COAL BIN Pics

Dans58 · By: **Dans58** On: Wed Aug 13, 2008 3:46 pm

I just finished converting my basement stairs into a bin. It's easy to fill as I just back my truck up to the exterior door, remove the top step (on hinges) and pour. It holds about 2500lbs. There is a hinged door on top of the bottom step that opens when I need to fill the stove (see picture #2). It took about 3 hours to build and I re-used most of the material from the old steps.

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ScottD · By: **ScottD** On: Wed Aug 13, 2008 6:06 pm

Dan,
Nice use of unused space! Doesn't take up any room. That's the big problem with bins, what space do I have to give up

ken · By: **ken** On: Wed Aug 13, 2008 8:36 pm

cool idea

well done

Scottscoaled · By: **Scottscoaled** On: Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:05 pm

THAT has got to be one of the best ideas posted yet!!!! SWEET!

Scott

Adamiscold · By: **Adamiscold** On: Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:34 am

Wonderfully done Dan, great use of unused space :clap:

Hollyfeld · By: **Hollyfeld** On: Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:43 am

That is pure genius.

:up:

LsFarm · By: **LsFarm** On: Thu Aug 14, 2008 7:13 pm

Very nice idea and inovative thinking..

I have a couple of suggestions:

Is the access to remove coal through the lower step you show open in the last photo?? if so, make sure you have enough room to scoop the coal out with a bucket of your choice.. you don't want to have to use a small shovel to scoop out the coal..

Another way to access the coal under the bottom step would be to put a shovel-sized access door under the step at the floor level, this will allow you to get all the fines and last pieces of coal off the floor of the bin..

I think your idea is going to get quite a few people thinking about their basement stairways...

Greg L.

DavidL · By: **DavidL** On: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:10 pm

Well here is my version of the coal bin I just built; holds 3 tons. Cost about $200

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Dans58 · By: **Dans58** On: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:24 pm

Greg, thanks for the comments. I realized that I got lucky after I read your post. I just checked and the opening and it's wide enough to fit a 5 gallon bucket in. My stove's hopper is only about 3 or 4 feet from the opening, so I may just use a large grain scoop. I do like your idea about making an opening for a shovel. That may me my first modification. thanks

LsFarm · By: **LsFarm** On: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:48 pm

Good deal ! A five gallon bucket and a gloved hand will work very well to tranfer coal from the step/bin to the stove.. Glad it worked out.

Greg L

coalkirk · By: **coalkirk** On: Fri Aug 15, 2008 6:41 am

Nice looking bin Davidl. I would suggest you devise some way to prop the lid open that won't pop out and smash your fingers or worse, your head. I think in terms of general appearance, you should get first prize.

traderfjp · By: **traderfjp** On: Fri Aug 15, 2008 9:27 am

We shoud have a contest for the best looking bin. I know who is getting my vote.

Sting · By: **Sting** On: Fri Aug 15, 2008 10:49 am

I have a nice crop of blooming Clematis half way up the Space Shuttle!

Is structure going to be the only consideration in this contest?????

gambler · By: **gambler** On: Fri Aug 15, 2008 10:54 am

Sting, can you post a pic of your "space shuttle" ?
Most of the folks here probably don't know what you are talking about and keep thinking "what is that lunatic talking about" :lol:

beatle78 · By: **beatle78** On: Fri Aug 15, 2008 10:59 am

gambler wrote:Sting, can you post a pic of your "space shuttle" ?
Most of the folks here probably don't know what you are talking about and keep thinking "what is that lunatic talking about"

hahaha, YEP!!

I have no clue what you're talking about.

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