building a tumbler

Discussion in 'Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling' started by markdadude, Jul 1, 2008.

  1. markdadude

    markdadude Apprentice Gardener

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    I would love to have a tumbler making compost in a few weeks. unfortunatly prices for a tumbler that i have found are unjustifiably high. I'm sorry but you would have to be an idiot to pay 300 pounds.

    I found this video of a DIY version. Despite the fact that its made by some very annoying eco warriors who manage to find everything for free I think its a pretty good design:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcPz4XF-yUM

    what do you think?... i was thinking of ideas but i was only thinking of having the axle going through the length of the barrel but this seems a much better idea and less space consuming.

    thanks for looking
     
    markdadude, Jul 1, 2008
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  2. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :thumb: Hi There & Welcome to GC.. That is a fair example I suppose of the sort of tumbler I got from my local council for £20..!!!:D

    :) Have you approached your local council? You don't say what area you are in, but all local councils sponsor recycling of green waste. Have you contacted your council. Most seem to do dalek ones or tumblers..

    This link shows the one I have, but as I said local council £20. Not sure what yours charges..
    http://www.capitalgardens.co.uk/v3/....html?osCsid=c381fb4eb85e61270bacf8a155e4895e

    also shows the dalek type as well. Have a look.. BTW.. If you do make your own, be sure to make the holes about 1" diam & very importantly at least three holes in the bottom..! You can always put a tray under to catch any liquid & put back into tumbler..:thumb:

    Good luck, I am sure others will have some ideas as well..:thumb:
     
    Marley Farley, Jul 1, 2008
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  3. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    Peeing on the compost heap will help speed it up. Getting arrested won't help though!
     
    Kristen, Jul 1, 2008
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  4. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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    Don't you have to be a bit careful there though? I've read loads of stuff about urine being great for composting, but I've also read that it can increase the acidity of the compost making it unsuitable for some plants.
     
    clueless1, Jul 7, 2008
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  5. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    "I've also read that it can increase the acidity of the compost making it unsuitable for some plants"

    I've not read that, but if I had that problem I would either not be generating enough compost material to balance my nightly stroll with the dogs, or running a hotel filled with sypathetic-compost-maker guests :D
     
    Kristen, Jul 7, 2008
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  6. Beechleaf

    Beechleaf Gardener

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    I think if you put the axle along the axis of the barrel you won't get a good mixing effect. The compost will slide around the smooth side of the barrel. (Think cement mixers which need paddles in to make sure there is good mixing). Also would you have to dismantle the whole thing to get the lid off to remove the compost?
     
    Beechleaf, Jul 8, 2008
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  7. lollipop

    lollipop Gardener

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    :thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb:Thanks to MF for the heads up on the composter from the council for £20. ordered it online and it will be with me soon.


    Saves me struggling fixing up a pallet one in the pipping wet rain.

    Although considering my local council is starting to threaten fines over all this recycling stuff:eek: a bit peeved with them that they didn`t just offload one-instead of the multicoloured bin collection we all have round here these days.:mad:
     
    lollipop, Jul 9, 2008
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