Well, aren't you just the cleverest one???? Good job Jayne. I'll tell 'ya, from reading that paragraph I would say you have some engineering DNA.

Now we have Jayne McClever.

Thanks Mary, I'm just a good copier with a propensity to tinker things into being just a bit prettier plus I love studying soil science. It helps to have 3 engineers in the family with one of them willing to build a prototype. I forgot to add stirrers are needed to help keep the compost from clumping. These are just threaded pieces of rod going through the axel with locking washers and nuts on both sides to hold it tight to the axel.

Thanks for the axil picture, my next question was going to be about the axil. I am dubious about how well the side walls of the plastic will withstand the growing weight of compost? What are your thoughts?

I had the same concern and I cant tell from the photo how this is avoided but got me to thinking how I sleeved through some barrels I have for my home made pond filters. This could take some of the stress off the plastic on the barrel.
You could use the electrical male/female PVC couplings and slide your axil through that.
The attached picture is not mine but it does show the type of adapters I'm talking about.

Forgot to add.
I really like this idea Jayne.
thanks for posting.

Pray tell more about your home made pond filter, mine was a bust last year. I have to start all over!

I'll send you a c-mail with all the details.

I am not too worried about stressing the side walls of the barrel Bridgett and only time will tell if it is an issue. I bought one of those expensive compost tumblers many years back and it cracked apart under our hot sun after 10 years. I could buy many replacement barrels for the cost of that original tumbler. I'll keep an eye on it to see if I think a problem is developing.

I love the design and would use it if I didn't have a 100 square foot by 7 foot high compost pile. I use the tractor to turn it. It's a slow composting pile, but it makes enough each year for me and friends.

Well if I had your set-up I surely would not be composting in a barrel either. And, if you were nearer to me, I would try and be your friend.

Come for a visit and bring a truck! I'm a mile high and a little spot of paradise!

We just love the Sonoita area, lived down that way in the early '90's. Long, rolling hills, beautiful views. Lucky girl, Bridgett.

Has anyone tried coconut coir for mulch?

I believe it is a bit pricey for large projects but probably would work quite well.

I just posted a warning in the Pets Forum about using coconut mulch...dangeroue to dogs and cats...Jo

Be sure you are aware that there is a difference between coconut coir mulch and cocoa mulch. One is made from coconut leftovers and one is made with chocolate leftovers. The coconut is not a hazard for pets, the cocoa - from which chocolate is made - is a HUGE hazard!

Once again:

cocoNUT = okeedokee

cocoA = NO NO

Good point, Judy. I don't think the coir is sold in bags, though. Has anyone seen it marketed like that? If so, tell me where as I'd like to try it.

Alma, hydroponic stores usually have this item in bulk. A store I use is on the north side of Bell, east of I-17. There's one in Tempe too. Sea of Green.

Sea of Green? That sounds like a store I should NOT visit! I might get lost...

Sea of Green has a number of great gardening items for both hydroponic and soil gardening. I love love love that store. I was there once in the afternoon and they served tea with itty bitty brownies. They were delish.
BTW coir is usually sold in tightly condensed bricks. When you wet it down it shreds into usable medium. I use it in my e-buckets.

you give yourself away Alma. ;;~} BROWNIES Jayne? Really? very interesting. Last time I was there they let me snip from the giant, gorgeous coleus that's growing under lights. It's not happy here but am hoping it will adjust to soil and regular lighting.

Yeah, my discovery of that store - and all the dollars that have vanished from my wallet to theirs - is all Jayne's fault. Naughtly Jayne The Enabler

They have absolutely great potting soil. I'll never use anything but Fox Farm from now on. Also a great seed starting soil. Soil is a relative term....I think it's really soil-less....but I get confused.