Homemade Compost Tumbler


To build a homemade compost tumbler from scratch is time and energy consuming. Fortunately there is compost tumbler assembly kit available.

Homemade Compost Tumbler Kit

A homemade compost tumbler kit includes everything necessary except tools. The essential items are tumbler drum panels, end caps, tumbler door, frame legs, drive handle, drive gear and lots of bolts and washers.

Tumbler Assembly

The assembly of homemade compost tumbler begins with the tumbler drum. To assemble the tumbler, simply take the 2 drum panels and lay them end to end with the mixing fins facing up. Use the holes in the fins for alignment and the 2 tumbler drum panels can be bolted together once they are aligned. The body part of a homemade compost tumbler is now in shape.

End Caps Attachments

First attach one end cap and position the tumbler standing up so that the center fin is aligned with the screen on the end cap. Slide the edge of the tumbler into the rim of the end cap and leave a gap for the door panel. Slide the door panel into the end cap rim and the holes in the inside will line up nicely for bolting.


Next attach the second end cap so that when the homemade compost tumbler is finished the vents will both be rotating together. The bolts in the tumbler slots are adjustable to get the panels and cap to fit correctly.


Once the second end cap of the homemade compost tumbler is in place, install the 3 tie rods to hold the tumbler together. Thread one nut onto each tie rods and thread the tie rods through the holes in the end cap. The ties will come out through the other end cap. The homemade compost tumbler is now fully assembled. The remaining task is to install the accessories such as aerators and the door latches.

Support Frame Assembly

The support frame is for the drive gear to turn the homemade compost tumbler on the drive support. Gears are provided to be installed inside the support frame for turning the compost tumbler. Simply turn the homemade compost tumbler on its side to attach the gear drive to the gear teeth on the tumbler drum. Both stub axles are to be inserted into the center holes of the end caps. Once they are all in place, position the drive support over the tumbler drum and push it into the stub axles.


The homemade compost tumbler is now almost ready. The final leg assembly is relatively straight forward. Simply bolt the legs and attach the braces to the tumbler drum. A nice looking homemade compost tumbler is now ready.


The whole assembly process can be even more exciting if it is done together with family members or even with neighbours. Going to the garden to turn the homemade compost tumbler can be even more fun for everyone.