I'm glad you asked, finster! I'm putting the final touches on the video, which should be posted on UA-cam in the next two weeks. The 12 minute video shows how to build it, and how it operates. While the Shaker Table itself is not complicated, the shooting, editing and production of the entire tutorial package has been time consuming. I also want everyone, including beginners, to be able to build the shaker table, even if they aren't seasoned DIYers. So, I've also put together a 33 page PDF tutorial guide. It includes a parts list, required tools list, measurements and specifications, steps to build the table, a cut list and lumber cutting diagrams. In addition, it has an hour of detailed video, showing how each step is completed. This comprehensive plan and video package will be available for purchase.
First of all, best design and instructions I've seen by a mile! Search over! This is the way I am going to do it! Thank you for such a great guide! I was thinking, instead of a sharpie shoved in a tube to mark the ABS, couldn't you instead drill the axle holes with a 1/8 drill bit first, send a string through, wrap it around the ABS, then out the other side (also with a 1/8 whole) and pull the string taught. Wouldn't this find center around the whole pipe a bit more accurately? I realize that I'm a person who will always do 10 extra steps for precision, so maybe this method would be a little overkill...
Thank you Wallis Family! As they fill up and get heavier, they will become even more stable! If you make one, I'd love to see a photo. You can now post images along with questions, comments, tips, suggestions, etc., on the article page at uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/
I really love this idea. I would probably raise mine up alittle higher to allow for better compost pour. From when you first made this video to today the barrel cost has sky rocketed
A number of people have made theirs taller too. You'll just need to modify some of the cutting angles I recommend in the free plans. As far as the barrel, I suggest trying to find a used one that contained a food product or is food safe. Barrels that had chemicals in them will never be trustworthy for compost. I found a company local to Colorado called ContainerReclaimer.com, and you might have a similar company near you. Thanks for watching, Diana 👍
@@UnchartedDIY that was so kind of you to reply and with such great advice. I keep thinking product pricing will top out especially with people being more resourceful and repurposing. It just Keeps going up lol.
I found that very similar to an old butter churn my family had when I was a kid. it was a similar frame with a wooden barrow, had an L-shaped handle on it for rocking back and forth we use to make a lot of butter with it
Adam, I got mine used from a place called Container Reclaimer that specializes in shipping barrels and IBC totes. They called it a 55 gallon poly barrel with a screw top lid. They currently don't show this type on their site. Mine had contained hog casings. Home depot carries a similar one, like this: www.homedepot.com/p/55-Gal-Grey-Rain-Barrel-GRO/312699750 I think I paid $40 for mine, so buying used can save a lot of money, but make sure it's food grade. Hope that helps!
Loved your project design the best thank you it was very enjoyable to watch cant wait to show my hubby so he can build me one 😊 keep up the great work with the DIY products.
Thanks Neva! Make sure to download the free PDF plans/parts list since it shows every step in detail. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. Thanks for watching!
Lots of great layout and build methods, explained and demonstrated very well. I look forward to more of your posts. Liked and subscribed, with pleasure.
Good stuff, and I like the various construction tips/methods you provide along the way. Definitely a step above the standard DIY stuff. Gives me ideas.... (BTW, without too much effort, your voice could sound like Red Green's. That'd be a plus :) )
Thank you timffoster! If you didn't know, there's a free 16 page PDF detailing the steps and a visual parts list here: uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/ I'll have to practice my voice impression skills!
Thanks Basher. It sounds more complicated than it actually is. The PDF walks you through each step, so it's a series of small steps. I'll be happy to answer any questions if you decide to try it!
Buen dia.A pesar que no entiendo su idioma,y ayer llegaron de New Jersey dos hijos que viven en ese estado,debo decirle que entendi,como hacer la compostera.La mejor que vi hasta el momento.Un abrazo
Buen dia a ti tambien, Roberto. Estoy tan feliz de que hayas entendido el video a pesar de que no estaba en tu idioma. ¡Gracias por el comentario y por el abrazo! English: Good morning to you too, Roberto. I'm so happy you understood the video even though it wasn't in your language. Thanks for the comment and for the hug!
Hi, really nice video. I like it over alot of the other videos, so kudo's! question: If you have 1 of these. And you keep adding compost over the weeks. How do you eventually harvest (as there might be still uncomposted stuff in there?) Or do you work with 2 of these? Thanks
Curious if over time you've had any issues with the holes around the pipe enlarging. I've been wondering about bolting some large washers to the barrel to reinforce the holes.
Thanks Karthikeyan! In Colorado we usually spend a week or more where the temps never get above freezing and dip well below zero at night. It doesn't seem to have any effect on the barrel or the compost. I suspect the breakdown of the compost stops during this period, but it seems to pick right up when the temps come up again. If it needed to be insulated, a water heater jacket comes to mind, covered with a contractor trash bag since the jackets are not for outdoor use. If you know of a reason it should be insulated, please let me know so I can insulate mine and maybe do a follow-up video.
