[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
Bin Plans 1
http://arts.usask.ca/~dbp068/bin.htm
Title: Bin Plans 1
The Bin Plans
(They take a moment to load.)

Bin Statistics
- Type.....................................................Wood
- Length..............................................42 inches
- Width...............................................23 inches
- Depth..........15 inches (12 inch bedding depth)
- Capacity......................6 pounds of red worms


Materials Required
- One 4x8 sheet of 1/2 inch exterior-grade plywood.......
- Three 12-foot 2x4's....................................................
- One pound of 2-inch Robertson wood screws.............
- One-half pound of 3 1/2-inch Robertson wood screws
- One pair of sturdy door-hinges....................................
- Non-toxic wood preservative......................................
- Four six-inch legs (furniture type)................................

Construction Details

- Cut the plywood using the measurements given in the illustration above. (In case the measurements are hard to read, they are as follows: Starting at the top, left-hand side of the drawing, and moving clockwise: 24"...24"...23"...24"...42"...42"...15"...15"...and 15".)
- Cut one of the 12-foot 2x4's into one 39-inch piece, two 23-inch pieces, and one 20-inch piece. Then cut one 39-inch piece from one of the remaining 2x4's. (If you try to get all these pieces from one 2x4, the last piece will be short by two or three saw-blades.)
- Take the plywood base piece (23"x42") and the five lengths of 2x4 which you just cut, and assemble as shown below by laying the 2x4's in place (on edge), screwing them together with 3 1/2-inch screws, and then using 2-inch screws to attach the base piece.

- The next thing to do is cut four 11-inch lengths of 2x4, and screw one on to each of the sides of the front and back panels, flush with the top and side edges of the plywood. Then attach the front and back panels to the base frame.
- Attach the two end pieces to finish off the box portion of the bin.
- Since it can get a little awkward to do so once the lid is installed, now would be a great time to add the legs (which will allow you room for a drip-pan), and a few drainage holes in the base.
- If you are at all concerned about the occasional worm accidentally squirming out the bottom of the bin, the drainage holes can be covered with a fine screen, which can be secured with staples.
- Next, cut two 45-inch, and two 20-inch lengths of 2x4, and lay them along the edges of the lid piece in such a manner that the plywood overhangs the 2x4's by 1 1/2 inches all around. Attach the plywood to the frame with screws.
- Decide the best location for the hinges you chose, attach the lid to the box, and voila, a very sturdy worm-bin.
For the More Artistic Among Us
You may want to simply add the bedding and the worm population immediately upon completion of the preceding steps, and tuck the whole works down in the basement, or out in the garage. Or you may wish to add a nice outside covering, such as vinyl or leather, or even some paint to finish the bin off nicely. If you have the time and the inclination to do so, this basic bin can very easily be converted into a very nice piece of furniture which anyone would be proud to have in their living room. (If the bin is properly maintained, there is no reason this should be any problem.) It's up to you, but if you do decide to get fancy, or creative, I would really like to hear all about it, so drop me some e-mail and let me know.
In any case.....enjoy the bin!
[TAKE YOUR PICK]
Original Text
Copyright © 1995, D. Brian Paley