The fab shop — where totes become other things.
One welder, one CNC, one ridiculously over-engineered cutting jig built from a forklift mast. We modify totes for whatever you can dream up — and we keep records of every build, so if you want one of ours, we probably already have a template.
Tell us what you're building
Same form, every page. Tell us what you've got or what you need; we send a real quote (not a sales drip).
Standard conversions we do every week
Top cut, hinged
Open the top of a 275 or 330 for cleaning and access. Hinged, with a gasket, $85.
Manifold outlet
Multiple-port discharge for distribution: 2-port, 4-port, or custom. From $145.
IBC-to-aquaponics rig
Bottom grow-bed, top fish tank, recirc plumbing. $620 base, scales with size.
IBC rain barrel
Linked top, screened inlet, valved outlet, ready for a downspout. $185.
Mobile sink unit
On a steel frame with casters; pump and faucet kit included. $480.
Biochar reactor
Insulated, with airflow control and burn-tube. $720.
Sap evaporator
Stainless top with flue, bottom firebox interface. $880.
Cold plunge
Insulated tote with chiller hookup. $560 (you supply chiller).
Liquid fertilizer manifold
Multi-tote linked system with siphon and gravity outlets. Quoted per system.
Custom work
If it's not in the table above, send a sketch. Most fab requests we can quote within two business days. We bias toward simple, repairable, easy-to-clean designs — and we'll tell you if your idea is going to be hard to maintain before we cut metal.
Capabilities and equipment
The fab shop is small but capable. Equipment in the shop:
- MIG welding for carbon steel cage repair, racking, frame builds.
- TIG welding for stainless modifications, sanitary fittings, food-grade installations.
- CNC plasma cutting for sheet steel up to 1/2".
- Heated knife plastics cutter for clean HDPE cuts (top-cut conversions, manway openings).
- Hydraulic press for cage straightening and forming.
- Drill press, grinder, sanders — the standard small-shop tooling.
- Powder-coat partner for finished color work (5-7 day external lead).
What we don't have: large CNC machining centers, water-jet cutting, casting capabilities. For very complex builds, we'll partner with a regional fabricator we trust.
Quoting custom work
Most fab requests we can quote within two business days. Send us:
- A sketch (hand-drawn is fine — we don't need CAD).
- The intended use (so we can warn you if the design has an issue).
- Quantity (one-off, batch, or recurring production).
- Material preferences (if any).
- Timeline and budget (realistic ranges save back-and-forth).
Our quotes typically include: design fee (sometimes $0 for simple jobs), materials, labor, and a 30-day price hold.
Pricing patterns
| Type of build | Typical range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Simple modification (single cut, valve add, manway) | $45-200 | Top cut, additional outlet, screen install |
| Multi-component conversion (single tote) | $200-800 | Aquaponics rig, biochar reactor, cold plunge |
| Multi-tote system (2-5 totes) | $800-2,500 | Sap collection rig, brewery transfer system |
| Custom multi-tote production (recurring) | quoted per system | Schools, co-ops, repeating customers |
Past projects (more in the gallery)
- Maple sap evaporator hood for a Geauga County producer (stainless, $1,800).
- Dry-hopping rig for a Columbus brewery (4 totes modified, $620 each).
- Biochar retort for a Lancaster forestry company ($720).
- Aquaponics greenhouse install for a Dublin school ($2,400 across 3 totes).
- Mobile catering sink for a Clintonville food vendor ($480).
- Fermentation rig for a Franklinton kombucha maker (6 totes, $3,200 system-wide).
For more, see our Second Life Gallery.
FAQ — fabrication specifically
Do you have a minimum order?
No. We do one-off custom work all the time. Smaller jobs are sometimes the most fun.
Can you work with my own tote?
Yes. Bring your tote to our yard; we modify it; you take it home. Or we'll arrange pickup and return delivery.
Will modifications void the UN rating?
Often yes. Most of our fab jobs are for non-DOT-shipping use cases (storage, in-place use). If you need to maintain UN rating after modification, tell us — we can sometimes design around it.
What's the lead time?
Simple modifications: same week. Multi-tote systems: 2-4 weeks depending on materials and queue. Custom production runs: scheduled.
Can you quote from a sketch instead of CAD?
Yes. A hand sketch is usually enough for the first quote as long as the intended use, dimensions, and main fittings are clear.