DIY Compost Tumbler | PART 2 - Making The Compost Barrel

[@Jarom.M]

That sheet of paper trick for a right angle that curved was clever!

[@Thimlich]

Excellent video! I wish I could be this organized!😎

[@annanelson6830]

Thanks for showing the process when the rivets did’t work. It is very helpful to see your learning curve.

[@GreenTechTown]

No problem!

[@lancer525]

@@GreenTechTown That's why they make backup plates (look like little tiny washers) for these rivets.

[@harrys.3165]

​@GreenTechTown just a tip for when you pop rivet.Get some washers that snuggly fit on your pop rivet and place them on the inside of your plastic over the end of your pop rivets.That way when you squeeze your pop rivets ,it will squeeze the washer against the plastic and you will have a rivet that won't come off.This can be used in many different situations. Kind regards and nice work !

[@edelweissrime2508]

Thank you so much. My dad isn't in the picture to help teach me these things, and I want to start a garden for my boyfriend and I. Learning how to make this through your channel has been nice.

[@GreenTechTown]

Hey Edelweiss Rime. Thanks for sharing, and glad to be able to help in a small way. You got this!

[@heavymetalandthongs]

Man what a great video. Simple and not a bunch of BS talking about stuff that doesn't apply to the project. Nailed it!

[@Backyard.Grill.N.Garden]

Great job on showing your detail and also a precise list of the items used and where to buy them. Thanks !👍🏼

[@zen777zen777]

Consistently, you’re creating some of the best instructional videos out there. Period. Love this particular project and how you show us how to be flexible, creative & work around the problems that inevitably creep in. Really great work Robert!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Travis for the feedback. Much appreciated!

[@gardenjohn1]

@@GreenTechTown Love all your videos!

[@kevincondo3994]

Thank you for this video. My wife and I are expanding our garden this spring and this compost will be perfect for that.

[@Jack-Surreal_Panes]

I like the pvc inside. Had an idea about tumbler frame. I saw a cool bench press rack for free, well more of a squat rack. All I did was use a pipe I had and put thru the middle. Did add 2x12s to each end to act like a weight support and bearing to barrel ends. No door latches but did use 2 old gate hinges and used 2 ratchet type straps to hold door in place. Your reinforcing the opening was a good idea.

[@funsizedi88]

New subscriber, loving the way you explain things. Family of tradesman here, Electrician myself, so watching/listening to your instructions makes me warm and fuzzy. Loving the ideas and simplicity to make amazing things. This is becoming a lost art, so thanks for keeping it alive.

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome, welcome aboard, and thanks for the support :D

[@Grimmbelina]

Beautiful work, really like how your OCD kicked in because that's how I would want to craft it. Very well done.

[@kalindatchev994]

Man, this is a master's piece of work, bravo! What I do instead is dump some compost-to-be on the ground and kick at it every couple of weeks.

[@glenwardgross366]

GTT Great Video. Well spoken. To the point. No bla bla bla. Since you are helping ppl out then let me help you out and others that read this comment. If you can find skateboards at Yard Sales/Good Well/Thrift Stores etc. You got your wheels to rotate the barrel. The PVC you used for your paddles is Cell Core which is expensive and over kill for your project. Most all home improvement stores are going to have Stacker. Stackers are the 2x4 etc. that allows the forklift blades to get underneath the wod bunks to transport them. I know at Lowes stacker are free. There are also stackers that are like 1 x 1-1/2, Just ask for them. I use the 2x4 stackers as my paddles. BTW stacker are pressure traded so they will last a while. Use a hot knife to cut the door at a 45 degree angle toward the center of the barrel. The cut is only going to be as thick as the blade and since it is a 45 degrees the door will not fall in to the barrel because the 45 degree angles will touch. Don't worry about how many days to turn the barrel. Your setup means you have to walk by it everyday. Grab the barrels notich at 12:00 and move it to the 9:00 position. Now you are petting your compost barrel like a pet. He He I hope this helps you all. Blessing Sean Dalton Osborne

[@666Restingplacefuergo]

My guy went hard on this build. Great job fam.

[@webb-cast1030]

Great video! A few tips to make this build faster and WAY less expensive. First off, ditch the expensive stainless hardware. The whole project can be put together with 2 different length aluminum pop-rivets and washers. The toggle clamps included, just rivet from the inside. The other thing is temporarily rivet the latches and hinge before cutting out the door. One rivet in each corner will hold everything in place while you drill the rest of the holes. It just takes a few seconds to drill out each temporary rivet. The door has to line up if done this way.

[@brentfrank5491]

This design looks amazing. Putting this on my very long list of “To Do”

[@LY43537]

You are so detail oriented. I love it.

