How to Make a Burn Barrel
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
- I took an old 55 Gallon Steel drum I bought off of Craigslist and turned it into a Burn Barrel for yard waste, debris, and scrap wood!! Here's how to make a burn barrel!!
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You're the man, Big Lou! Respect to the fact that you made a mistake, left it in the video, and showed how to correct it so other people can learn with you. Keep up the good work
Thanks my man!! Appreciate the support!!
End result was good. He could have simply hid his mistakes from us. But chose to keep it real, and poke a bit of fun at himself.
You are cool in my book Big Lou.
Why thank you good Sir... I feel that showing the mistakes that I make will hopefully prevent others from making the same ones!!
Good video. Concise with not a lot of bullshit. Also you’re actually funny for a TH-cam personality. Thanks for the upload. A rare gem on TH-cam
thank you thank you!! I appreciate the kind words!!
I like the way that u did nt give up and u learn from that mistake ,i would do same,thanks man
Thanks man... I always am of the mindset that the thing Maker's Make The Most, is Mistakes, but how we deal with them is the real test of our craft!!
Really likeable guy and voice, thanks for the vid.
ok ... blushing now!!!
I agree 👍
Nice to see us big guys rocking it out.
hahaha... Fer Sher man.. Knock one back for the big buys!!!
Big Lou's Workshop well you definitely have a new sub out of me
Great video, and the humor keeps you interested. You’re a funny dude! Thanks
Thanks man... I appreciate that!
Enjoyed this. You are a natural entertainer!
Hey man... thanks so much for that... made my morning!
This is a great Video, love the humor. I was looking to see how to make a burn barrel. Your video was the easiest by far for me to follow. Thanks Lou!!
that's a wonderful compliment!! I'm so thrilled you found it useful!! Thanks!
Got it. Love the video. And on those real cold days get even more creative. Build you a outside shed. Put the BB on the inside get you a couch and chair and start the BB. You feel like you in the middle of June. Good luck guys.
HA... yeah... that's certainly the plan... but one step at a time!! Thanks for the suggestion!!
Like this
I like this guy (I am hard to please, normally). Unselfconscious and straight like an arrow, no pretensions and no fake accent (brit or southern) either. I always look for basic, no nonsense projects, that don't take much time and do the job.
Thanks so much for all that!!! I really appreciate it!!
I like that idea those 2 inch holes look cool too..... the way the fire shows
Thanks man!!
It's like you read my mind... over a year and a half before it was in my mind to make a burn barrel...in fact, before today I did not think I would need this info.
I do.
I'm so glad you found it helpful!!!
I'm so glad you made that mistake and we could ALL learn from it. I did not paint my first burn barrel. It lasted for several years burning occasional lawn/tree waste, but eventually rusted out. I trashed it and decided not to replace it and just have my trash collection guy haul yard waste away. Well, I'm regretting that now. Seems like a lot more work not just for him but for ME too. Now shopping for replacement and thinking I'll paint it this time and maybe it will last longer. I had no idea about curing so without a doubt I would have made the same mistake. Thank you!
So thrilled that I could be of help!! Thanks for letting me know, made my day!!
Painting the outside is a waste. Your barrel will burn out in 3 to 4 years no matter how you try to paint it. The money wasted on paint will buy your next barrel.
@@robertkotula5389 I agree. After the stuff burns , and the drum cools, I cover it with the lid that came with the Drum. Keeps rain out.
100% correct..the barrel rusts from inside out...the paint is useless and a joke...I had mine 5 years before it started chipping off from inside out, never painted it, so give up that theory it would last a year or two more...never happen 😅 but it does give the paint company money$$
Thanks for the video! I didn’t know how far up to drill the air intake holes so this was helpful.
So glad that you found it useful!! Thanks so much for the comment!!
Great video man. Mistake and all included. Love it
Thanks so much... I've always felt it's important to learn from mistakes as opposed to covering them!!
First time here. I was getting ready to go out & this video popped up recommended. Why I do not know. But as I was reading the comments & your replies I hit that bell for you & 👍 629.
