Tumbling composter finally operational

[Metrocruiser]

We are getting ready for a hopefully improved harvest this year.

http://247eblog.com/yard/tumbler/DSC02855.jpg
http://247eblog.com/yard/tumbler/DSC02862.jpg
http://247eblog.com/yard/tumbler/DSC02863.jpg
http://247eblog.com/yard/tumbler/DSC02875.jpg
http://247eblog.com/yard/tumbler/DSC02877.jpg

[ElevenBravo]

Cool! Have you thought of installing slats inside the barrel to aid in turn over? Akin to the slats that are in a clothes dryer to improve tumbling?

EB

[bacpacker]

Good design. I like the stand you put it on. How high is it? Did you use PVC for the horizontal shaft?
I agree with EB, some kind of blades inside would aid in mixing the contents. I was thinking of something like the blades in a concrete mixer. My step dad bought a small mixer last year and uses it to mix his potting soil blend in. Works really well.

[Vodin]

I built a similar setup the difference is my barrel goes end over end. I painted mine black so it collects and contains the heat better. I have had it going for about 4 years now.

[ak474u]

I noticed only 1 thing I think I might consider reinforcing... The door needs a frame, both on the barrel, and on the door itself. I've got a metal tumbler, and the door frame is rolled sheet metal, with a steel sheet door that bends to the contour of the barrel. If mine didn't have substantial latches on the door, it would fail. I've got about 275lbs of material in mine, and the pressure on that door during the tumble is extreme. Maybe just some flat aluminum stock riveted into the door frame to stiffen it up a little. My .02

[Vodin]

Just remembered my dad built one as well. His is horizontal. The issues that he has is with making the tumbler rotate. It hurts his hands so he is contemplating installing handles.

[Metrocruiser]

Hey guys thanks for the suggestions. EB did install some fins that seem to be working ok and mixing up the shredded paper into the veggie scraps, they do look like they are on the small side though.
http://247eblog.com/yard/tumbler/DSC02861.jpg


Good design. I like the stand you put it on. How high is it? Did you use PVC for the horizontal shaft?
I agree with EB, some kind of blades inside would aid in mixing the contents. I was thinking of something like the blades in a concrete mixer. My step dad bought a small mixer last year and uses it to mix his potting soil blend in. Works really well.

Thanks BP, the bottom is about 29" off the ground to allow for the wheelbarrow to get in there. Then about another 11-12" to the center of the holes for the axle shaft. Yes its a PVC drainage pipe, 3.25' O.D. the milwaukee 3.25" hole saw fits like a glove.


I built a similar setup the difference is my barrel goes end over end. I painted mine black so it collects and contains the heat better. I have had it going for about 4 years now.

Hi Vodin, yes I am going to rattle can paint it black as well, I have not researched it but I hope that in the summer it can get to temps high enough to discourage the fruit flies from moving in.


I noticed only 1 thing I think I might consider reinforcing... The door needs a frame, both on the barrel, and on the door itself. I've got a metal tumbler, and the door frame is rolled sheet metal, with a steel sheet door that bends to the contour of the barrel. If mine didn't have substantial latches on the door, it would fail. I've got about 275lbs of material in mine, and the pressure on that door during the tumble is extreme. Maybe just some flat aluminum stock riveted into the door frame to stiffen it up a little. My .02

Hi AK, yes most def!! as well some of the coffee grinds and crud comes out of the cracks. I bought a 24x12 pc of galvanized sheet metal that I was planning to get in there before its inaugural trial but the compost was overflowing in the rubbermaid lol.

[Illini Warrior]

the "blades" you installed on the drum wall aren't doing anything to bust up that rotating lump of compost .... you need a fixed series of "blades" attached to the PVC center shaft .... they need to reach from the center shaft and scrap the drum wall .... something like the spring steel fingers of a lawn rake - but spread farther apart (2-3 inches apart) ....

[Vodin]

Here is some more info you may desire. If not just delete it no worries.

Here is my Compost tumbler it is a vertical build.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/IMG_1030_zps603d432f.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/IMG_1030_zps603d432f.jpg.html)

I have a metal axle running from side to side, as well as a 3" PVC running from top to bottom. The axle is supported by sides of the barrel and the PVC. The PVC is a 'breathing' tube for better composting (I am told) so it has holes drilled down the length to vent your compost.

Flipped over you will see this

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/IMG_1034_zps8feef295.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/IMG_1034_zps8feef295.jpg.html)

I have a screen over the base of the PVC pipe so critters don't get in. On the far left is a screw plug it has a hole in it so the compost tea (liquid) can drain down into a plastic McDonalds large drink cup under neath on the ground. You can pour this tea into a watering can and water. Then use it to water while waiting for the finished product. Also throw in some Red Wriggler Worms into you tumbler they will speed up the composting.