Pete,you asked about composter,Did some thinking on the subject and this is what I know about it.
I learned what to get from a friend who is to gardening what the posters here are to food,very knowledgeable.He told me to get one with a handle to turn,and even then it takes effort.But much easier.
Think of it as having a 50 lb sack of cement in there,Trying to turn it it flops around and you have to muscle it up until it flips.Without a crank handle thats pretty challenging to turn those barrels I would think,havent actually done it,but can see how the forces work on mine.
He said get a mantis with a handle ( or similar I guess) ,and get it from craigslist.He got his free because the frame had a crack he welded.I got mine I think for 80 bucks,they are like 300+ new,was only a few years old and works great mechanically.They hold a pretty heavy load when loaded up.
But to find em you have to check CL a LOT because they sell fast! That too tells us something,others dont sell nearly so quick.
Like within hours,have to be in right place at the right time,or if you have money can always buy one.Me,money is hard to let loose of,Im a thrifty shopper.Took me about 3 months to finally manage to grab one.
So i would say,do what my friend told me and its good advice from a pro whose only agenda is to help a friend.
Also buy a 4 WD Diesel truck made before 1997,but thats another story,but he was right again,LOL. Smart guy.