When I made my burn barrels I never did paint them & before cutting the top out I just used a pick to punch several holes in the side. Not as good looking as yours but hey it is a burn barrel.
Nice job on yours 👌 Stay safe, Joe Z
Thank you so much for the kind words I truly appreciate it and trust me it didn’t stay looking as nice as it does at the end of this video!!
@@BigLousWorkshop 👍
Big Lou to the rescue! Thanks for this tutorial, sir - I took a few notes and made my own to similar specs!
Good deal man... glad it helped!!
How many holes did you make at the bottem?
The back to the future reference earned you a like
I'll take a "like" all day... out of curiosity... what would have earned a Sub??
Well Done 👍
Thanks 😁
Haha I just came from some gun videos and when it said burn barrel I thought you were making a throwaway one time use Gun Barrel LOL that is the nicest burn barrel I've ever seen tho!
hahaha ... thanks man ... my motto is "If it's worth doing, then it's worth OVER doing!!!" I appreciate the comment!!!
I like when DIY videos show mistakes. Good final product.
Me too man... makes it more DIY, less staged production... thanks!!
Thanks Lou. Regards from Nottingham / UK....
Always really cool to know how far reaching my content is going!! Thanks for watching!!
The original layer of paint on the barrel is most likely not high heat so that would contribute to the original failure.
yeah that was my assessment as well... Live and learn though!!
Yes, I saw another video where he burned in the barrel first time and all original paint melted/disappeared. He let it cool, THEN put the high heat paint on. That's most likely the issue. Good catch!
Well done.
Thank ya!!
Big Lou's like you, he's on meds too.
ummm... not quite sure what who this is directed at... but thanks for commenting!!
That saying comes from a Law comercial out here in Atlanta, Ga. Big Lou Law.
ooooohhhh... hahaha... thanks for the context!!
Thanks for making a great, informative and humorous video, Big Lou! I just got home with my 'new' barrel (my 20 year old one has just rusted out completely) and since Hurricane Nicole is bringing some heavy winds and rain my way within 2 days, I better get ahead and be ready to be able to burn a lot of yard debris. Hopefully nothing else! :-)
Your video gets a FIVE star rating from me!!!
Thanks so much for the 5 stars, and I hope Ms Nicole was kind to you and yours!!
Thanks, I enjoyed your video!
Thanks man... Glad to hear it!
Good video and good energy mate, keep it up.
you know I will!! Thanks!!
Thanks and love the Tshirts!!!
hahaha... yeah... I'm a geek through and through!!
Burn barrels are great. Have you considered drilling a small hole in the bottom to allow rain to weep out? I was less professional creating air vents in mine, I used the pike on the back of a fireman’s axe.
Haha... whatever gets the job done right?? As for the hole on the bottom I didn't want to risk hot coals catching my grass on fire. So I just store it upside down under the eves of my house.
@@BigLousWorkshop we usually shot holes in ours with a rifle, lol
@@noreen_ann1438 hahaha... it's illegal to discharge a firearm in a residential area!! Plus, I'm too OCD to just have random holes in it!! LOL
Great job, ya learned from ya mistake, not only did you learn I did as well, great info, great job, keep up the great work
thank you thank you so so much!! Learning from mistakes is how we all grow!!
Everyone has a special formula for a burn barrel. I use a .45 cal pistol. Pop 4 shots in the bottom panel. That'll give you 8 holes. Takes less than a minute and is way safer than your huge 2" holes. Your paint job was a total waste. My barrel does not have any holes in the bottom so i can burn used motor oil and old diesel. Pro tip: put used tire chains in the bottom of your barrel so you can flip your cold barrel upside down to remove ash and any unburned cardboard before you start your next fire. Also I use a metal screen to help eliminate sparks.
Well first discharging a firearm is illegal in a residential area… Second i painted it because I wanted to I don’t care if it’s a waste and third burning motor oil is disgusting!! dispose of it properly at a haz mat collection place like you’re supposed to!! But thanks for the comment
I like your style Big Lou! Thanks for the video!