I just checked a great book we have, called "Let it Rot - The Gardener's Guide to Composting" by Stu Campbell, and it appears that the bacteria continue to work and multiply in cold weather, they just slow down their replication. Here's my affiliate link to the book on Amazon, but you can probably find it just about anywhere: amzn.to/2PW01ZT
Thanks for the video and the great instructions that you've provided for us all. I do have one question, if you don't mind. Do you experience compost collecting inside the tube, after gluing the end cap onto the internal aerator tube ? Thanks in Advance
Thanks for a great question Steven. Over the 9 months or so that it's been in use, nothing has gotten inside the tube. If it did start to accumulate, it would be easy to remove the bottom screen and rotate the barrel so it falls out. If you'd like, instead of gluing the cap, you could use sheet metal screws, but it would be a good idea to drill pilot holes to reduce any chance of splitting.
@@UnchartedDIY Thanks for the quick reply. Like minds think alike..:) I say that because putting 2 stainless sheet metal screws to hold mine in place is exactly what I was planning on doing. LOL
Thanks for sharing this & putting together the video, very nice. I regard to the air shaft, won't aeration occur every time you rotate the barrel (probably daily for me as I add that day's waste) thus negating the need to introduce air?
Great question Mike! I agree there would probably be enough air from the turning, but many of us don't turn every day. It also provides free flow of air which breaks down the waste faster and dissipates the intense heat that can build up in the interior of the compost.
Great video and invention. I am wondering about the air shaft. Do you expect to get compostable materials into the airshaft and get clogged? How often will you need to unclog the system?
Thanks Eduardo! So far nothing has gotten in there at all. If it did, it think it would dry out quickly since it would be completely exposed to air. If it did become an issue, removing the screen on the bottom of the air shaft would only take a couple of minutes. Thanks for asking a great question!
In your pdf directions the first thing you say is to cut down the legs to 42 inches with a 60 degree cut on one end so they sit flat. I adjusted my miter saw to 60 degrees and cut all my legs and it was way off. I then realized you meant 60 degrees from the end of the board, which actually equals 30 degrees long ways, which I feel is the intuitive way to cut the board. Not sure if this make since, but that part is very confusing. Take your miter saw, set it to 60 degeees, lay the board in long ways and make the cut and you’ll see what I mean.
Thank you for your feedback Anthony. I see where this IS confusing and I'm sorry it caused incorrect cuts! I have revised the PDF to make this clearer, and I really appreciate you pointing this out to me! I would love to see photos of your tumbler when you are done if you wouldn't mind sharing them. UA-cam doesn't allow images in comments, but you can post them in the comments on the article page here: uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/ Thanks again!
Ok, at 12:19 those threaded couplers. WHAT are those called and where in a home improvement store would you find those? I tried explaining what I wanted to a sales guy and he had no clue what I was talking about. I couldn't find anything similar. Can you go into some detail what exactly those are? You mentioned cutting them in half? I could not find anything about this in your video other than installing them. Little help.
Thanks for asking, art. Those threaded couplers are located with pvc piping and fittings. There's a free pdf on my site at: uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/ that has all the parts with their names and specifications along with step by step instructions. You can use the PDF as a shopping list. Let me know if you have other questions, and have fun building!
The compost can reach temps of around 120F to 160F (49C to 71C), and it can take from 3 to 6 months. The time frame is dependent on what the materials are, the balance between green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials, amount of moisture, and frequency of turning the tumbler. Ours seems to be closer to the 3 month time frame in the summer, and closer to 5 months in the winter. As for insulation, I do think it would speed things up and keep the temperatures more consistent. Higher and more consistent temps helps break down the organic material faster. However, it is important to not block any of the air holes and vents, since the microbes need oxygen to do their work. I'd love to hear how you insulate and what kind of results you see. Thanks for watching, and happy composting!
I had a compost tumbler that spun on the other axis. That one, in time, got quite heavy to tumble. My wife couldn’t move it.. this one looks like it would hold considerably more volume, and might be tougher to get started... on the other hand, it seems like it would have better leverage to get it going.. any notes on ease of tumbling years into running it?
That's a great question! I've found that it's hardest to turn as it fills near the half way point. Even then, it's pretty easy to turn, as I demonstrated for a sceptical commenter in this super short video: ua-cam.com/video/HMKYjkRxVKU/v-deo.html You are correct that it has better leverage compared to a horizontal layout. Once past the half way point, it actually gets easier even though it weighs more.
All my PDFs should have print permissions. I've had hundreds of people download them with no issue, but maybe the PDF got corrupted somehow. I'll investigate, but thanks for letting me know. Sorry!
It did have a password lock somehow, but I've re-uploaded a fresh PDF that doesn't ask for print permissions. Sorry for the hassle, but thanks again for bringing it to my attention. Have fun with the build!
