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Hi

I'm new!! My girlfriend has just kindly received a lidless waterbutt! We've managed to get a piece of circular ply wood to use as a lid but I would like to make a few adjustments so that it fits tightly on top. Does anyone know where I can get some plans to adapt such a lid?

Regards

Nick

Whilst I am here. Here is a picture of the new green house kindly given to us! Sans glass:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37503331@N00/5608843019/

Hi Nick, welcome to Ish Nice greenhouse.

Don't know about plans and I'm not sure what adjustments you need to make so can't really help. If you're using plywood though, make sure you seal it well to make it as weather-proof as possible. Even marine ply seems to split after a few good dousings in my experience!

Thanks Green Aura.

I've been looking around at wooden wine/beer barrels for inspiration but I think I'll do some experimenting. I think it might even be a piece of marine ply!

Well, if it was left to me, it would be that piece of plywood with a rock on top

However, you could get a second piece of ply, cut it to the internal dimensions of the butt top, and screw it to the top piece. The combined weight should keep it in place under most conditions.

Mike

Most of my water butt lids have something heavy on them cos even the plastic ones that come with them fly away in heavy wind.

mine are upside down , making double use as bird baths/waterers

I'd go with the brick-on-top too

I've bought a pad saw to cut curves and circles in wood. I'm then going to attach batons with curved ends which should hopefully slide and slot into the inside of the butt!

Whew - you're going to have to be accurate, not the easiest thing with a padsaw. However, remember that you need multiple points of contact to ensure a good fit - four battens, for instance, probably won't be enough to keep that lid on in a decent wind.

Mike

6 batons then??

I'll certainly experiment and let you know the outcome!

I got an old black bin lid, turned it upside down so it makes some where for water to collect in, then drilled some holes. 2 house bricks keep it attached in windy weather.

I have no downspout so my water butt collects rainwater this way.