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One of the things Mrs Z’s family has started doing the last few Christmases is to make or build one gift a piece. In looking through their Christmas lists I noticed my mother-in-law wanted a composter. Hmm. I think she expected it to be purchased, not made, but my mind immediately went to a few food-grade barrels we had just purchased. I wonder if I can build a composter.

Yep, you can. Here’s how I did it.

I took the barrel, which I had purchased for only 5 dollars at a used goods store, measured the center and drilled holes into either side of it using a 1.75 inch spade bit. Then, figuring it may need a little more strength I found two flanges in the plumbing section of our local hardware store, aligned them with the holes I drilled and screwed them right into the plastic. The plastic was nearly .25 inches thick anyway, so adding the metal flanges easily made it strong enough to hold whatever food/compost she decided to fill it with. Slide a 1.25 inch metal pipe through the center and that part of the project is finished.

Back tomorrow to tell you how I built the rack.