[@ckmbyrnes]

Excellent design! I especially like the use of the rivets and your simple, but totally man response "I wanted to experiment using one". Never let a good project than can net new tools go to waste. This is also a good design for a bokashi soil factory.

[@zedwpd]

Perfect. Exactly what I am looking for.

[@Kavack]

So ridiculously over engineered. Simply beautiful. You can’t buy one this nice.

[@mr.skipper4544]

This is an awesome compost design, you did a great job in building it, thanks for sharing

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for the feedback Mr. Skipper!

[@jamesmoore1743]

Just came across your channel! I will be showing support

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for the support!

[@UncleKrusty68]

FYI - Use a washer with your pop-rivets to make them more secure. They are less likely to pull through.

[@jimyoung9262]

Good tip. I was thinking the same thing.

[@chrisjones6002]

If you get the large head rivets and can put the head on the plastic side it should work without washers.

[@kcjarembek]

Never use aluminum anything to use in gardening, its very toxic

[@bradlafferty]

You film your videos in such as way so to let us visual learners understand what you’re doing. Thank you for your professional videos!

[@shotybumbati]

Oh woah, using fixed castor wheels is a great idea for the rotating drum! omg i need to do this, I've just made a big pile off to the side of my yard this whole time-

[@buildinginjamaica-missionv3365]

Great instructions and inspiration! My wife wants to start gardening and I would love to build this for her! Thanks for the thorough and to the point video.

[@smuggafree]

You are quite talented. Great handy man for your family.

[@honestly8015]

You, sir, are a genius! I've subscribed to your channel if for no other reason than to watch a genius at work -- well, and to inspire my dear partner to complete projects for me.

[@peterkizer6163]

Love your craftsmanship!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks! :D

[@cleman15]

Adding a solar powered motor would be the cherry on top, great video!

[@GreenTechTown]

Great idea!

[@eightrfarinas8450]

That would be awesome

[@Yamswiggin]

Great video and SO GLAD you include some mistakes :D I love the simplicity.

[@wyldeman]

Best tumbler for compost I think.... this way you can take it down and clean it between mixes...10☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

[@angforeman5181]

I’m really enjoying your videos. Fantastic tutorials and attention to quality and detail! Thank you so much for sharing your skill and knowledge.

[@aaronwu4280]

good craftmanship!

[@tonnehead777]

Very smart idea! Really good step by step guide.

[@bc-guy852]

Dude, I've seen quite a few videos with designs and DIY but yours is best by far! I've subscribed, liked and notifications are on; now I'm headed to part 1 - the stand! I like your philosophy 'try it' and it takes a big Man to admit what didn't work out and the oversights like position of the castors. And I really liked your attention to detail - usually background music is annoying but you've got this dialled!

[@barrystraughan]

You are an amazing teacher! Well done from a retired teacher who taught for 30 years .

[@JohnDoe-ff2fc]

I'm glad that you included mistakes and how to make corrections. Hreat project.

[@bryanmoir]

Great ideas and approaches! Your perspective on all aspects is welcome, including composting tips!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Bryan!

[@gemini70seenager97]

Absolutely one of the best videos. Great instructions and materials list. Thank you! Not sure how to send a picture...

[@stephensarkany3577]

Is best to use backup washers when using pop rivets in soft materials.

[@raymondparr2775]

Fantastic video, Robert. Just what I needed.

[@michellehamilton3147]

Great video. Well planned and produced. Looking forward to doing this project!

[@pointblank1978]

When cutting the door, make the hinge cut first and mount the piano hinge on it. Then cut the top and mount the latches. Then cut the sides. This will prevent any misalignment. Also the rivets have washers that are sold separately. Great project. Thanks for sharing.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for the tips!

[@greeneileen]

Really well done. Thank you for sharing. Now all you need is a frame of mesh for the top of your wheelbarrow to screen out any composted material that's bigger than you want.

[@juiced6794]

Great job! I like the attention to detail!

[@flatsville1]

Nice build. Excellent narration. Good crying.

[@Darkmatter321]

Well that was the best video I've seen on this subject

[@albertbell7120]

Brilliant video and perfect build … here in U.K. we just have lids that push on will need to search for the screw fit type you used 🇬🇧

[@fionajordan6565]

Wow that's a great video composting is great for the garden . am building one right now 😀 keep on gardening

[@jeffschroeder4805]

Adding back-up washers to those pop-rivets that don't already have metal backing would help prevent them from pulling through the relatively soft plastic. Good video for a good project!

[@kpspryantha7784]

Tank im srilanka

[@Photologistic]

Their still really weak though.

