> Method of construction: (Main bucket)

… Remove the handle (if fitted) from the bucket; this could be left attached if thought to be useful, but I found it got in the way more than being of any use.

… A weight of some description needs to be attached to the bottom (outside) of the bucket, to prevent overturning in strong winds. I used an old base of a (defunct) decorative lamp that I happened to have available (See "B" in example below).

This already had a bolt which I used to attach the bucket, but in this case, you need to make sure that no water can leak out - I used pieces of an old bicycle inner tube to make sure that the bolt would not leak water - one piece either side of the base of the bucket, sandwiched with broad washer to make sure the pressure was evenly spread.

… A suitable (& perhaps easier) alternative might be 2 blocks of hardwood (of suitable overall dimensions), projecting sufficiently to offer stability: these can be glued (with impact adhesive) to the base.

… Whatever is used, the weight should not be too gross though, because in extreme rainfall events, the bucket will have to be emptied out to measure any excess, and also there is the question of general maintenance to be considered. If wood is used, suitable weather-proofing needs to be employed such as a good quality external primer & paint.

… Take the 3 connecting strips and bend slightly (about 10deg); drill three holes, equally spaced, around the top rim of the bucket; using nut & bolt assemblies of suitable size, attach these strips so that roughly half projects above the bucket rim - the 'bent' sections turning inwards. (See "A" in example above). These are used to locate the funnel, and are particularly important for those who can't see. For extra durability, use broad washers either side of the strips, and introduce a little impact adhesive before tightening up the nuts.

… The bucket could be painted if desired at this point (to blend in with garden), though again this is not absolutely necessary, and as you see from my example ("E" in photograph above), I had a black bucket and base to hand, so any further painting would have been a waste of resource.

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