How To Build a Compost Tumbler
How To Make A Compost Tumbler – Ultimate Guide
If you’re inspired to grow your own food and use your leftovers and grass cuttings to nurture your plants, crops and flowers, here is the ultimate guide to making your very own compost tumbler. When it comes to compost, a tumbler that rotates will allow you to produce compost at home quickly and fairly cheaply.
Rather than wait over three months for your food waste and cuttings to decompose in a compost heap, a compost tumbler will speed up the process considerably, and won’t require you to manually turn over your compost every couple of months.
Whether you’re new to the world of living off your land, or you’re feeling a little green lately, I have created an easy to follow, step by step guide so that you can make a free turning compost tumbler at home. Save time composting and save money with a homemade compost tumbler.
City Compost & Urban Garden Benefits
As the importance of organic produce becomes more apparent, more people than ever before are realizing the benefits of growing their own fruits and vegetables.
Not only is gardening and growing your own food fun and hands-on, but it’s also great for the environment too. Using leftover food and grass cuttings and turning them into compost is far better for the environment than throwing them into the trash. Plus, the more people who start using their back yards to produce food, the better!
Mass consumerism is never a good thing, especially when you consider the impact plastic packaging has on the earth. So, to have fun, save money and eat more organically, you should start composting today. Let me guide you on how to start composting, sourcing organic waste, and getting back to nature.
How To Start Composting
So first things first, you need to know how to start composting. Rather than spend your hard-earned cash on an expensive compost tumbler, why not put in a little time and make your own. With this simple step by step guide, you can make your own compost tumbler in a couple of hours and start producing compost in as little as three weeks.
Let’s Make A Compost Tumbler
Ok, so if you’re sitting comfortably, let’s get down to business and make a reliable and cheap compost tumbler. I promise it’s so easy and the benefits are going to make the time you put in worth it! When you taste your first carrot, potato, or tomato, that you’ve grown from a tiny seed, you’re never going to want to buy shop bought veggies again!
Disclaimer: This process is how I like to make a compost tumbler. Please be careful when using power tools and saws.
What You’ll Need To Build A Compost Tumbler
Here is everything you need to start making a compost tumbler. If you don’t have a couple of these essential items, you can always ask friends, family, or neighbors whether you can borrow their tools and in return offer them compost when it’s ready.
- Cordless drill
- Gloves to protect your hands
- 4 wheels to mount the compost bin on
- Some drill bits
- Wood screws
- Hex drill bit
- Self-tapping drill bit
- 2 x 2.5 barrel bolts
- Triangular square
- Removable hinges, 2inches
- Angular saw
- Circular saw
- Wood hacksaw, in case you run out of batteries
- 55-gallon compost bin
- 2 x 2 by 10s wood panels
- 2 x 2 by 4s wood panels
Step 1: Create A Compost Tumbler Lid
To create the compost lid, you’ll need to mark out a rectangle. Carefully measure 11 inches across and 10 inches wide. You will be cutting the sides and front of the lid, but leaving the back of the lid attached to the compost bin for now.
Step 2: Cut The Compost Lid
Start with the angle grinder and carefully cut through the compost bin, following the lines you’ve just marked out for the lid. If the angle grinder starts to burn the plastic, switch to a wood hacksaw and manually cut the lid. It’s a good idea to stand over the compost bin to ensure you have a steady grip on the saw. Take your time, there is no need to rush.
Step 3: Mark Out The Hinges
So you can easily lift and close the compost tumbler lid, it’s time to add two hinges. First, measure 2 inches from each side of the lid, and place the hinges on the back of the lid, as shown above. Using a marker, make a note of where the holes will be. Now you can cut out the whole lid and remove it from the bin.
Step 4: Add The Hinges
Now use the drill to cut four holes in the lid, where the hinges will go, and four in the compost bin where the lid will be securely attached. Add the hinges to the lid using bolts. Sand down any rough edges of the lid and inside the cut out part of the compost bin. Now make sure the lid is tightly attached to the compost bin.
Step 5: Add The Barrel Bolts
It’s important to make sure that the barrel bolts are aligned correctly. One part will attach to either side of the front of the lid, and the other two will be secured on the compost bin, allowing you to lock it in place. If they’re not aligned well, you’re not going to be able to shut the lid. Any gaps with cause spillage when you spin the compost tumbler. Again using a marker, mark out where the barrel bolts will need to go on the lid and on the compost bin and then double-check your measurements are accurate. When you’re happy, start drilling the holes and attach the bolts.
Step 6: Measure & Cut Wood Mount
Measure 35 inches in length, for both the 2 by 10 wood panels, which is the height of the 55-gallon compost drum. Using the wood hacksaw, cut the wood to the right size. For the 2 by 4s, mark 18.5 inches in length and cut using the hacksaw. This measurement is the full length of the 2 by 10s, put together, as shown in the below.
Step 7: Adding The Wheels
Measure 4 inches on both ends of the 2 by 10s, and this is where you’re going to attach the wheels that will help your compost tumbler to turn and rotate freely. Check the image above for reference. This will mean your wheels will be 13.5 inches apart and evenly spaced out. Mark out three holes in the 2 by 4s, an equal distance apart and screw the pieces of wood together to form the base of your compost tumbler. Now screw the four wheels in place.
Step 8: Create Airflow Holes
Mark out several rows of holes above the lid of your compost bin and all the way around, 5 inches apart, as shown above. Carefully drill the holes. This will allow air to flow freely throughout your compost bin, speeding up the process of making your own compost.
Step 9: Add Compost Mix
You can often find free compost online, by searching on Facebook Marketplace and Craiglist, or you can ask family, friends, or neighbors. Rabbit hay, rabbit poop, and grass cuttings are a great base for your compost tumbler. After that, you can start adding any leftover food products such as eggshells, coffee grounds, and food waste.
Step 10: Sign Up To My YouTube Channel
For more information and compost guides, show your support by signing up for my YouTube channel, DevinTheGardener. I would personally love to share my knowledge and advice with anyone who wants to find out more about how to start composting and the benefits of city compost.
Furthermore, our Devinthegardener.com homepage has great additional information on gardening, survival skills, and much more.