Wobbly Center Console Repair
November 1, 2024
55 Gallon Garbage Cans
Table of Contents
Shop Garbage Drum
One of the most universal requirements for a workshop is easily accessible garbage cans. For the longest time, my shop garbage can was a 1 foot diameter cylinder with a flip open lid from target. It was metal for fire resistance, but everything else about it was terrible. The lid automatically closed after releasing the foot pedal. This meant that you had to physically step on the garbage can to throw something away. This eliminated any chance of making a sick shot from across the shop.
Nothing is more frustrating than holding onto something dirty and greasy while desperately looking for somewhere to toss it. You don’t want to throw it on your work surface and contaminate everything else. Where is that garbage can? This is how I solved my problem and made a pair of 55 gallon garbage cans with wheels to easily roll them around.
Material selection
I began my search for a sufficient trash receptacle with some requirements. The container needed to be fire proof, large enough to throw trash into from a distance, needed to be mobile, and be very cheap to make. I immediately thought of “burn barrels” that are usually depicted in movies with homeless people using them as a source of warmth. So to Facebook marketplace we go. I searched for “burn barrel” and was flooded with results. I was able to get two barrels, 5 minutes from my house, for $10 each. Automotive shops will often sell their empty barrels after they use all of the motor oil inside. They just have no use for them anymore. Search for listings with some of the following phrases as sellers will market them differently.
- Burn Barrel
- Oil Drum
- 55 Gallon Drum
I could weld the wheels on, I could drill holes and bolt them, or maybe I could use epoxy or double sided tape? Nope. I chose to use bar magnets. This was the easiest solution that doesn’t have any of the negatives of the others. Welding would require a lot of surface preparation and may warp the base plate and make the wheel sloppy. Drilling holes would create a path for any garbage liquids to drop out onto my shop floor. Double sided tape would be a close second but is mostly permanent. My solution of magnets allows me to easily remove, or add, wheels wherever and whenever.
Assembly
It is important to CAREFULLY grind the lid off of the drum and remove it. It is recommended to completely fill the drum with water while grinding to prevent an explosion. To attach the casters, instead of drilling or welding, I chose to attach them with magnets. The bar magnets I ordered included adhesive strips that are optional for a slightly more permanent if desired. The last step is to install the garbage bag! I can now throw garbage across the shop with an increased chance of making it in.