[@yelnatsch517]

How about a thin sheet of metal strip around the the whole door?

[@Sam-qr9wu]

Fantastic build video! Thanks for posting.

[@patrickdriscoll9962]

I made this one with some changes from other videos. However thankfully I DID NOT put half inch holes all over for aeration, as some videos recommend, but instead put 8" dia .holes at each end like in this video with aluminum screening over them sealed at any gaps with construction adhesive. These barrels can become a housefly breeding mecca, and half inch holes would allow uninterrupted travel.

[@joetate8526]

Well built ! One of the best I've seen so far . Great info ! Thanks

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Joe Tate!

[@jgfitzpatrick]

That's awesome! Great work, dude!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Jason!

[@TimothyPKoon]

Like your design, well done

[@stephensarkany3577]

Since it needs some watering, you could add a water probe through the screened hole with a ball valve, or even just a funnel to pour into.

[@sks7g407]

Great Job, thx from Germany, Friesland ❤

[@christopherearls921]

Excellent video for those looking to build their own.. 👍

[@eqbviewllc7111]

should do a follow up video on things you like/don't like about that design and show us some compost from the project! well done sir ~

[@paulhicks6060]

This was an awesome video, the commentary was clear and easy to understand. Good work, thank you very much

[@niveknospmoht8743]

Nice little project

[@collietree1945]

Genius. Nice design

[@bobhirt1100]

You can also add a washer on the back side of the pop rivet. It'll give it a lot more to hold onto

[@dianegao9176]

Great video. I love the way you explained the steps of the project. It’s a smart idea to measure the curve with a paper and putting the wheel barrel under the compost barrel. Liked and subscribed. Thank you.

[@mybrotherskeeper111]

Great job! I’ll definitely be building myself one. Keep up the great work.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks, and awesome to hear!

[@timmoore9736]

That appears to be a far more effective compost barrel than one can buy; and your video was very well organized and done. If you are not a teacher, you appear to have the skills necessary!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Tim!

[@speedsterh]

Exactly my thoughts. I wonder how much this one would retail for if sold. Also maybe robert could think of adding a sieve to separate the good compost from the wood debris that should stay in the composter

[@l.annettegriggs9991]

I would love to see a video of your composting with your new system!

[@jimbanton3820]

Excellent work..👍way better than store bought..

[@joelzammy7967]

Well thought, designed and executed. The composter looks great!

[@allantemkin6026]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge; we love your Chanel. God bless you😃

[@loghomebuilder407]

Thanks for a great video! I particularly liked how you provided links to all of your material/tool sources.

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Outstanding. Straight to the point and very doable.

[@TobiasJStrand]

Cut the line for the hingeside. Mount the hinge. The inside is accessible through the lid so you can place washers on the inside. Once the lid is in place you cut the rest. Perfect alignment.

[@mongolloyd5236]

Awesome video, you have a touch for quality content. Great craftsmanship, clear instructions, great editing, well articulated, and thoroughly enjoyable. You get a sub from me, keep it up sir!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for the feedback Anthony. Welcome aboard!

[@dennisjones2763]

Great Project, and really good video!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Dennis!

[@JorgeMacedo1965]

I learned a new thing today. Thank you.

[@racebiketuner]

Nice tumbler! If you do your homework, you will learn the oxygen introduced by tumbling is consumed in about 30 minutes. Therefore turning every 2-3 days is not enough. I recommend once per day as a minimum. I do composting on a much larger scale, but have three tumblers for filling in any gaps in production. With tight control on all parameters, I can finish a batch in five weeks when I turn them twice per day.

[@deborahgrantham7387]

Thank you, I have a rotating tumbler and was unable to find any info regarding how often to turn it. 👍

[@raczyk]

Any way to automate the tumbling process..

[@ruinunes8251]

Do you use the compost only for plants or also for growing vegetables?

[@cameronwatson5863]

Vary well done!

[@novanetom9833]

Thank you I did it with a washer or dryer tub only hard part was the mixing I put window screen over parts had holds placed plastic over the top next time will use heavy duty wheels on it like your best black gold

[@novanetom9833]

Will use the cement mixer to mix the next time the first tub only had a large hole in the bottom some have holes on the side this is were you put the screen to keep bugs out used a fabric Marsh on the top of the soil placed plastic over the whole thing over that with a board sit in the sun to cook once a week stirring if water is needed will dampen I had black gold

[@jodiebasye9798]

Great video! Very easy to understand directions. You could use Vice grips instead of clamp to hold the PVC when cutting it. This would give you a lower profile. Again very good video.

[@GreenTechTown]

Great tip!