You could for sure make it taller. The angle of the cut for the feet would change, but it's not too hard to figure it out. One a area to keep in mind though, is that the taller it gets, the less leverage you'll have to turn the barrel. That's not a big problem when there's not much in the barrel, but as it fills up, the weight can make it difficult to turn.
Great question intuaidumela. You can buy the barrels new from Home Depot. They run about $100 and need to be ordered, since they don't carry them in stock (around here anyway). For my barrel, I found a local company that carries food grade 55 gallon drums and barrels. They have been used once, then cleaned for sale. I paid $40 for the barrel. Including the barrel, my compost tumbler cost just under $100 to make. There is a free step by step PDF guide here: uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/ It includes a parts list with specifications and pictures so you can take it to the hardware store and use it as a shopping list. I'm happy to answer any questions you have, either here, or you can comment and post pictures on the article page linked above. I'd love to see yours if you build one!
I live in Eastern North Carolina and I was wondering about the number of air holes for this humid climate. Where do you live and what is the humidity there?
That's a great question, Janet. The barrel for mine is based on a design that's been in use for a long time, and all over the world. It's low humidity in my part of Colorado, but I don't think more air holes are needed for a humid environment. I don't know how more could be added without causing the liquids to spill out when turning the barrel. Instead, for high humidity, turning the barrel more frequently, maybe every day, would be a good idea.
Great question, wegtennis. I am not an expert on composting, but my understanding is that the microbes that break down the compost materials require oxygen to live. They can't thrive in an anaerobic environment. While the central shaft does provide air, I don't think it would allow for much air circulation by itself, potentially slowing down the process. The idea of gross liquids coming out of the side vents and flinging onto the person turning the barrel was rather unappealing (understatement), and most of the designs I saw had simple cut outs that might allow this yucky scenario. That's why I added screens and the PVC connectors, so the inner part of the PVC connection creates a short tunnel. I have not had any leakage out of the side vents yet.
If you can stand one more question, any particular reason why you drill 1& 1/4 holes in the A frame and barrel to accommodate a 3/4 pipe? Why not 1 inch or even 7/8?
That's another great question. My original plan was to make the holes large enough that if needed, I could slip a PVC sleeve over the shaft in case the barrel was difficult to turn as the barrel was filling up. The idea was that it would act as a kind of bearing. As it turns out, it turns quite easily without a sleeve - even with the barrel full - so there is no real reason the hole couldn't be smaller. It does need to be loose, but a 1 inch hole would provide plenty of clearance. I love all the questions, so keep asking 👍 It's great to get feedback like this to improve the design!
Hi Anoop, here's a link to the store page where you can download the PDF for free. uncharteddiy.com/store/ It's at the bottom of the page. If you don't receive a link in your email, make sure to check spam. Thanks for watching!
@@anoopkaurcheema4211 Yay! I'd love to see pictures of your tumbler if you'd like to post them in the comments at uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/ Have fun building it!
If you download the free Plans & Tutorial, it covers each step in words and photos. I think you'd have no problem if you follow the steps, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have along the way. Just allow yourself plenty of time to do this project, and hopefully you will enjoy building it AND using it! A word of warning though...you might find DIY and woodworking addicting 😁
Wonder why you couldn’t just screw small holes all around the bin rather than use the pipe/screen contraption? We have a brute trash can that we use currently and it has dime sized holes all around it and we have to roll it on the ground to mix it. We never have any compost pour out of them and if it does it’s negligible.
Hey B, thanks for the great question! The screening isn't actually there to keep the compost in, but instead to keep other things out. It prevents flies, mosquitoes, mice, rats, etc from getting into the compost. However, the screens are not essential to making compost, so if your roller bin is working well for you, I wouldn't worry about it.
@@UnchartedDIY When the fill point is at the 1/2 way point is when it becomes impossible to tumble. It must go beyond 1/2 way then stand back when you actually get it to tumble. Like I asked... show me something that no one else has and teach me physics. AkA. It is a bad design IMHO.
@@UnchartedDIY Fortunately not all of us has a butt big enough to counter-balance a 400 lb. barrel of horse dung. While this design might work well for you, there is a reason why we don't build compost tumblers like this. Oh, and please supply a video of you actually operating this tumbler for my edification. Thank you.
Steven, here's the video you requested, showing the tumbler being operated. Let me know if it answers your questions. ua-cam.com/video/HMKYjkRxVKU/v-deo.html
Thanks, Erwin. It does need that central pipe because without it, it would only have the 4 small holes at the top of the barrel. Even with regular turning, the airflow would be quite limited. It might still work, but it would probably take much longer.
Those are 3/4 inch pvc couplers (cut in half to act as nuts) and 3/4 inch reducer bushings that act as vents. You can download FREE detailed PDF plans that include all the details and parts lists, at uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/ Did I mention the plans are completely FREE? 👍
Hiya, if you were to make the stand a little higher so you can tip the compost straight into your wheelbarrow, would you need to reinforce the feet of the frame for stability? I have no experience in carpentry or anything like that, so please don’t be too hard on me 😅😅 have tried to make a compost tumbler laying horizontally with trolley wheels to turn it, but found it too complicated and too many steps. Wasted a lot of product too, & I like how simple this one is. Thanks!
