Cut barrels into containers with lids.

I tried this today and it work perfectly so I'll share. I got a sealed 55 gallon plastic barrel. I noticed the barrel is slightly tapered at the top. Figured I could cut it to make it fit inside itself for a tight fit sturdy lid.

I measured 1" down and 2" down from the top lip All the way around. I Cut both lines with my sawzall and cleaned up the edges with the grinder.
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I was pondering the same thing - that looks great (& easy). Thanks for posting.

I was thinking about doing something like this with 25ltr frying oil containers. They can be cool cut and used as lids as they come with a handle too.

Use a curricular saw and a pallet like a V-block. I would cut them to fit a brewery I was getting the spent grain from. The curricular saw cuts them real quick. Its easier to have extra hands too. I deburring tool will make a nice edge too.

HDX Deburring Tool-HDX090 at The Home Depot

Eric

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Originally Posted by Swampy

I was pondering the same thing - that looks great (& easy). Thanks for posting.

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I thought so too at first but notice how straight he made those cuts? Wasn't easy.

Actually, it can be easy to make a straight cut if you know how to set it up. I've never laid out an item that big for hand cutting though. Take a piece of cardboard or paper with a straight edge on one side and wrap it around, overlapping the edges in a straight line. Double check to be sure you have the edges lined up straight, then mark your line. Finding something long enough to wrap around a barrel would be a bit of a challenge though.

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Originally Posted by Mechanic688

I thought so too at first but notice how straight he made those cuts? Wasn't easy.

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Actually was easier than I thought. I laid it on its side up against a wall for stability. Started the cut with the sawzall and did about 6"-8" before rolling it to cut more. Make sure to start with the cut closest to the lid first.

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Originally Posted by billygoat

Actually, it can be easy to make a straight cut if you know how to set it up. I've never laid out an item that big for hand cutting though. Take a piece of cardboard or paper with a straight edge on one side and wrap it around, overlapping the edges in a straight line. Double check to be sure you have the edges lined up straight, then mark your line. Finding something long enough to wrap around a barrel would be a bit of a challenge though.

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I thought about using "pipe wrap." Its for cutting steel piling at work. The taper on the barrel makes it hard. a perfect cylinder would work.
But All I did was mark 1" and 2" down All the way around. (notice the dots) then connect the dots.

Pipe wrap -
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