a decent oil quench tank as well. I might have to get one for that purpose.

[@larryking606]

John , I forgot to add , about 8 years ago, I was bending some 1/2 inch round stock for a project and my grip loosened and it Went around and (Stuck) in my armpit, well I was very thankful that I had a 5 gallon bucket ,again not the best, but it kinda helped to quench my burning a little, but I was still Thankful ! Take Care and Be Safe

[@BlackBearForge]

Ouch

[@larryking606]

@@BlackBearForge Yes Sir

[@MrGiXxEr]

I love using a keg for this.

[@ffjsb]

If you need to move a heavier slack tub, just get a cheap Harbor Freight furniture dolly of appropriate size to set it on, and fasten a piece of cement board on top to protect against hot metal, sparks, slag, etc. Screwing it on makes it replaceable, and protects the wood dolly underneath. I use cement board to protect things from any kind of hot work I'm doing, it's cheap and effective, and I can replace it easily if it gets too beat up.

[@grandadz_forge]

Been wanting to try 2ft X 2ft round galvanized watering trough from tractor supply. Anybody try that?

[@BlackBearForge]

I think they would be a very good option.

[@Elessar_25]

Super helpful little video! I really like this video, something a little different to normal but still blacksmith adjacent, I really liked this video! :) That being said i thoroughly enjoy all of your videos. Thank you once again John for another great video! Much love from Australia!

[@ericwhitmire4610]

Great idea! I found one on Facebook for 10 bucks

[@BlackBearForge]

Nice!

[@Vikingwerk]

I kept burning holes in the plastic buckets by chucking hot items into them. 😂 I currently use a galvanized steel wash tub i got at Tractor Supply, but if you go that route, you gotta keep an eye out, because they sell two kinds, one is a feed tub, and is usually cheeper, and not water tight, the seams are not soldered. The soldered one is what you gotta have. Bigger than a plastic bucket, still Kinda small though. I also got some steel 5-gallon buckets from Murdochs, they run about $12 and do alright, but as they are small, I mainly use them for ash buckets and vermiculite buckets. Almost as important as the bucket itself is some kind of cover to put on it when you are done for the day, so you don’t come back to floating dead mice, which are nasty. It seems like open buckets of water are the perfect mouse bait in my part of the world, so I keep a cover on my tub when I’m out of the shop.

[@richardiancarpenter534]

I lucked out. A friend of mine manages a bar and had a half keg that was abandoned - the microbrewery went out of business. Because it was stamped with the brewery’s name, distributors wouldn’t take it. He sold it to me for $30 to recoup his deposit.

[@BlackWolf18C]

If all you have available is plastic, like a bucket, look into something made of stainless steel to line it or at least protect the bottom. I use a dog water dish that had a flat bottom and nearly vertical sides. Cut off the rolled rim and drop it down into the bottom of the bucket before filling with water. You might also be lucky enough to find a soup or stock pot at a yard sale that you can get cheap. It doesn't matter if the lid is missing or a handle is snapped off! There's also the Japanese method, in which you make a U shape with three wooden boards and seal the seams with beeswax and pine pitch. One of those, made from some heavy sawmill boards, will last generations with minimal maintenance.

[@HisWayHomestead]

You could put a plastic 5 gallon bucket in a metal barrel, so that when the bucket leaks the barrel catches the water

[@manfoodchannel]

I almost cried lol but then I can my forge is a keg I love kegs are the best I would love to see you use the top cut out part I use it for egg flipper off of my keg builds

[@garychaiken808]

Thank you

[@HisWayHomestead]

Great information John!!!

[@blackhammerartisan]

good stuff.

[@raydall3734]

GREAT IDEA!

[@threeriversforge1997]

Definitely jealous! I've been looking for a used keg for ages, but everyone wants a small fortune for the things. I've used a plastic bucket for ages, and lucked out when I found one made from seriously heavy plastic that still shows no sign of being brittle. It holds something like 10 gallons and has served me well, so I can't complain. The only thing I don't like is that it just doesn't look very industrial or smithy-like. One of these days, I'll find a stainless tank I can swap out.

[@armadilloforge]

Plasma cut the top of mine. Use a brass ball valve to drain it. Stick a piece of hose on that, and you never have to move a full slack tub.

[@BlackBearForge]

How was the ball valve installed in the thin tank wall?

[@armadilloforge]

@@BlackBearForge Weld a nipple on the tank and then attach the ball valve. I emailed you a couple pics to make it clear.

[@Jim55324]

A empty 100lb propane cylinder is around $165 at most hardware stores.