Don't worry about asking a great question - I'm happy to help! It should be no problem if you add length to the legs, while keeping the same basic geometry of the angles. I should point out that because of the angle of the legs, adding length to the legs doesn't correspond one-to-one with the height of the barrel. For example, raising the barrel up 5 inches would require making the legs roughly 5.8 inches longer. I hope that makes sense. If you are going to go over about 6 inches higher, you might want to consider switching from 2x4 lumber to 2x6 for added strength, but it probably isn't necessary. Just keep in mind that making it taller will change your leverage when turning the barrel. You could always stand on something about the same height as you raised the barrel, giving you the same leverage as the standard height. Hope that helps, and happy composting!
There have been some great questions about composting, so I thought I'd share a book that we've found really helpful and recommend. It's called "Let it Rot - The Gardener's Guide to Composting" by Stu Campbell. Here's my affiliate link to the book on Amazon, but you can probably find it just about anywhere: amzn.to/2PW01ZT
I found a used one locally at a company called Container Reclaimer. Maybe try Craigslist, but make sure it was used for food rather than chemicals. You can also buy a new one from Home Depot, but it would probably only be available online rather than in store. Hope that helps!
That's a great question, Jocelyn, and I have an answer! Check out this super short video I made covering this very question and the results: ua-cam.com/video/HMKYjkRxVKU/v-deo.html
I wish I could edit videos after putting them up so I could include questions that come up, but UA-cam doesn't allow it. It's an important question so I'm glad you asked!
Monica, you might be an experienced DIYer and could probably build one in the time I took to demonstrate. However, my videos are detailed enough for all skill levels to accomplish.
Nice design and build video. Did you ever make the shaker table video? I can't seem to find it
I'm glad you asked, finster! I'm putting the final touches on the video, which should be posted on UA-cam in the next two weeks. The 12 minute video shows how to build it, and how it operates. While the Shaker Table itself is not complicated, the shooting, editing and production of the entire tutorial package has been time consuming.
I also want everyone, including beginners, to be able to build the shaker table, even if they aren't seasoned DIYers. So, I've also put together a 33 page PDF tutorial guide. It includes a parts list, required tools list, measurements and specifications, steps to build the table, a cut list and lumber cutting diagrams. In addition, it has an hour of detailed video, showing how each step is completed. This comprehensive plan and video package will be available for purchase.
It's finally here! The shaker table video has arrived! ua-cam.com/video/2pp0k23Ziyw/v-deo.html
Thank you for making this video. This is one of the best video's on DIY tumblers on UA-cam,...
I'm happy you liked it, and thank you for taking the time to let me know!
Very well thought out. I’m sure it works better than 90% of the others. Ty
Thank you. And, thanks for watching!
came here to look at compost tumblers, learned a few build tricks.
I'm glad it helped you out!
Wow! Love the string measurement hack!
Thanks Hannah, it's saves time and brain damage caused by complicated measurements!
Really an awesome work done by you. The more difficult design looks to make, the more easier it is to use... 👍
Thanks 👍
First of all, best design and instructions I've seen by a mile! Search over! This is the way I am going to do it! Thank you for such a great guide!
I was thinking, instead of a sharpie shoved in a tube to mark the ABS, couldn't you instead drill the axle holes with a 1/8 drill bit first, send a string through, wrap it around the ABS, then out the other side (also with a 1/8 whole) and pull the string taught. Wouldn't this find center around the whole pipe a bit more accurately? I realize that I'm a person who will always do 10 extra steps for precision, so maybe this method would be a little overkill...
Thanks for the feedback, Matt! I think your idea is a really good one and would definitely work. I like the way you think!
What an amazing video.... I need a neighbor like you!!!!!
The house next to ours just sold! But I am happy to be your "online neighbor" 😀
Great design, definitely an improvement from the standard.
Great info too, thanks
Thank you Wallis Family! As they fill up and get heavier, they will become even more stable! If you make one, I'd love to see a photo. You can now post images along with questions, comments, tips, suggestions, etc., on the article page at uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/
Excellent! Thank you for sharing your ideas.
Thanks for watching, Vinayak!
Some great ideas to make the build both strong and simple, and a fine presentation - thanks
Thanks, Mike 👍
I really love this idea. I would probably raise mine up alittle higher to allow for better compost pour. From when you first made this video to today the barrel cost has sky rocketed
A number of people have made theirs taller too. You'll just need to modify some of the cutting angles I recommend in the free plans. As far as the barrel, I suggest trying to find a used one that contained a food product or is food safe. Barrels that had chemicals in them will never be trustworthy for compost. I found a company local to Colorado called ContainerReclaimer.com, and you might have a similar company near you. Thanks for watching, Diana 👍
@@UnchartedDIY that was so kind of you to reply and with such great advice. I keep thinking product pricing will top out especially with people being more resourceful and repurposing. It just Keeps going up lol.
