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How to Make a Metal Tub

Building a metal tub is a great project for anyone from gardeners to parents. By making your daily needs by hand, you can stand to save hundreds of dollars per month that you would otherwise waste by buying premade things that you can make yourself. Making a metal tub may be difficult, but the savings in the end are worth it, and at the end of the project you will have a decorative and practical container for plants, water, or storage.

Things You'll Need

Welding kit
Metal file
Sheet metal (galvanized aluminum is recommended)
Jigsaw with a blade that can cut metal

Instructions

- 1
  Plan the dimensions of the tub. Are you using the tub to hold some small plants, or using it to wash a large dog? Know what you'll be using the tub for, and make it big enough to accommodate all your needs. If you're not sure, make it a bit larger than you think you really need.
- 2
  Cut a long strip of aluminum. This will act as the side of your tub, so make sure it is at least as high as your plan. If you're making a circular tub, the calculations for how long this piece needs to be are simple; multiply your diameter by 3.14, and your sheet needs to be that long. Add a few inches in case the welding process doesn't go according to plan. All you will have to do is cut off a small strip and try again, instead of wasting money and material by having to cut the sides of the tub all over again.
- 3
  Shape the sides of the tub. Whether you want the tub to be circular, elliptical, or rectangular, you need to shape the tub to fit your needs. For a rectangle, mark where you need the corners to be and bend the tub. Circles are more difficult, but with some patience you will be able to get a circular tub. When you get the shape right, weld the ends together to create a water tight seal.
- 4
  Mark and cut the bottom of the tub. Place the other portion of the tub on top of a piece of aluminum and mark the outline with a marker. Now use your jigsaw to cut along the shape, taking great care not to cut inside the outline.
- 5
  Weld the two pieces together. Ensure that your weld does not have any holes in the seam, which would not be very conducive to holding water.
- 6
  Bend the top of the tub over onto itself, To make sure the top of the tub is not dangerously sharp. This will most likely require you to cut several slits along the edge, and bend the pieces down piece by piece. This step is especially important if the tub is for animals.
- 7
  Weld on handles, if you like. Handles will give the tub increased portability and may be a useful tool if you need to transport it. Even though it takes a little longer, you will get your time back in the future when it's time to move the tub.

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