The 55 Gallon Deer Feeder

	Start with a 55 gallon (metal preferred for security reasons) barrel. This particular barrel does not have a removable top (which is more desirable), and will have to be cut open. In addition, a waterproof top must be made or found. Barrels can be purchased locally (check your yellow pages), or in this case, scrounged from a auto junk yard (it was free).
	Some of the basic parts needed. Funnel, bracket for 12 volt motor, external leg brackets. Motor shaft/coupling/threaded rod details: Pound the threaded rod into the compression sleeve. This can take abuse without damaging anything. Then place it over the motor shaft.....but... DANGER: Do not pound on the motor shaft itself. You will push it into the motor housing and damage the motor. Get someone to hold the shaft as close to the motor housing with needle nose vise grips, or something to take the pounding pressure. Put the pliers in a vise for additional holding power if there is room. You just don't want to pound on the motor shaft directly.
	I am currently working on a cheap timer. When ready, it will be posted here. Any 12 volt timer will do, however; I prefer to purchase Sweeny timers. I have used them for years and they work great! Purchase in the winter time for the best sale prices. This unit sells for $84.99 but I have purchased them on sale for $64.99. Just ran into this timer and bought one... Sesame Feeders Also try Harrisons $35.00 timer. Feeders for less Now Bass Pro Shop and Cabelas are selling cheap timers!
	Cut the top open. If you can find a barrel with a removable top and locking band...great!, this will save your a lot of work.
	Turn your barrel upside down and work on the bottom portion. Place your funnel that you purchased or made, on top of the drum and draw a line around the diameter. This is the "outside line".
	From the "outside line" you previously drew, measure in about an inch and a half. Connect the marks creating the "inner circle". This is the line you will cut to open up the bottom for the funnel. This lip is needed to attach the funnel too, with rivets.
	Inner and outer circles. You need a good 1 to 2 inches to rivet the funnel to.
	Drill some starting holes. Insert a jig saw or sawsall and cut out the "inner circle". Make sure you leave a good lip to rivet to.
	Keep cutting...almost done.
	Done. Both the top and the bottom are cut. Finding a barrel with a removable top saves half the cutting. Now its time to attach the funnel to the bottom.