I found that very similar to an old butter churn my family had when I was a kid. it was a similar frame with a wooden barrow, had an L-shaped handle on it for rocking back and forth we use to make a lot of butter with it
I've never seen a churn like that. I'd bet that you can still remember the taste and smell of that sweet butter! Yum!
Very well explained, edited and definitely a solid build! Challenge accepted. Thanks.
Yay! I hope you'll post photos of your finished compost tumbler on the article page here: uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/
Can you provide details about that container? I’m having trouble finding a similar model. Thanks.
Adam, I got mine used from a place called Container Reclaimer that specializes in shipping barrels and IBC totes. They called it a 55 gallon poly barrel with a screw top lid. They currently don't show this type on their site. Mine had contained hog casings.
Home depot carries a similar one, like this: www.homedepot.com/p/55-Gal-Grey-Rain-Barrel-GRO/312699750
I think I paid $40 for mine, so buying used can save a lot of money, but make sure it's food grade.
Hope that helps!
I just remembered, they are often called pickle barrels.
Great job. I've been looking at Swedish metal models like this, but they're $400+. Thanks.
Glad I could help!
Loved your project design the best thank you it was very enjoyable to watch cant wait to show my hubby so he can build me one 😊 keep up the great work with the DIY products.
Thanks Neva! Make sure to download the free PDF plans/parts list since it shows every step in detail. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. Thanks for watching!
Lots of great layout and build methods, explained and demonstrated very well. I look forward to more of your posts. Liked and subscribed, with pleasure.
Thank you, Catchercoach! The compost shaker table video is going to be posted next week and several other projects are in the works, so stay tuned!
Wow, love your video, explanations and work! I look forward to more.
Thank you, Bill!
Absolutely love this idea. Great video.
Thank you for saying so. If you build it, I'd love to see photos!
Loved it. Ingenious . Thanks
Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching, Kevin!
This is really lovely. Thank you
You are welcome. Thanks Artsy!
Good stuff, and I like the various construction tips/methods you provide along the way. Definitely a step above the standard DIY stuff.
Gives me ideas....
(BTW, without too much effort, your voice could sound like Red Green's. That'd be a plus :) )
Thank you timffoster! If you didn't know, there's a free 16 page PDF detailing the steps and a visual parts list here: uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/
I'll have to practice my voice impression skills!
Superb. Much thanks.
You are welcome, K. Thanks for watching!
Good result and awesome tumbler. however too complicated for inexperienced builders like me to follow.
Thanks Basher. It sounds more complicated than it actually is. The PDF walks you through each step, so it's a series of small steps. I'll be happy to answer any questions if you decide to try it!
Buen dia.A pesar que no entiendo su idioma,y ayer llegaron de New Jersey dos hijos que viven en ese estado,debo decirle que entendi,como hacer la compostera.La mejor que vi hasta el momento.Un abrazo
Buen dia a ti tambien, Roberto. Estoy tan feliz de que hayas entendido el video a pesar de que no estaba en tu idioma. ¡Gracias por el comentario y por el abrazo!
English: Good morning to you too, Roberto. I'm so happy you understood the video even though it wasn't in your language. Thanks for the comment and for the hug!
Hi, really nice video. I like it over alot of the other videos, so kudo's! question: If you have 1 of these. And you keep adding compost over the weeks. How do you eventually harvest (as there might be still uncomposted stuff in there?) Or do you work with 2 of these? Thanks
Thanks for the kudos! Having more than one is the way to go, otherwise not adding anything for a month or so works too.
Have you ever thought about using it for off grid laundry
That never occurred to me, but I love the idea! Of course, it would need to be made without the central air shaft and the vents at the top.
Curious if over time you've had any issues with the holes around the pipe enlarging. I've been wondering about bolting some large washers to the barrel to reinforce the holes.
I haven't noticed any enlarging, but wood quality can be so variable. It might be a good preventative measure since it's cheap and easy to do .
@@UnchartedDIY Was actually thinking about the barrel's plastic.
I guess I didn't read your question very thoroughly! I haven't noticed any enlargement there either. So far it's like the day I built it.
great video, love how you present. Thank you. Do you have ideas on insulating this? I live in the pacific NW where it gets quite cold
Thanks Karthikeyan! In Colorado we usually spend a week or more where the temps never get above freezing and dip well below zero at night. It doesn't seem to have any effect on the barrel or the compost. I suspect the breakdown of the compost stops during this period, but it seems to pick right up when the temps come up again.
If it needed to be insulated, a water heater jacket comes to mind, covered with a contractor trash bag since the jackets are not for outdoor use.
If you know of a reason it should be insulated, please let me know so I can insulate mine and maybe do a follow-up video.
