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  • Results 1 to 12 of 12

    Thread: Dumb question Re DIY filter

    1. #1
      Skye's Avatar
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      Dumb question Re DIY filter

      I'm building a homemade filter out of a 32 gal Rubbermaid trash barrel, but I have one small problem -- how do I drill the holes in the trash barrel? I don't have drill bits large enough to make holes for the intake, output, and backflush. I'm thinking about maybe using a circle cutter -- Looks like a pencil compass, but instead of the pencil it uses a blade. I know I'll have to go round an' round several times to get through it, but I don't have any other ideas on how to accomplish this task.

      I know someone else here must surely have made filters before, so what did you use to cut your holes? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Pond is not large -- something like 2000 gals. Going to meter it this spring to be sure, but that's a fair guess.

      Edit: Oh, one more thing. I will be running this as a secondary filter. Since I don't have a bottom drain, I wanted to get as much filtration as possible.

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    2. #2
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      Quote Originally Posted by Skye View Post
      I'm building a homemade filter out of a 32 gal Rubbermaid trash barrel, but I have one small problem -- how do I drill the holes in the trash barrel? I don't have drill bits large enough to make holes for the intake, output, and backflush. I'm thinking about maybe using a circle cutter -- Looks like a pencil compass, but instead of the pencil it uses a blade. I know I'll have to go round an' round several times to get through it, but I don't have any other ideas on how to accomplish this task.

      I know someone else here must surely have made filters before, so what did you use to cut your holes? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Pond is not large -- something like 2000 gals. Going to meter it this spring to be sure, but that's a fair guess.

      Edit: Oh, one more thing. I will be running this as a secondary filter. Since I don't have a bottom drain, I wanted to get as much filtration as possible.
      A simple hole saw is a worthwile investment. You will be drilling plastic not metal so cheep is ok.
      search here for holesaws under the search thing at the top.
      also look at northern tools, or harber freight sears etc


      Mick

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    3. #3
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      I've been told that you can get a bit for your drill that will do holes. I haven't checked into it yet.

    4. #4
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      Thanks for the great suggestion, Impala. I had no idea they made things like that. I found this set for $12 at Northern Tool, free shipping:

      http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w..._225712_225712

      I've never used anything like this before -- I'm assuming it attaches to the drill via the included drill bit?
      Last edited by Skye; 02-03-2008 at 06:45 PM.

    5. #5
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      yup! they work well for making the right size holes

    6. #6
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      Harborfreight.com sells hole saws really cheap, and they work great.

    7. #7
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      I use the hole saw set from harbor freight.

    8. #8
      kdmatrix is offline Senior Member
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      Quote Originally Posted by birdman View Post
      I use the hole saw set from harbor freight.
      me too... works great for the price!
      Kevin D.

    9. #9
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      Cheap hole saw set will work....but here's a tip, drill a pilot hole first, the same size as the bit in the hole saw, this will keep the hole saw from slamming into what you are cutting when the hole saw bit grabs and aloows you to make a much smoother cut for if you are using uniseals.

      Anne (the 'e' is silent) the Armchair Ponder


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    10. #10
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      I just looked at the set from Harborfreight.com -- and could not believe what a bargain the price was. I had no idea they came that reasonably priced!

      Thanks a million for the suggestions and the drilling tips. Drilling the hole was my one stumbling block. Everything else I have planned out carefully, but I just couldn't get past that one little detail.

      I can't wait to get started on it. I love making things for the pond.

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    11. #11
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      I made a skippy type filter with a 32 gallon trashcan last spring. I used a pointy paring knife to cut my holes...it took a while, but it worked. I need to get me one of those sets from HF also.
      RedNecks R Us

    12. #12
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      This is the little cheapo set I bought... not made to cut much thicker than
      a plastic barrel!! But the price is right!

      http://cgi.ebay.com/DRILL-BIT-SET-16...QQcmdZViewItem

      Steve

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