[KaySee]

I think it depends on the type of composting - aerobic/anaerobic digestion....?!
You don't have to enclose it totally... our hotbin has a small vent at the top and the bottom.  It gets really hot - up to 60C , so it cooks fast!  if you have more open sides the air flow is better, but the bin is cooler...

Shows how green I am, I didn't know that, so I'll have to do some research or buy a book before I start building, any suggestions?

[KaySee]

My bins are made from pallets so there are gaps. I line the bins with sheets of cardboard to help block some of the larger gaps.

That looks like a good idea, as I don't have any compost bags and have loads of cardboard.

[Salmo]

Take three pallets of similar size and either screw or tie together. Line with old compost  bags and fill.

Do you have a removable front? Do you have an easy way to remove it for filling and unloading?

[andyf75]

Ok so if building from scratch (I have one pallet but mostly just individual planks and posts) what sort of size gaps should be left if any between the bits of wood? I was thinking of just leaving a few mm.

I'm basically thinking of just knocking the posts in for the corners, hammering the planks on for the sides and then make a front so that it can be lifted off for access. Was then thinking of getting hold of some corrugated sheets or something to use as a lid

Any other important considerations?
Thanks!

[Potty Plotty Lotty]

Do you have a removable front? Do you have an easy way to remove it for filling and unloading?
[/quote]

Used to use 4 pallets but when I reconstructed it I only used 3 and batons across the front which I unscrew when it needs emptying. So much nicer for my back!

[snow white]

Take three pallets of similar size and either screw or tie together. Line with old compost  bags and fill.

Do you have a removable front? Do you have an easy way to remove it for filling and unloading?

I do.  I made a sort of slotted area both sides of the front of the compost bin from 2 lengths of wood screwed vertically with about 2cm (or just bigger than the width of the other bits of wood) of space between them, and then slotted other bits of wood into them horizontally, (which were cut to the width of the bin) to form a solid fronted door. Does that make sense?

[Fairy Plotmother]

Take three pallets of similar size and either screw or tie together. Line with old compost  bags and fill.

Do you have a removable front? Do you have an easy way to remove it for filling and unloading?

I do.  I made a sort of slotted area both sides of the front of the compost bin from 2 lengths of wood screwed vertically with about 2cm (or just bigger than the width of the other bits of wood) of space between them, and then slotted other bits of wood into them horizontally, (which were cut to the width of the bin) to form a solid fronted door. Does that make sense?

Just how my fronts are Snow White.

[Tenhens]

I built a three bin 'system' 3-4 years ago in the garden using pallets and some wood Mrs Tenhens had planned for something else. As mentioned previously, line it with cardboard which helps protect the wood and also eventually adds to the mix. It's a good way to get rid of appliance packaging.

I use a Darlek at the plot for composting those weeds  that get soaked before hand as well as a single pallet bin for the rest.