Build your own compost bin
YOU WILL NEED
- Wood, cut according to cut list
- Drill
- 3mm, 4mm & 5mm drill bits for pilot holes
- Screw bit / screwdriver
- 5x35mm wood screws x 194
- 4x35mm wood screws x 30
- 6x60mm wood screws x 10
- Mitre, hand or jigsaw
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Two sets of hinges
- One handle
- Two latches
- Two eye screws
- Rope (+-500mm)
CUT LIST
A. 45x19x600mm x 84
B. 45x19x270mm x 3
C. 102x19x480mm x 2
D. 38x38x1000mm x 4
E. 38x38x542mm x 5
1. Take 2 x D planks (38x38x1000m) and 2 x E planks (38x38x542) and screw them together, using your 6x60mm wood screws to create a frame.
2. Take 18 x A planks (45x19x600mm) and screw them on to your frame using the 4x35mm wood screws, leaving a 10mm gap between them. It may it help to use a spacer to keep the gaps the same size.
3. Take 5x30mm screws, add your 3 x B planks (45x19x270mm) as in the photo, leaving a 5mm gap on all the sides. Another option would be to add another E board behind your 7th A board from the bottom.
4. Using a jigsaw, cut out your bottom door, cutting along the two red lines. Add your hinges and screw it back on.
5. Repeat steps 1 & 2, then take both frames and place them on their sides upright and start adding the 18 x A boards. Start with one at the bottom and one at the top and fill in the rest in-between.
6. Turn your whole box and do the same on the other side.
7. Add your two latches one on the left 1 (as in photo) and one on the right. It is better to use two, because as your compost starts to compress down you don’t want it to push open your door.
8. To make the lid, you will use 12 x A boards (45x19x600mm) and 2 x C boards (102x19x480mm), with the 4x35mm screws. Again, you want 10mm space between them. Add the other set of hinges and screw it onto your box.
9. Add your handle.
10. Screw in the 2 x eye screws and add the rope. You will want the rope to be long enough for the lid to lean back, but not more than 45 degrees.
