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PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 12:01 pm 
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Have only a small space and was considering buying a compost tumbler or a plastic layered contraption for my bin. I would like your opinion on any "over the counter" products that seems to work well.

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PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 4:06 pm 
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I had a small space and purchased a way too expensive and overpriced compost tumbler. It did work well but if we had a hard rain the unit would take on quite a bit of water, which diluted my compost. (it was too hard to save the water)
This unit had two compartments, when one is full you start the other. No, I couldn't make compost in 14 days as the ad said. As you know, it takes 10 bushels of material to make 1 bushel of compost. So the capacity is quite limited but was OK for my size yard.
When we moved to the country I sold it to the president of the Dallas Organic Garden Club and she still marvels about it.
Tony M


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 4:16 pm 
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Tony, any thoughts on the tray systems out there like this one?

http://www.smithandhawken.com/catalog/p ... &sku=21199

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PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 9:43 pm 
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Do you want to make one yourself? If so, there are plans on one of the Land Grant University sites for a movable wood and wire bin.
There are four 3ft x 3ft sides (exact size is up to you) made of 2x4's and hardware cloth. The four sides are hinged together to make a square box. You can open one side for access to turn a small amount of the pile, or you "unwrap" the bin from around your pile, reposition the bin right next to the pile and then turn your compost back into the bin.

It would take four 2x4 x 12ft pieces of pine, 12 feet of wire mesh and some hinges and other hardware. Much cheaper than $99 I'd expect, but it wouldn't have a lid and does require enough room to move the pile around at least a little.

I can find one of the sites for a design if you would like.

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Patrick Ferrell
Allen, Texas


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PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 7:16 am 
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Patrick, I would love to see it. Send it, or post the link if you find it. Thank you.

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PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 7:31 am 
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Sandi,

Look at this fact sheet from Montana State:
http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt9204.html

About halfway down is a design called "Portable Wood and Wire Composting Bin". You could modify the construction of the side panels if you can't cut the lap joints.

I want to build something similar to the Three Bin Turning Unit, but I don't want to spend the money for the materials right now. I need something that looks nice so I don't get in trouble with the Home Owners Association.

Regards,
Patrick Ferrell
Allen, Texas


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