I just checked a great book we have, called "Let it Rot - The Gardener's Guide to Composting" by Stu Campbell, and it appears that the bacteria continue to work and multiply in cold weather, they just slow down their replication. Here's my affiliate link to the book on Amazon, but you can probably find it just about anywhere: amzn.to/2PW01ZT
@@UnchartedDIY thanks a bunch
Thanks for the video and the great instructions that you've provided for us all. I do have one question, if you don't mind. Do you experience compost collecting inside the tube, after gluing the end cap onto the internal aerator tube ? Thanks in Advance
Thanks for a great question Steven. Over the 9 months or so that it's been in use, nothing has gotten inside the tube. If it did start to accumulate, it would be easy to remove the bottom screen and rotate the barrel so it falls out. If you'd like, instead of gluing the cap, you could use sheet metal screws, but it would be a good idea to drill pilot holes to reduce any chance of splitting.
@@UnchartedDIY Thanks for the quick reply. Like minds think alike..:)
I say that because putting 2 stainless sheet metal screws to hold mine in place is exactly what I was planning on doing. LOL
Thanks for sharing this & putting together the video, very nice. I regard to the air shaft, won't aeration occur every time you rotate the barrel (probably daily for me as I add that day's waste) thus negating the need to introduce air?
Great question Mike! I agree there would probably be enough air from the turning, but many of us don't turn every day. It also provides free flow of air which breaks down the waste faster and dissipates the intense heat that can build up in the interior of the compost.
Great video and invention. I am wondering about the air shaft. Do you expect to get compostable materials into the airshaft and get clogged? How often will you need to unclog the system?
Thanks Eduardo! So far nothing has gotten in there at all. If it did, it think it would dry out quickly since it would be completely exposed to air. If it did become an issue, removing the screen on the bottom of the air shaft would only take a couple of minutes. Thanks for asking a great question!
@@UnchartedDIY thanks a lot! I want to try and build one and increase sustainable practices!😊
In your pdf directions the first thing you say is to cut down the legs to 42 inches with a 60 degree cut on one end so they sit flat. I adjusted my miter saw to 60 degrees and cut all my legs and it was way off. I then realized you meant 60 degrees from the end of the board, which actually equals 30 degrees long ways, which I feel is the intuitive way to cut the board. Not sure if this make since, but that part is very confusing. Take your miter saw, set it to 60 degeees, lay the board in long ways and make the cut and you’ll see what I mean.
Thank you for your feedback Anthony. I see where this IS confusing and I'm sorry it caused incorrect cuts! I have revised the PDF to make this clearer, and I really appreciate you pointing this out to me!
I would love to see photos of your tumbler when you are done if you wouldn't mind sharing them. UA-cam doesn't allow images in comments, but you can post them in the comments on the article page here: uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/ Thanks again!
Ok, at 12:19 those threaded couplers. WHAT are those called and where in a home improvement store would you find those? I tried explaining what I wanted to a sales guy and he had no clue what I was talking about. I couldn't find anything similar. Can you go into some detail what exactly those are? You mentioned cutting them in half? I could not find anything about this in your video other than installing them. Little help.
Thanks for asking, art. Those threaded couplers are located with pvc piping and fittings. There's a free pdf on my site at: uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/ that has all the parts with their names and specifications along with step by step instructions. You can use the PDF as a shopping list. Let me know if you have other questions, and have fun building!
@@UnchartedDIY HEY thanks! I have it. Will study it tomorrow, need more stuff anyway. Cheers.
Do you feel the side vents are necessary in addition to the center venting pipe? Thanks.
How hot does it get and how long does it take to create usable compost? Do you think gluing insulation to the outside would help speed up the process?
The compost can reach temps of around 120F to 160F (49C to 71C), and it can take from 3 to 6 months.
The time frame is dependent on what the materials are, the balance between green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials, amount of moisture, and frequency of turning the tumbler. Ours seems to be closer to the 3 month time frame in the summer, and closer to 5 months in the winter.
As for insulation, I do think it would speed things up and keep the temperatures more consistent. Higher and more consistent temps helps break down the organic material faster. However, it is important to not block any of the air holes and vents, since the microbes need oxygen to do their work.
I'd love to hear how you insulate and what kind of results you see. Thanks for watching, and happy composting!
I had a compost tumbler that spun on the other axis. That one, in time, got quite heavy to tumble. My wife couldn’t move it.. this one looks like it would hold considerably more volume, and might be tougher to get started... on the other hand, it seems like it would have better leverage to get it going.. any notes on ease of tumbling years into running it?
That's a great question! I've found that it's hardest to turn as it fills near the half way point. Even then, it's pretty easy to turn, as I demonstrated for a sceptical commenter in this super short video: ua-cam.com/video/HMKYjkRxVKU/v-deo.html
You are correct that it has better leverage compared to a horizontal layout. Once past the half way point, it actually gets easier even though it weighs more.
@@UnchartedDIY thank you.
I think i will give it a try.. i need one to dedicate just to weeds. For long term.
Nice design and video. Personally, I find it really annoying that the download doesn't have print permission; makes shopping for parts a pain.
