DIY Compost Tumbler Bin (PICS)

**cain129** · 06-10-2009, 08:41 AM

So I decided to make a hybrid Compost/Worm Bin. Can't wait to see how it works.

This is for my first grow. Indoor -1000w! Yahoo!

I saw some guy who had the idea of this device on the internet and decided to make my own version with some modifications to his design.

I utilized 1/4" wire mesh for my basket instead of a cut up, round trashcan. THis wire mesh is left over from my carbon filter cage. I noticed that the worm farms use this mesh in the base of the bins so I use the same because I want to put worms in the tumbler also. I know some will fall into the compost but I plan on the worms going into the plant containers anyway.

The bin was free from a friend who owns and operates a recycling foundation, the mesh was already bought for my carbon filter DIY build, and the end caps on the drum are from an old steel trashcan laying in the back of my truck from watering my first outdoor grow for the first time (I found it in the barn near the site and left it in the truck a week ago) what a score. 0$ and a little inginuity goes a long way my friends.

Hope you like.

**cain129** · 06-11-2009, 08:09 AM

SO in a progressive order and as illustrated by the pics in that order I then had to:

Cut out the lid
Cut the lip strip for the lid so it overlaps the gap mad by cutting it out
Attach the lip strip
Make hinge with zipties
Drill hole in the bin lower and all around. The side hole are very small so flys won't become a problem
Cut and secure lwr access door

**cain129** · 06-17-2009, 08:41 AM

SO here I have my compost tumbler bin in place. I found that the worms do not like to stay in the tumbler due to the heat inside the bin throughout the day. No biggie though as the tumbler has produced about a gallon of compost so far, this in just one week...

Guess that means a DIY vermicompost bin tutorial is in order.

I have a pre tumbler compost pile where I let all of my garden clippings cold compost until there is room in the tumbler for the high heat composting. The bin really gets hot an humid inside. No rotten smells and a real rich earthy aroma going on so It is working great!!! Tons of aerobic bacteria and no pest to speak of.

check out my pics:

set in place
lid open
full tumbler
close up of compost in tumbler
accumulated compost
pre-tumbler pile

This will be mixed into a soil similar to subcool's.

Nothing better than growing plants produce by an organic grower using his own methods. Stoked!

**notoriousb** · 06-17-2009, 07:06 PM

that's a rad setup! I've just been working with my compost pile but have been thinking about getting a tumbler. seems to speed up the process quite a bit. good job tho + rep!

**cain129** · 06-18-2009, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by notoriousb

that's a rad setup! I've just been working with my compost pile but have been thinking about getting a tumbler. seems to speed up the process quite a bit. good job tho + rep!

Thanks notoriousb. A 50 gallon drum with some holes drilled in it and mounted for rotation would work great for larger amounts. This was a first go at a compost bin that wouldn't have the wife on my case. She can be a real pain sometimes but that will all change as soon as she relizies the fringe benifits of our operation.

**cain129** · 06-18-2009, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by cain129

SO here I have my compost tumbler bin in place. I found that the worms do not like to stay in the tumbler due to the heat inside the bin throughout the day. No biggie though as the tumbler has produced about a gallon of compost so far, this in just one week...

Guess that means a DIY vermicompost bin tutorial is in order.

I have a pre tumbler compost pile where I let all of my garden clippings cold compost until there is room in the tumbler for the high heat composting. The bin really gets hot an humid inside. No rotten smells and a real rich earthy aroma going on so It is working great!!! Tons of aerobic bacteria and no pest to speak of.

check out my pics: