Michael,
If you want to do barrels, you don't need much. The internet stories about needs for stainless tanks and all are really just that - stories.

I do all my barrels in a 40" section of rain gutter. Two caps screwed on each end, sealed with silicone and a campstove or two is all it takes.

Local water (rural water system, i.e., city water) works okay usually. But a few gallons of RO water is cheap.

I am not the greatest craftsman by any stretch but one thing I do feel I do well is rust bluing barrels - so I think anyone that his half as handy as you are, can do it with ease.

As a matter of fact, I have one to do this week. My .22 low wall has the Jim Klusken's most excellent matting carved on its top flat now and it will be reblued in a few days.

Brent

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BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)

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