[@michaelclairforet5031]

Impressive great graphics, and audio

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks!

[@juliegogola4647]

I just bought a commercial compost tumbler to replace my broken one, I am still putting it together, but, I REALLY wish that I could buy one like the one you've made here. I have a Mantis compost tumbler that is in use now, and I do like it, but, yours seems like it is easier to turn and has bigger "flipper" things maybe "baffles?" to help turn the compost good. I had many years ago, made a REALLY "hillbilly" version of what you've made here, but, if I could make the base like you've made here, with the wheels, I could even use mine again. You could possibly make these and charge money for them. You seem to be a perfectionist, so, I bet they'd work really great. It seems effortless to turn the one you made. And, even my Mantis takes some effort to turn, and it's not even full now. I hope the new one I bought is even partly as easy to turn as yours seems to be.

[@BigHeinen]

Nice build sir! Thanks!

[@SemourKlitz]

Maybe I should make a video of my ELEVATED PLANTER BOX. So far so good with the construction aspect, although it's very time consuming. I thoroughly enjoyed this video and hope I can score one of those plastic barrels so I can make one of these well crafted, thoughtfully designed TUMBLERS. I also liked how you threw up PARTS LISTS throughout this presentation - the mark of a true professional.

[@1973sophia]

Wow awesome barrel! i dont know if i can do what you did with this diy but it is just amazing to watch you do a very efficient , high quality barrel for composting! Wish i have your carpentry skills🙏 God bless. MAy you have more subscribers.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks D D for the feedback! And I am sure you can do more than you think :)

[@keithnordell5603]

Great video Robert! I will share it with my wife to get her onboard with the all the wonderful new tools I get to buy to complete the project. Our water here doesn’t care if my aeration holes are level or symmetrical, so I’ll save a few minutes and jab 1/4” holes with reckless abandon, and no where near my castor wheels. I’ll also build two so one can finish cooking off while the other is getting loaded with daily kitchen scraps. thanks!

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

My compost pile used to be just dried leaves and kitchen scraps (fruit rinds mostly). It did OK. But once lawn-mowing season started I added grass clippings and WHOA did my compost really start cooking! It turns out the carbon rich material needed nitrogen rich grass. Good luck!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for sharing the great tip!

[@andreroy8141]

It's likely the moisture in the Grass that makes the difference. The Bacteria needs the moisture to break down the waste and to grow. That's if you're not spraying it once a week.

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

@@andreroy8141 absolutely correct. The damp grass is just the right amount of moisture.

[@gargoylekingGWO]

This is pretty cool keep up the great work 👍

[@jacquesdutron9954]

Thx a lot bud, I really liked the way you reinforced the opening. I've seen many of them without it and it really becomes ugly

[@rdronet5254]

They make stainless steel pop rivets and poop rivet washers. And extended nose piece for the pop rivet gun. Items that are not going to have a lot of stress or vibration pop rivets are an excellent choice for fastening. A thin piece of sheet metal will form to the outside of barrel and give firm edge to draw lines. Great job just a few suggestions.

[@jbreezy3146]

Awesome videos man very detailed I'm going to take on this project. I would say that at the lid where the screen goes I would've made a sandwiched square and use screws with nuts at the end, this way down the road when the screen needs service you can unscrew and replace the screen rather than breaking away the rivets.

[@GreenTechTown]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@Rizzob420]

Dude, this is amazing.

[@fulachan2]

Excellent work. Small idea for improvement. At 12 minutes 56 seconds, we could fit a roller that rests on the lid and the underside of the plastic bowl to make the movement even smoother when the bowl is rotated.

[@formation1now517]

Very nice video! Clear instructions! Thanks!

[@Thomas-ym5cm]

Wow, awesome job man. I’m getting into farming now, and I’ll be sure to put this project on the list. Blessings

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome!

[@SinSpawn9000]

Another option to help from the barrel wandering off is to move the wheels just a bit further out and attach them using a wedge to angle them inward a few degrees.

[@hyacinthABC]

You're a genius - every detail of construction has been thought of (I love the self correction you included) and is described so clearly even a novice could follow step-by-step and have success. Now I have a new tool for Hubs to buy me for Christmas - a pop riveter! (I'm the handyperson in the family). When you added holes for drainage can that liquid be used for compost tea? if so, think of adding a mechanism to collect it easily.

[@GreenTechTown]

I have read here and there that it can be used for compost tea, so definitely a great idea!

[@dg6246]

Smashed that jazz.

[@juliahelland6488]

Great tutorial! Thanks for sharing!💯

[@dsbennett]

Excellent instruction! Thanks.