Steel Drum head removal

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I have two 55 gallon steel drums that I need to open up to make burn barrels. I am apprehensive about using anything that sparks/burns to open them up since they were craigslist finds and you never know exactly what was in them. I came across a manual drum deheader online and didn’t want to shell out 50 bucks for what is essentially a giant can opener that i will use twice. So, my question is: does the makerspace, or a member, have one that I could use to open my barrels? or a better idea on how to open closed top steel drums?

I appreciate your help.

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A large cold chisel and a hammer can be used to remove the end of the barrel in pretty short order. It doesn’t make the neatest cut in the world, but plenty sufficient for a burn barrel. You can also use the chisel to make some holes in the sides for better air flow.

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http://www.kake.com/story/40614954/man-using-torch-to-cut-open-metal-drum-dies-from-explosion