Shopsmith Forums

Hi,

Some where on the forum I have posted a rain barrel stand I made that holds a 35 gallon drum. The 55 gallon drum that I had a cistern pump on was just to rusted to be used anymore so we purchased a 60 or was it 65 gallon recycled olive drum this spring.

I had planned to have this setup more then a month ago but where does the time go?? So the project got to the top of the list this week. I did a sketch up model, purchased the lumber, cut and then assembled it and got it positioned under the downspout in about 2-1/2 days.

Most of the project went well except for the lag bolts. I think I counted 82 of them. I predrilled and then put them in by hand, speed wrench and socket wrench. That was a bit much for my hands... My 18v drill driver from about 1997 or 1998 went though the last two batteries I'm going to be buying for it. Two batteries, about a $120, think it is time to find something newer and better (spindle bearing is starting to go). Just have not had the time to figure out what I want to buy and if I can afford to get what I'd like or have to settle for less. OK got a little off topic in my own post...

With water being about 8 pounds a gallon and this holding 60 gallons, couldn't go to light on the build. What you see is about 10-1/2 8 foot treated 2x4's (minus some scrap).

Now all we need is some rain so I can see if will be stable on the blocks I put down and leveled. Perhaps tomorrow?

[ATTACH]17691[/ATTACH]

Ed

Nice design. Don't think I'll need one though: We're in a moderate drought right now. There is a burn ban now in place. BTW, have you seen the collapsible rain barrels?

BPR

Looks great! Where did you get the olive barrel from and how is it different from a plastic 55gal blue drum?

Just a note about lag bolts. In a previous life I use to be responsible for building greenhouses for retail sales. The style we used in the 80's was in part made of wood. Anyway........A trick the maintenance guys showed me was to pre-drill a hole then pound the lag bolt in with a hammer about 3/4 the way, Finish up by twisting in with a socket wrench. Worked very well and never had a problem with them. Makes the job go so much quicker.

Hey! This is my 1,000 post. Do I win a prize? LOL!!!

Hey Reible, Did you use steam to get that "curve" on the board on the fence in the back ground ... jus askn ...

Ed

I'm glad to see I'm not alone in the over engineering dept. 60 gallons a 8 lbs per gallon would be about 480-500 lbs. I'm guessing your stand would support about 2000 lbs.

I once built a workbench that I'm sure to this day would hold four or more 500+ Cubic Inch diesel engines. Never put anything heavier than 6 x 6 x 10 foot long post on it.

My uncles, Dad, etc., always used the word "give" instead of "flex," "motion," etc. So there was a real premium of appreciation for structures with no "give.":D

cincinnati wrote:
Hey! This is my 1,000 post. Do I win a prize? LOL!!!

Do Not hold yer breath waiting!:D

Hi,

We are in the same moderate drought, rain totals so far 0.00" for the month!

Yes I have seen the collapsible rain barrels but I don't own any. I've also seen a big bladder bag which reminded me of the old hot water bottles... which in turn makes me think back to the "water buffalo" from my army days.

I did manage to find my old post which has pictures of the rain barrel this is replacing as well as another stand I built for a smaller barrel for the other side of the house.

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=5908

Ed

ryanbp01 wrote:Nice design. Don't think I'll need one though: We're in a moderate drought right now. There is a burn ban now in place. BTW, have you seen the collapsible rain barrels?

BPR

Hi,

My wife and I attended a presentation on water gardens by a local group that is in to water conservation/water shed/and other such issues. At the end they offered rain barrel order forms.

This group arranged for the food grade plastic containers which were converted with "rain barrel modifications" (valves, hose connections, filter screens, etc). The barrels contained various food products in their former life and were normally recycled in various ways, now a few are making it by holding rain water. This being a money making project of the non-profit organization the cost was actually less then the store prices in the area. So other then that and the fact we know what it held before we purchased it there is likely not much differences.

I used the term "speed wrench" in my earlier posting and got to thinking that is a term I'm familiar but maybe a universal term to all. So in honor of your historian 1000's posting here is a picture of what I'm talking about. The rest of you please don't look at this picture it is not for your eyes.

[ATTACH]17705[/ATTACH]

I do like your hint about the pounding in part way, I had forgotten about that even after I've used it a few time, old gray cells are getting a little weak I guess.

Ed

cincinnati wrote:Looks great! Where did you get the olive barrel from and how is it different from a plastic 55gal blue drum?

Just a note about lag bolts. In a previous life I use to be responsible for building greenhouses for retail sales. The style we used in the 80's was in part made of wood. Anyway........A trick the maintenance guys showed me was to pre-drill a hole then pound the lag bolt in with a hammer about 3/4 the way, Finish up by twisting in with a socket wrench. Worked very well and never had a problem with them. Makes the job go so much quicker.

Hey! This is my 1,000 post. Do I win a prize? LOL!!!

Well hawkeye you spotted my special straight edge I use to build all my projects with. I use to have a one that was straight but all the projects turned out curved so I figured if I used a curved one the projects would come out straight.... proof is in the build, see the stand, it's straight. Works great!

jus tellen

Ed

Billdit wrote:Hey Reible, Did you use steam to get that "curve" on the board on the fence in the back ground ... jus askn ...