[kevinp]

I notice that most of you build your bins out of pallets, or planks of wood which is what I have planned to do. But we have lots of these metal panels around the yard and wondered what your thoughts were on using these as set up in the pictures.





Would these be ok or do you need less open sides ?, the holes are around 1 1/2" square

[arugula]

My initial thought was that I don't think the compost heap would get as warm as it needs to, to do its work. It may do so in the centre, but would take a long time to work.

[kevinp]

Thanks for the answer I think that I will go with one of the plastic darlek type ones as that might take up too much room anyway,

[Dave Mack]

While your waiting to get your darlek bin ... just use that one with a black plactic cover over it ... everything should still rot down 

[mumofstig]

Just line the sides and top with cardboard, keeps in the warm and eventually rots down as well

[birmancats]

I'd just put a flattened cardboard box on the inside of each piece to "line" it.  Will keep some of the warmth in and stop the stuff falling out.  They'll be easier to dismantle and get into to turn and get at your compost than the darleks.  

[DD.]

The forum acoustics get worse, just can't get rid of that echo!

[Dave Mack]

Hello Hello ... somebody say something 
I think Mums way would be cheapest and best ... i would go with that 

[JaK]

They would be great for making leaf mould!!

[kevinp]

In the end I went for the old tried and tested design, of four pallets These are what are known as one way pallets and get broken very easy at work  so with all the broken bits knocked off all I did was screw them together. I went for this option in the end because its very easy to add to if I need too.

I also fitted my hose rack to the back of the bin, only another three 5x6 blocks to dig and I will be finished