- Joined
- Aug 4, 2020
- Messages
- 557
I was an A+ student in high school. Geometry was my favorite subject. I feel I have a much higher than average IQ. But I've Googled this for hours now and am more confused than when I started...
This is a two part question. Part one:
I just received a standard "55 gallon drum" for my shop that exactly measures 23" in diameter and 34.5" in height (and is 6' in circumference, give or take a 1/2"), what size bag do I need?
Of the countless sites I searched, there was never a same answer. Every single one had their own crazy logic and even stranger answer. Almost everything I searched said I'd actually need "65+ gallon bags" and said to add 13-15 inches to the diameter and 15-30 inches to the height for "a proper fit." Keep in mind, this "proper fit" was pushing the 'less plastic' agenda. One of them actually said to add the circumference plus the height. None of this makes any sense. Basic logic implies the height only needs to be the height of the drum plus as much overhang as I prefer (4 inches is perfect), and the diameter should only need to be exact or maybe slightly larger just so it's not stretched when stuffed full (because you can't stretch the constant diameter of the drum). Basic logic also implies that if my can measures 23" in diameter and 34.5" in height, then a 32"x45" bag should easily fit, but apparently not because this is a 42-gallon bag. Seriously, a simple thing like a trash bag size should not be this difficult to figure out. Why do they make this so hard? Where am I going wrong? Or am I?
Part two:
I'm wanting to construct a 'spacer' in the bottom of the drum to occupy the full 23" diameter and 12" of the total height (so that it isn't as large of a bag, isn't as heavy when completely full, and when considering food possibly being a factor...it doesn't stink as long). I know how I want to build this spacer (four pieces of 2x4 that are approximately 10.5" high which are placed every 90 degrees around the circumference, connected by 2x4 pieces in a "plus sign" at the top with a round metal disc over the top of it to create a solid surface (think of a wooden circular table with legs placed on the outer edge and a metal top)). Alternatively, instead of the metal disc, I could use a round piece of plywood or OSB. Regardless, if I built this spacer, my dimensions would then be 23" in diameter by 22.5" in height. What size bag would I need then?
I know the easier answer is to buy a standard size smaller can, but I got this drum brand new for free and want to paint it to look like a name brand oil barrel for decor purposes in my shop.
Huge thanks in advance for any advice and/or clarity on this topic!
This is a two part question. Part one:
I just received a standard "55 gallon drum" for my shop that exactly measures 23" in diameter and 34.5" in height (and is 6' in circumference, give or take a 1/2"), what size bag do I need?
Of the countless sites I searched, there was never a same answer. Every single one had their own crazy logic and even stranger answer. Almost everything I searched said I'd actually need "65+ gallon bags" and said to add 13-15 inches to the diameter and 15-30 inches to the height for "a proper fit." Keep in mind, this "proper fit" was pushing the 'less plastic' agenda. One of them actually said to add the circumference plus the height. None of this makes any sense. Basic logic implies the height only needs to be the height of the drum plus as much overhang as I prefer (4 inches is perfect), and the diameter should only need to be exact or maybe slightly larger just so it's not stretched when stuffed full (because you can't stretch the constant diameter of the drum). Basic logic also implies that if my can measures 23" in diameter and 34.5" in height, then a 32"x45" bag should easily fit, but apparently not because this is a 42-gallon bag. Seriously, a simple thing like a trash bag size should not be this difficult to figure out. Why do they make this so hard? Where am I going wrong? Or am I?
Part two:
I'm wanting to construct a 'spacer' in the bottom of the drum to occupy the full 23" diameter and 12" of the total height (so that it isn't as large of a bag, isn't as heavy when completely full, and when considering food possibly being a factor...it doesn't stink as long). I know how I want to build this spacer (four pieces of 2x4 that are approximately 10.5" high which are placed every 90 degrees around the circumference, connected by 2x4 pieces in a "plus sign" at the top with a round metal disc over the top of it to create a solid surface (think of a wooden circular table with legs placed on the outer edge and a metal top)). Alternatively, instead of the metal disc, I could use a round piece of plywood or OSB. Regardless, if I built this spacer, my dimensions would then be 23" in diameter by 22.5" in height. What size bag would I need then?
I know the easier answer is to buy a standard size smaller can, but I got this drum brand new for free and want to paint it to look like a name brand oil barrel for decor purposes in my shop.
Huge thanks in advance for any advice and/or clarity on this topic!