All my PDFs should have print permissions. I've had hundreds of people download them with no issue, but maybe the PDF got corrupted somehow. I'll investigate, but thanks for letting me know. Sorry!
It did have a password lock somehow, but I've re-uploaded a fresh PDF that doesn't ask for print permissions. Sorry for the hassle, but thanks again for bringing it to my attention.
Have fun with the build!
@@UnchartedDIY A truly impressive response, not to mention amazingly prompt. Kudos to you!
Could you make the stand tall enough to completely dump out all the compost or would it be too tall?
You could for sure make it taller. The angle of the cut for the feet would change, but it's not too hard to figure it out.
One a area to keep in mind though, is that the taller it gets, the less leverage you'll have to turn the barrel. That's not a big problem when there's not much in the barrel, but as it fills up, the weight can make it difficult to turn.
were you got the barrel and about how much was the project
Great question intuaidumela. You can buy the barrels new from Home Depot. They run about $100 and need to be ordered, since they don't carry them in stock (around here anyway).
For my barrel, I found a local company that carries food grade 55 gallon drums and barrels. They have been used once, then cleaned for sale. I paid $40 for the barrel.
Including the barrel, my compost tumbler cost just under $100 to make. There is a free step by step PDF guide here: uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/ It includes a parts list with specifications and pictures so you can take it to the hardware store and use it as a shopping list.
I'm happy to answer any questions you have, either here, or you can comment and post pictures on the article page linked above. I'd love to see yours if you build one!
@@UnchartedDIY not bad specially with some tumbler being price up to 700. too expencive
Great clear video, thank you, but you lost me with the layout of the angles. It's too complicated and time-consuming for me unfortunately, but thanks.
Thanks for the feedback, Brian. The free plans might help clarify things since the video has to quickly cover so much info.
What has been your biggest compost tumbler challenge, including DIY or prefab?
I live in Eastern North Carolina and I was wondering about the number of air holes for this humid climate. Where do you live and what is the humidity there?
That's a great question, Janet. The barrel for mine is based on a design that's been in use for a long time, and all over the world.
It's low humidity in my part of Colorado, but I don't think more air holes are needed for a humid environment. I don't know how more could be added without causing the liquids to spill out when turning the barrel.
Instead, for high humidity, turning the barrel more frequently, maybe every day, would be a good idea.
Do you feel the side vent holes are necessary in addition to the central tube?
Great question, wegtennis. I am not an expert on composting, but my understanding is that the microbes that break down the compost materials require oxygen to live. They can't thrive in an anaerobic environment. While the central shaft does provide air, I don't think it would allow for much air circulation by itself, potentially slowing down the process.
The idea of gross liquids coming out of the side vents and flinging onto the person turning the barrel was rather unappealing (understatement), and most of the designs I saw had simple cut outs that might allow this yucky scenario. That's why I added screens and the PVC connectors, so the inner part of the PVC connection creates a short tunnel. I have not had any leakage out of the side vents yet.
@@UnchartedDIY I enjoy seeing how you think. Thanks
@@wegtennis8740 I'm happy to share 😊
If you can stand one more question, any particular reason why you drill 1& 1/4 holes in the A frame and barrel to accommodate a 3/4 pipe? Why not 1 inch or even 7/8?
That's another great question. My original plan was to make the holes large enough that if needed, I could slip a PVC sleeve over the shaft in case the barrel was difficult to turn as the barrel was filling up. The idea was that it would act as a kind of bearing.
As it turns out, it turns quite easily without a sleeve - even with the barrel full - so there is no real reason the hole couldn't be smaller. It does need to be loose, but a 1 inch hole would provide plenty of clearance.
I love all the questions, so keep asking 👍 It's great to get feedback like this to improve the design!
@@UnchartedDIY Thanks yet again. I had had similar thoughts about a bushing.
Hi! I would love to try it out but I cant access the pdf on the website so do you think you can add the link to the pdf in the comments?
Hi Anoop, here's a link to the store page where you can download the PDF for free. uncharteddiy.com/store/ It's at the bottom of the page. If you don't receive a link in your email, make sure to check spam.
Thanks for watching!
@@UnchartedDIY Thank you I just ordered!
@@anoopkaurcheema4211 Yay! I'd love to see pictures of your tumbler if you'd like to post them in the comments at uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/ Have fun building it!
Was this easy to make from scratch? ...I have no experience in woodwork but I have tools from my late husband. Would I be able to make one on my own?
If you download the free Plans & Tutorial, it covers each step in words and photos. I think you'd have no problem if you follow the steps, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have along the way.
Just allow yourself plenty of time to do this project, and hopefully you will enjoy building it AND using it! A word of warning though...you might find DIY and woodworking addicting 😁
Wonder why you couldn’t just screw small holes all around the bin rather than use the pipe/screen contraption? We have a brute trash can that we use currently and it has dime sized holes all around it and we have to roll it on the ground to mix it. We never have any compost pour out of them and if it does it’s negligible.