Thanks man!!
Yo Lou,you stay safe too. Love your antics! Keep those vids up.lol
Thank ya, thank ya... will do!!!
Great vid buddy 👍
Thanks so much!!
Great job thanks
You bet
My neighbor requested a burn barrel.... So I got him one. Free N/C......only...the top is still on it.
So I did what any neighbor would do.....quietly packed up his driveway and dropped the barrel then ran away.
hahaha ... that's how you gotta play it sometimes!!
suggestion - use a Step Drill Bit to make holes and it made making the holes quick and easy.
That is certainly an option as well!! Thanks!
I just used my angle grinder to make triangular air flow holes. Also, my barrel still had its lid so I cut about a 12”x12” square opening in the lid. Seems to keep embers from flying out as much as the full open top.
Looks good bro!
Thanks so much!!
@@BigLousWorkshop Absolutely man, keep the videos coming!
Good vid my man 👍💯
S’mores Lou, S’mores!!! Always need more. Awesome build!
Oh rest easy young man!! There're are always S'mores
A+ on the Winston shirt :)
nice catch my man!
Thanks Lou... Enjoyed that, wish you had got that footage... I was wondering how it would work with a 6 inch ole in the bottom centre GN
Thanks so much... yeah I had been running the camera and since it was damp I was having a lot of trouble getting the fire going so I stopped recording and then everything LITERALLY went up in flames!! HAHAHA!!
cool vid dude. I'm looking to make one. thanks. subbed.
Thanks so much... greatly appreciate it!!
I got a 55 gallon drum that was used to store a pineapple juice. It has the original dark blue exterior on it right now. I am looking to just burn papers in it. Should I just drill three or four holes in the bottom and then paint it with some heat resistant paint? Does the paint hold up or is it just a waste of time?
You're going to run into the same issue that I did... the base layer of paint is NOT heat resistant so it's just going to flake off during the first burn anyway! My advice, do one burn then clean off the outside and hit it with two coats of the high heat paint.
@@BigLousWorkshop Makes sense. If spray it before it will just flake off on top of the original coat. How effective do you think it would be if I just sprayed two coats on it without cleaning it off?
@@BigLousWorkshop Also should i put holes or slants in the bottom I saw where people made slants to create a "vortex barrel"
Honestly you’d probly be ok... I’m just overly cautious when it comes to surface prep for finishes. I think it would really depend on how much was left after the first burn. At the very least you might want to hit it with a blower or something.
I did the holes just cause I liked that look and my angle grinder is one of my least favorite tools!! But either one will work, as long as air can get to the fire!!
Question please. I put maybe too many holes around the bottom area. My barrel disintegrated in no time. You know the bottom broke off. Did I over do it?
Oh WOW ... that's a new one by me!! I've had mine out in the elements for years and have had no issues with disintegration of any kind!! Wish I could be more help, but I'm honestly not an expert, just a guy in his garage!!
👌 big lou!
👍
New to your channel. Love the Biff reference!
It’s one of my favorite franchises!! 😁😎
I'm making 2 of these in next week
Right on man!! I hope this video helped give you some ideas!!!
How about some tough love... tip on easy prep drum...remove top, slash slits in side with old hatchet 🪓... Make sure no funky flammable fumes inside first if you have to put some water in it! No paint that's just a waste, it won't last!
I appreciate the comment and tip for sure... but the paint has lasted just fine and I like the way the holes look more than slits!! And if you're strong enough to cut through a steel drum with an old hatchet then more power to ya my friend!!
I used my angle grinder and made 3 cuts and pushed the metal in so the burning material would not fall out. I put 3 bricks in bottom and put a grating on top , Plenty of air from the 4x4 hole and it sounds like it’s got a blower. I have the whole thing set up on 3 cinder blocks.
The only thing I am having issue with is spark screen, I have one off a fire pit that is a little too big, and has holes. I just bought a roll of 1/4 inch rabbit wire that I am going to use until I find a sheet of 1/8 inch expander iron.
