Sunday, April 26, 2015

DIY: Compost Bin

DIY Compost Bin

There was a time in my life when I did not think much about what the world would be like after I am gone.  I would use and use and then use some more.  I thought recycle bins were ridiculous and a waste of time.  Then I met my wife and we started a family.  The addition of each child brought a new awareness that their would be life after me.


When my time here draws near and I look back to see how I left this world for them.  I want to be able to say that I did my part.


Below are two videos.  The first is the building of the bin.  The second is the preparation and starting a new compost pile.  

How To Build This Compost Bin.



 

Starting a new compost pile.



DIY: Compost Bin

Cut List:

Exterior Side Panels and Doors


4 horizontal door pieces @ 17.75" x 1.5 x 1.5
10 vertical side and door pieces @ 34" x 1.5 x 1.5"
6 horizontal side pieces @ 36" x 1.5" x 1.5"
3 middle dividers @ 34" x 3.5" x 1.5"

Interior Panels


16 horizontal pieces @ 14.75" x 1.5" x .75"
32 vertical pieces @ 32.5" x 1.5" x .75"
64 horizontal pieces @3.75" x 1.5" x .75"
24 horizontal pieces @ 4.25" x 1.5" x .75"

Additional Materials

Hardware Cloth





 TIPS: The following measurements may be substituted.
1.5" = 1x2's
2.5" = 1x3's
3.5" = 1x4's
5.5" = 1x6's

Use caution working with solid lumber wider than 1x6's.  Especially soft woods such as pine.  I find they show a greater propensity to warp, twist and cup.  Gluing boards side by side, otherwise known as a glue up, will offer greater stability across the project.

Step 1

Attach the vertical and horizontal pieces for the side frames using 3" screws.  Be sure to place the horizontal pieces on top of the vertical pieces so as to eliminate the sheer force on the screws.


 Step 2

Begin assembly of the interior panels.  I used one and a quarter inch brads.  As I explain in the video I measured and laid out the first panel attempting to work out all the kinks in assembly.  Each subsequent panel that I assembled was laid on top of the first as an outline.  Assembly went quick and problem free.


 Step 3

Place one interior panel inside one of the side frames.  Attach with one and a quarter inch brads.


Step 4

Attach the second interior panel hugging the opposite side of the frame.


Step 5

Insert the middle divider between the two panels.  Mine required some gentle persuasion with a mallet.  I could have just trimmed a bit by running it through the table saw as well.

Step 6


I also assembled the doors by simply attaching the side frame pieces to the interior panel instead of assembling the outer frame and then trying to fit the panel in.

Step 7

This next step could be switched with the step 8 if so desired.  Attaching the hardware cloth to the inside of the panels as well as the inside of the doors.

I attached the hardware cloth to this panel while it was laying on the floor before I screwed it to the other two sides you see beside me in the pic.  I then remembered that I forgot to attach hardware cloth to the two sides I had already assembled.  So I went back and attached it to the two pieces while they were standing.  Both methods worked equally as well.

Step 8

Assemble the side panels.  I attached the panels with 5 three inch screws.


Step 9

Attach the hinges to the side frames.


Step 10

Place the doors where you want them.  I clamped them in place for a third pair of hands.  Then attach the hinges to the doors.


Final Thoughts


Compost Bin

You can place a latch on the doors if so desired.  I made a DIY version latch for mine.

I designed this compost bin with doors because I wanted to be able to easily access the compost to be able to turn or inspect it when needed without having to dig from the top of the compost heap.

As always if you have any questions, I am here to help.  You can leave a comment below, send me and email, message me on Facebook or visit my YouTube channel.

Happy DIY'ing

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