On Sep 20, 5:34*am, (Windmill)
wrote:
I've been using an old 45 gal. diesel drum to burn leaves and branches,
and, maybe because of our excellent summer, am finding it more
difficult than expected to get everything to burn.

I had made a series of small holes (about 5/16) in the base, and a
similar series in two rings around the lower part of the barrel.
Enlarging three of the lower holes on the barrel to one inch didn't
seem to help the burning.

Does anyone have recommendations for optimum ventilation?

You cut or knock a largish hole in the middle of the base about 3 or 4
inches wide and stick a 3 x 3 down the middle of the barrel as you
load it. Load the driest leaves into the centre around the timber then
pack it down as you load it.

Remove the timber and put a fire lighter or some kindling in the base.
It will burn like a chimney fire when it warms up. Putting a lid on it
with a small pipe to extend the chimney a yard or so and it will flare
like a jet engine.

Once it is burning nicely you can load it with wet leaves and it will
keep going. Just pour them in around the sides so they feed into it
slowly.