Cutting the tops off of plastic drums

[chris99z71]

I don't know if there is a right way, but this was my way. I'm very happy with the results.
I clamped my saw to a right angle bracket I made from some 1/2" MDF and 2x4s. Clamped that to a piece of a solid core door on some sawhorses.
Then I laid some sheet goods under the drum to bring it to the desired height. A spring clamp on the saw trigger and rotated the drum INTO the blade. Yes, not the safest way to go about it. BUT, my hands were always atleast a foot from the blade. It actually worked quite well.
I wanted to get a straight cut so that I could make one of the drums mate up against a piece of MDF to make it into a chip collector for my DC. Mission accomplished!

 

[Splinter]

I didn't see any blood in the photos so you can't argue with success. :eusa_danc

 

[chris99z71]

I didn't see any blood in the photos so you can't argue with success. :eusa_danc

Yup, my wife was on stand-by with the first aid kit. I sure am glad that she took the EMT class with me! I'm sure that my power tool habit had nothing to do with her decision to do that... :roll:
:rolf:

 

[cpowell]

With everything clamped securely it looks like you got a good cut. I guess LOYL had her hand on the plug "just in case"??

Chuck

 

[McRabbet]

Chris,

Where did you find plastic barrels? I'd like to get some for DC and other uses.

Rob

 

[yellofins]

Chris,
I would have been there tomorrow if I knew you were cutting the tops off.
At least I know how to do it now if I need to...
Thanks for the drums today. Sorry we couldn't stay longer but Mark's wife was waiting on the furniture.
Oh...and we had a flat on the way home (side trip into a new 55 and older development where they are clearing right now) but that story will have to wait.

Thanks again,
Ron

 

[chris99z71]

Chris,

Where did you find plastic barrels? I'd like to get some for DC and other uses.

Rob

I got them from a friend that works at the NCSU dairy. I've heard that car washes are another good source. Their soap comes in plastic drums.

 

[Tarhead]

NC Surplus center in Raleigh out 54 past the Fairgrounds has them pretty cheap. The drums I saw ~6 months ago originally contained floor wax and floor stripper.
North Carolina State Surplus

 

[sapwood]

Mission accomplished and no injuries :eusa_clap

But you coud have used this as an excuse to buy a 36" bandsaw :lol:

Roger