On the road with our coopers - assembly rain collector
I was allowed to be there again when our coopers went on tour. What was it about this time? This time we built something very special – a rain collector (if you want you can use this good piece as a bath tub ? ).
The request
But let’s start at the very beginning.
If you search our store attentively and regularly, you have probably already come across our rainwater collectors and water tubs. But here we have only a small selection of what is possible and we would like to point out that we also build the tanks to measure and according to the customers’ ideas. For this only a small mail is necessary! So we also received a mail from the Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis with an inquiry about a rain collector with a capacity of approx. 2.800 l. Yes, you read correctly. 2.800 l – that will be quite big and adventurous to place this rain collector or XXXXXL rain barrel in a garden. But more about this later.
Mathematics and cooperage
I find it fascinating every time how our coopers can conjure up a barrel, a rain collector or a bath tub according to liters or measurements. Of course there is a lot of mathematical formulas and calculations behind it. For such a custom-made product we calculate exactly how the height and the diameter have to be, so that the tank will later also hold 2,800 l. Only then is the construction of the rain collector started.
The construction of the rain collector
Just like a barrel, the wood – in the case of our customer it was weatherproof Douglas fir – has to dry for 24-48 months, or rather until it has only a certain residual moisture. If this is given, the coopers select the suitable raw staves and bring them into shape. Lids and staves are created and are put together neatly and tied with hot-dip galvanized hoops. Depending on the customer’s wishes, the rain collector or bath tub is provided with a surface treatment. An inlet or outlet for water is also optional and possible according to customer specifications.
Delivery and assembly
After completion of the rain collector, a delivery and installation date is agreed with the customer. With the help of a transport company, the rain collector sets off for its destination. The coopers with their tools and equipment and me with my camera also set off in the summer heat. Even before and during the trip, the best method for placing the rain collector in the garden was discussed. Because there is a problem – little space and a little way. The way into the garden is quite narrow and a garden fence as well as the house wall are also a little worrying. Next to the path there is only gravel. There one thinks carelessly “Super better than a flowerbed that could be destroyed”, but puff-puff! How can the heavy bucket be moved without a forklift or a pallet truck?
No problem for our experienced coopers. They have already brought many barrels into cellars where you can only wonder HOW they managed it. So we had not only a suitable hand lift truck, but also a huge stack of pallets and wooden boards.
The pallets were stacked on the other side of the garden fence and the rain collector was maneuvered through the garden gate onto them with the help of the lift truck. Not an easy task due to the adjoining house wall, but thanks to millimeter work and the experience of our coopers, this hurdle also succeeded.
Next step as one says so beautifully. One problem after the other! After the fence came the gravel. But we had the stable wooden planks with us and the garden path became wider in no time. The customer also pitched in – with three men in total it became a bit easier and the rain collector landed at its destination. With suitable ladders it would be also an ideal bath tub and a welcome cooling ?. Afterwards everything was cleaned up again – as it should be.
Great and happy customers
We mention it several times but we have great customers! In the heat we were provided with cool drinks that day, we were helped with placement and transportation and a delicious ice cream was also served after work. The crowning glory was and is of course always the satisfied and happy customers at the end of the day. So we were able to say goodbye to happy customers and drive back to the company on this day as well.
Your own rain collector or bath tub?
If you are interested in a rain collector (the rainy season is just about to beginning) or a bath tub (I know that the season ends at the end, but pre-planning is essential), you should have a look at our store. Don’t worry if the measurements or liters don’t fit – just send us an email with the measurements.
See you,
