I made 3 as you describe, they are the blue plastic 55 gallon drums. I cut holes in top and bottom put a steel pole through sideways, made a hinged door and put hardware on to fasten it shut, and mounted on 4x4's. My drainage holes are about the thickness as a pencil, there are about 30 holes. It has worked great for 4 years so far, free except for hinges, closure hardware and pole and some glue.

Just holes & rod, not pillow block bearing on the drum or the 4X4 poles?
What is the weight of the full(3/4 so it will tumble) drum?

I didn't count the 4x4's because I had them and didn't have to buy them. The drums are the blue plastic ones, I don't have pillow block bearing, and don't know what that is, really.The materials fall and break up when they hit the metal rod, it's low tech. I have handles on the outside to help tumble the barrel. It's simple but works for me. If you have a better engineered plan your's may be better but I've got satisfactory results. I don't put shredded paper in mine because the paper balls up and doesn't break up. I use shredded leaves, bunny poo, veg and fruit peels, and sift the wood mulch I get free and use the fines in there too.I can turn the barrel pretty easy, I'm a 40 yr old woman, not a big strong man, so it works for me.

Are you thinking like this?

Lloyd

Lloyd, thinks for the link, you drum is bigger & longer the my 30 & 55 gallon drums.
poakyl, do not misunderstand, I think that you built the tumbler yourself is great, regardless of your age or gender. I have free drums & thought maybe I should try to make one, so I wanted details.
Your simple plan has worked for 4 years, that great!
I would not have thought the plastic drum would last long with daily/weekly turning, show how much I know!
As for the pillow block bearing, best way for you to see them is do a search, if you like.:-)
As for a better plan, sounds like you are doing great on your on. I just work with bearing for years & think shaft/rod...bearings.
I see that you do not need my help & think you for your help & ideals.

I got this post mixed up with the similar one on here, but anyway yours is neater than mine. Mine has a bigger door, and rather clumsily rolls around,lol.

I was being rushed off the computer last night and realized I sounded rude, I didn't mean to come off that way.

another option that might be easier (?) is using a series of casters and wood to make a rotating base. I am currently on the hunt for a broken dolly for this purpose. I have a "barrel guy" that gets food grade plastic drums, and occasionally gets smaller non 55 gallon ones. If this setup comes to fruition, which I think it will, I'll be sure to share. I've never been a fan of the crank setup so much.

There are about 4 designs on garden web, that I Know of.
The one that poakyl has, two that pt03 has & I was working on a shift with blades or puddles to agitate the mix as you turn the drum. No photos yet. Does your friend live in S.C., I get food grade 30/55 gallon plastic drums & 55 gallon open top/with lid metal drums, as well as 5 gallon buckets, burlap bags & tons of strap wood, some metal.