Here I have my composter made out of two by four frames with 1 x 6 x four spruce boards... I set it up in behind the Colorado Spruce tree and the Canadian cherry tree..My wife decorated it with her Gnome cutouts...We also have the hose hanger on the side so the composter is doing two things...lol... Here are two pictures of the front and the side...I have syrafoam on the front door now to keep the heat inside ,so it keeps working all winter...This winter has been awsome as we do not hav any snow to speak of... http://www.badongo.com/pic.php?file=MY+COMPOST+BIN__2005-12-27_Picture+003.jpg http://www.badongo.com/pic.php?file=MY+COMPOST+BIN__2005-12-27_Picture+001.jpg Yikes I have trouble adding pictures on here... if they did not go through then please email me and I can send via email.. lylew@shaw.ca Thanks Chatterbox Lyle... Here is a link that might be useful:

I assume it's about 4 ft deep. A big bin like that will do really good in the winter. The way you described it, it should provide sufficient air. Post some pics when you get a chance. I'd love to see your BigBen. Bill Hill

The wire bin idea is a great idea (whatup Pablo!). Now that I have read all these great ideas I plan on running to one of the box stores and get some fencing and wing nuts too. I have two plots that are a long way away from my main bins and have been thinking of making some new bins there. The fence will be the way I go this time to see how it works. As it relates to the four (4) -bin systems you can take a look at the link below, I posted about it when I completed it about a month ago. I use it for storing and curing finished compost. Once cured I use the compost to top-dress all my beds before planting in them. As long as the cost is minimal I am all for doing things the "free" way. In regards to the clay comment, when making the piles moist some water usually gets on the clay and creates a slippery surface. I was stating to be careful in that regard, for our clay can be like ice when wet, as you well know. Not to change focus, but Pablo, have you ever composted any of your rabbit manure? I got two truckloads from a new friend (HA!) that sells champion rabbits. I have two bins full of rabbit manure, leaves, coffee, and other kitchen items and was wondering if you have ever gone that route, seeing as you raise rabbits. There is also a very large pile of rabbit manure and leaves I can use when making the new wire bin. I am sure you have not accumulated truckloads, but was wondering just the same. I know that barn where my new friend keeps his rabbits is strong with urine odor, and the piles are smoking like a choo-choo train when I turn them. Do ya got any skinny on rabbit compost? Now you guys have me excited about wire bins, will this obsession ever end? Oh no, it just keeps getting better Blutranes Here is a link that might be useful: DIY Compost Bins

I'll make a comment on the size of the bins. When deciding on the size of each bin, one might consider the materials you will be composting. For example, if one expected to use a mix of sawdust and leaves as the 'browns', one might make the dimensions 3' by 3'. If one expected leaves to be the main 'browns', one might select 4' by 4' for bin size. If wood chips were expected to be the main 'brown' (without small filler stuff like sawdust), maybe a 5' by 5' size would be a good choice. My mesh bins are 5' by 8' by 2' high, and can reach 150F or more if the mix is optimal. The reason for the different sizes is due to air movement. Movement thru wood chips is easier than thru sawdust or very finely shredded leaves. The third number, height, can be less than the other two if the compost pile is sitting on the ground, which can also store heat. Since it is easier to turn a low pile, my compost piles have never been more than 2.5 feet high in recent years.