Do you think that the rabbit wire or expanded iron will hold up to the heat of the hot residue left in the bottom of the barrel.
I do not like leaving the barrel uncovered when I am not present, even though I added a security camera to keep an eye on it when I am in the house..
I thought about just using an angle grinder to cut the slits like that, but decided I liked the look of the holes better. I personally don't have any type of covering on the top cause I don't ever load it to the point where I need it, plus I never leave it unattended and I ALWAYS have the hose nearby in case anything happens. Bit if I was to use a cover I'd try to find some metal curtain material that they use for fire places and use that, I hope this helps!!
Why do you paint the burn barrell?
lol… honestly just cause I wanted to! No other reason than I thought it looked better painted.
I sell steel 55 gallon barrels in Jacksonville Florida, $15 for sealed top barrels, $25 for standard open top barrels, and $30 for removable top barrels with 2 in hole down at the bottom front with reinforcement ring for high-efficiency burn.
right on!!
Nice T-shirt at 6:37!
Lol… thanks!!
You are a cool dude. Very easy to follow allow in your videos. Keep up the good work.
I appreciate that so much!! I've got some more cool stuff coming really soon!!
I just gave you a thumbs up for the bif tanner joke, good video though
HA!!! Thanks man!!
Great video thanks
But what is it used for. Cooking ?
Hey thanks so much ... I just use it for safely burning yard debris and scrap wood from my workshop!!
Is this guy trying to recreate "Tool Time?" What NOT to do?! Lol!!
HAHAHA... not exactly what I was going for, but I'll take it!!
You look like fun to work with!
Wow!! Thanks for that! Making stuff IS fun, so I try to make that come across in my videos!!
How many 2" holes did you drill into it at the bottom? How far off from the ground should the holes be? What about water drainage holes should you have to douse the fire out with a hose?
I got 6, 2 in holes that I put 6 in up from the bottom.... in hindsight I really only needed 4 I think, and I've got about 10 holes in the bottom that I drilled out with an 1/8in bit for drainage, but thats really for when I store it upside down I dont have water pooling on it. I've never had to use the hose on it cause I dont want to run the risk of causing critical damage to it with a rapid cooling.
I'll try it to make a wood smoker.
right on ... just make sure your barrel was not used to store anything toxic before you cook in it!!
Would love to know where you obtained the paint can trigger. Great video!
I'm pretty sure I got it at either Home Depot or Lowe's had mine so long at this point I dont really remember ... any place that has a good selection of rattle cans should carry them.
@@BigLousWorkshop Thanks!
You're wire brushing and painting a burn barrel? I've been using them for years... There is no point to paint them... The paint will be gone after a few burns and it's going to end up rusting anyway
Paint still there after many many burns, and only minimal rusting... cause I took the time to prep it right and I used the right kind of paint... thanks for the comment!!
thats why you use silicone high heat paint. your fire won't be 1500°, the paint can withstand it tho
@@joeturtleneck2300 it'll work for a bit but even header paint is going to flake after a bit
Too bad you didn't catch on video the whole bursting into flames bit....that would be something to see...😂
But truly glad to catch you video on how to do this. Thanks😊
yeah... it was truly a spectacle ... my thought process was that people know how to light a fire and I was just going to let it start burning while I set up my camera stuff... oh well!!
@Big Lou's Workshop sure glad you were not hurt though....did appreciate the video how to...thanks😊
Funny how ? Like he amuses you ?
Subscribed
Thanks so much!!
Big Lou's Workshop I just can’t get my drill bit to cut a hole like you did
the pilot centering bit? or the hole saw itself??
Big Lou's Workshop Whoops. I used a wood bit. I got the holes I needed. I didn’t realize this burn barrel would be so powerful! Lol
Good deal man!! Glad you got it sorted out!! I'm always amazed when I actually use the right tool, and think "Huh, I should have done that from the beginning!!"
Hi We also make screw barrel do u have a trick of bimetallic barrel
I'm honestly not sure what you mean by that... a barrel made from two different metals??