Hey B, thanks for the great question! The screening isn't actually there to keep the compost in, but instead to keep other things out. It prevents flies, mosquitoes, mice, rats, etc from getting into the compost. However, the screens are not essential to making compost, so if your roller bin is working well for you, I wouldn't worry about it.
nice build !!
but not really redwood, that looks like SPF with a red stain
Thank you. I'm pretty sure it was treated lumber that was "redwood toned", but it is holding up extremely well.
I have yet to see anyone actually fill one of these tumblers and show me how to tumble a 400 lb drum. Looks pretty easy..... when it's empty!
I forgot to mention that as it fills past about a quarter full, it gets easier since the center of gravity is nearer to the pivot.
@@UnchartedDIY When the fill point is at the 1/2 way point is when it becomes impossible to tumble. It must go beyond 1/2 way then stand back when you actually get it to tumble. Like I asked... show me something that no one else has and teach me physics. AkA. It is a bad design IMHO.
Hmmm, it's just now at the half way point and it seems easier than before. I guess I'm just getting stronger 😃
@@UnchartedDIY Fortunately not all of us has a butt big enough to counter-balance a 400 lb. barrel of horse dung. While this design might work well for you, there is a reason why we don't build compost tumblers like this. Oh, and please supply a video of you actually operating this tumbler for my edification. Thank you.
Steven, here's the video you requested, showing the tumbler being operated. Let me know if it answers your questions. ua-cam.com/video/HMKYjkRxVKU/v-deo.html
Great video, thanks. Do you really need that big airation pipe when you tumble it on a regular basis?
Thanks, Erwin. It does need that central pipe because without it, it would only have the 4 small holes at the top of the barrel. Even with regular turning, the airflow would be quite limited. It might still work, but it would probably take much longer.
12:18 what is use of these four holes?
Those are 3/4 inch pvc couplers (cut in half to act as nuts) and 3/4 inch reducer bushings that act as vents. You can download FREE detailed PDF plans that include all the details and parts lists, at uncharteddiy.com/compost-tumbler/ Did I mention the plans are completely FREE? 👍
I don't suppose you could make me a couple, could you please?
Based on my current schedule of projects, I could start building them June 14th of 2033. Should I put you down for that date? 😄
Hiya, if you were to make the stand a little higher so you can tip the compost straight into your wheelbarrow, would you need to reinforce the feet of the frame for stability?
I have no experience in carpentry or anything like that, so please don’t be too hard on me 😅😅 have tried to make a compost tumbler laying horizontally with trolley wheels to turn it, but found it too complicated and too many steps. Wasted a lot of product too, & I like how simple this one is. Thanks!
Don't worry about asking a great question - I'm happy to help! It should be no problem if you add length to the legs, while keeping the same basic geometry of the angles.
I should point out that because of the angle of the legs, adding length to the legs doesn't correspond one-to-one with the height of the barrel. For example, raising the barrel up 5 inches would require making the legs roughly 5.8 inches longer. I hope that makes sense.
If you are going to go over about 6 inches higher, you might want to consider switching from 2x4 lumber to 2x6 for added strength, but it probably isn't necessary.
Just keep in mind that making it taller will change your leverage when turning the barrel. You could always stand on something about the same height as you raised the barrel, giving you the same leverage as the standard height.
Hope that helps, and happy composting!
@@UnchartedDIY ahh thank you so much for your reply! I will make a couple of these for my gardens :)
There have been some great questions about composting, so I thought I'd share a book that we've found really helpful and recommend. It's called "Let it Rot - The Gardener's Guide to Composting" by Stu Campbell. Here's my affiliate link to the book on Amazon, but you can probably find it just about anywhere: amzn.to/2PW01ZT
Where sis get barrel from
I found a used one locally at a company called Container Reclaimer. Maybe try Craigslist, but make sure it was used for food rather than chemicals. You can also buy a new one from Home Depot, but it would probably only be available online rather than in store. Hope that helps!
Must be hard to turn when half full, all the weight on the bottom!
That's a great question, Jocelyn, and I have an answer! Check out this super short video I made covering this very question and the results: ua-cam.com/video/HMKYjkRxVKU/v-deo.html
@@UnchartedDIY Thank You Uncharted for the reply. It’s good to know from the start that the project will work.
I wish I could edit videos after putting them up so I could include questions that come up, but UA-cam doesn't allow it. It's an important question so I'm glad you asked!
The companion Shaker Table video is finished! You can see it here: ua-cam.com/video/2pp0k23Ziyw/v-deo.html
Dude, you ain’t building a house!! Calm down and jerry rig them braces!! 🤣🤣
Yes, but just think about how strong that over engineered house would be! 😁
So long & complicated
Monica, you might be an experienced DIYer and could probably build one in the time I took to demonstrate. However, my videos are detailed enough for all skill levels to accomplish.
Excellent! Thank you for sharing your ideas.
Thanks Ayman!