Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Being as mechanically declined as I am (i'm a software guy) I decided the next system will be a blue barrel system...it's cheap...no problem getting ahold of them...and they're fun to sit on and roll around when you're trying to figure out what in the world you're doing.

Anyway, I realized...I don't know a good way to cut the suckers in half. I've got a few ideas on how I _could_ do it, but as i've learned through the course of other projects, it's better to have an idea how to do it right going into it, than to do it a few times and then figure out the best way to do it.

Anyone have any tips before I brutally assault these barrels?

a sawzall? jigsaw, knife.
id use this,

I think the folks here use angle grinders mostly.

ooooh an angle grinder would be nice. time to hunt for one.
I wonder where the sawzall is hiding.


thanks..this should prove interesting

what kind of blade does a angle grinder use to cut plastic?

+1 for Sawzall. But only to be operated after 6 beers minimum and a dull blade:)

lol MF...isn't that the only way for a clumsy person like myself to use power tools?

I only use a jigsaw now - I used an angel grinder at first, but it just melts the plastic and almost 'glues' it together as you cut The jigsaw was also a lot faster for me

in desperation, if you don't have the required power tools (down Les ) you can also use a hand saw, takes a bit longer, bit still gets the job done.

I used an angle grinder with a (very) worn diamond blade.....

Don't think the worn part is compulsory ....LOL

Me too

so did i, but it does tend to generate quite a bit of heat and smell. if you use the angle grinder make sure you have some variety of cut off disk on it.

dad used a jig saw to "top" his barrel.

jig saw for me.

Rupe, tell the truth, you just wanted to show off our arms again!

I used a circular saw (with a dull blade)