Ya thats wright but the trick bytheway thank you
I made the same mistake with high temp paint and couldn't figure out how it all burned off lol
LOL ... happens to the best of us ... also in retrospect all these years later I also think that painting OVER the previous paint was the biggest contributing factor!!! Thanks so much for the comment!!
Who else is here cus of the stay at home order?
Well I certainly know that’s why I’m here!!
What is the actual size holes you should use....yours look enormous? I may need to buy a new drill bit 😐
I used a 2in hole Saw, and I think I drilled 6 holes total.
@@BigLousWorkshop I defo need a new drill never mind a bit.....didn't work for me, but I won't be defeated. Lol might even video it 🙂
Keep at it!! and for sure the right tools make things go so much smoother, ESPECIALLY when working with steel!!
Some people just shoot holes (if you have a gun) so they don't need to be that large. You might need more if smaller, but I'm no expert. I'm learning as I go and it's slow because how often do you replace a burn barrel? LOL! My first barrel just had small holes around the bottom. But as soon as it filled with a bit of ash, those holes were useless. So next time I'll make more holes with some higher. Check out TH-cam video where young man uses angle grinder to cut slots and make a "cyclone effect" with the air holes. Pretty cool!
This maybe a naive question: do you paint the inside of the barrel as well? I am planning to buy one and let it burn off the existing paint, before paint it with high heat paint but not sure if the inside needs a coat.
Personally I did not paint the inside, but I keep it stored upside-down so rain does not get in it... but if you wanna paint the inside, then by all means have at it!!
@@BigLousWorkshop cool cheers
Thanks for the video Big Lou ....... are two vent holes enough to keep things burning? Looking for something to burn shredded paper other documents.
If it was me I'd have at least 3 ... however be advised that I've used it to burn paper before and it tends to have embers of smoldering paper raise up out of the top of the barrel and go floating away. So that's something to be aware of.
@@BigLousWorkshop thanks! Yes I've thought of that too. Thanks for the info, Ill go with 3 for now. Stay Safe!
So how do you shovel the ash out the bottom and prevent it from building up?
LOL... I wait til it's cooled down and then roll it over to the corner of my yard and just turn it upside down!! I've never burned it so long that the ash built up to the vent holes so it's never been an issue!
Do you put a screen down the bottom ?
nah... I just build the fire right on the floor of the barrel.
Thanks bro!
👍
If you use cutting oil on the hole saw, it will keep your tool sharp.
Well yeah!!! Maybe I don’t like sharp tools!! 🤣😜 I was very ignorant of metal working when I made this, I know better now! Thanks for the guidance!
@@BigLousWorkshop Then you might like me... I'm definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed! All the same, I bought a barrel and grinded the top off and put in the holes at the same height for air, then put in 1 hole at the very bottom to drain any water. Thanks for your video, I'm not painting it, but incase I wanted to, thank you kindly for the lesson learned.
Thanks Lou, gave ya the 👍 up mate. Just 1 question how many holes did you drill into it? Cheers Brett
I think I ended up drilling 6 holes, which was too many honestly, I normally end up blocking off two of them with cinder blocks so I have a place to stand that's protected from direct heat ... could have gotten away with only 4 and still had plenty of airflow. Thanks for the question and I hope that helps you!
Ha! I did not know it would burst into flames before it cured. Good to know.
Oh I assure you, it came as quite the shock to me as well!! 😂
Thanks for the tips! Your newest sub 😁
Thanks so much for the support!!!
considering they are like $20 I would skip painting it..
I thought you were joking about painting it. Why would you paint it?
for starters I like how it looks painted... and second it just adds a little bit more protection for it being left out in the yard all the time!!
Hey Lou - Love the footage... Quick question.. when you drill that low and have it rolling for 2-3 hours, do any embers fall out of the oxygen holes??? Making one this weekend!! Thanks brotha!
Thanks so much for the question... honestly I've never had an issue with it... but I only use it for yard debris, and never have it going longer than I need to burn branches and stuff. If you've got a really large pile of things it could possibly be an issue... but you can always drill them a little higher if your worried about it!!
