Hello. I actually copied the design from a couple other people, mine was only different in that I used conduit for the grate. If I built another one of these I wouldn't saw the lid off. The barrel loses it's round structure and gets oval shaped. I would rather cut a door out on top of the lid. Since my non-fitting lid is cumbersome, I just have the whole barrel covered in an old comforter. Also, I am renting and I don't need the landlord asking me why I have a blue plastic barrel full of paper and dirt in my porch. Anyway, unless your lid is air tight, there should be plenty of air flow through the barrel.

Thanks for the reply, Eric. As I was rereading my original post, there were many spelling errors. Oh, well.

At any rate, the 55 gallon drum I bought came with plastic lid that closes the bin. It also came with a extra band that seals the lid immensely tight.

I will never use the extra band. However, I wondered if I could use the plastic lid. I made this bin on Sunday and I have been using large cardboard as a lid. Since this cardboard lid doesn't seal completely, it left some air pockets on top.

Is it safe enough to use the plastic lid as a lid without worrying about air flow problem? Is the air coming from the bottom provide enough oxygen for the bin?

since it is air tight, I would worry about the air not flowing through the whole system. Maybe drill some holes in the lid. For several months I actually laid some cardboard over the top and put the lid on that. Once it got mildew on it, I would tear it up for bedding and find a new piece.

beesee, for my flow-through bin I cut pie-shaped pieces out of the top and then used my hot glue gun to fix pieces of window screen over the openings. It seems to work.
mbetts