Big Lou's Workshop - Thank you Sir!
Thank you for making this video... but dude, WHERE do you get all the awesome tees?! :)
Believe it or not loot crate... whenever I need some new shirts I get a six month subscription to loot crate each crate comes with a T-shirt sometimes they’re cool sometimes they’re not... also I’ve been known to buy them from DXL or as I like to call it the fat guy store... but that’s kind of pricey!!
@@BigLousWorkshop thanks!! I too own some loot boxes great, but discontinued my sub. I guess I just have to go on eBay and find some. 😆
Do you need to put dirt in the bottom of the barrel before you burn in it?
I didn’t and have had no problems!! Granted I’ve only used it 2 or 3 times!!
I've never heard of putting dirt in bottom. I'll have to research that and see if there's a good reason/benefit. Thanks!
But why the holes on the barrel.
The holes allow for air to get to the fire and help it burn more efficiently. Having them at the bottom creates a vortex that will draw in fresh air as the smoke rises out of the top of the barrel and feed the fire and help it burn hotter longer.
I think we're gonna ventilate ours using another method.
There's no wrong way to get something done as long as the end result is what you wanted it to be!!!
Not me concidering if I can make this into a forge
DAMN Bro... what are you smithing that you need a forge this size!!
If you go to a car dealers (anywhere that services cars) they will usually give you some empty oil barrels for free.
Oh right on... might be worth looking into!! Thanks!
Really comical... and you are sweating the small stuff lol
Thanks so much!! I really appreciate that!!
Used a corded angle grinder to make the air vents. Make the same air vents in the bottom.
That's certainly one way to do it!! I personally like the uniformity that the hole saw gives, but that's all personal preference!! Thanks for the comment!!
Man you need to slow down with the burgers🍔🍟🍕🥯!! You will do more things if you were skinny
BWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!! Oh man... thanks so much for the laugh... really made my day!!!
Fuck me dead you paid $20 for a rusty barrel??
I have a bridge you might be interested in 😂
HAHA... seemed like a decent price... how much would you have paid??
Why does anyone paint a burn barrel?
one simple reason... I wanted to!!! hahaha
How about sand or stone at the bottom of barrel first to not let it ruin?
Do you mean like a layer of sand on the ground for the barrel to sit on? Or like sand in the bottom of the barrel?
Think about the first time you wanna clean the ash out of the burn barrel, and then ask your question again.
4 inch grinder to make multiple slits would be way more easy than the hole saw. correction: the big 10 inch grinder worked better and faster
You're absolutely right it would have been... but that was not the look I was wanting, I like the aesthetic of the holes more than the slits, and if that means a little more work then I'm ok with that!! Thanks for the comment!!
@@BigLousWorkshop yes those holes are more professional looking and cool i agree but these burn barrels have a sort or short life in my experience so that's where im coming, and by the way i like your work!
Thanks so much... that means a lot!! I've got more stuff coming soon so be on the lookout.
All the paint will be burned off the first use.
I've used it several times and the paint has remained intact!! Just have to make sure you get the high heat spray paint and let it fully cure before you actually use it!
I've got some old tires that need to be burned.
I'm no expert but I'm fairly certain those would be better served going to a recycle center!!
set it on bricks
hey man, thanks so much for the comment, at 6:11 in the video you can see that it is up on three cinder blocks so that it does not scorch my dirt.. uhhh I mean yard!!.
Biff hahaha
Best villain of the 80's not in a star wars movie!!
Just subscribed. Have you considered selling these?
I dont think they would ship very well!! Besides, they are incredibly easy to find for MUCH cheaper than I could sell them for!! Just search 55 Gallon steel drum and I'm sure you'll find someone local that's selling them!
@@BigLousWorkshop I was able to find a painted black barrel. Do I need to sand it before painting it with the heat resistant paint?
Might not be a bad idea... or you could just light a fire in it and burn it off. Anything to get down to be bare metal!