This is a nice project but for those of us (me - challenged) need pics of the guts to understand how to build something like this. Hopefully on the future builds someone can take a few to understand the actual setting up of the planter.
here's how it works
for the layer that keeps the potting mix out of the water, I use one of these
http://amzn.to/1TjQDUsI don't remember the exact size of the one I bought though.
I also bought a cheap plastic pot that fits perfectly into that ring in the tray.
I cut the bottom off the pot, along with enough material to make the tray fit flush with the kettle's edges.
Drill a few holes in the pot and the tray
make a hole in the side of the kettle at the TOP of the water level (just below the tray)
make a hole in the tray big enough for the watering pipe
cut a whole within that circle on the tray.
set the bottomless pot in the kettle
set the tray on top. Stuff some weedblock material around the edges to make the tray fit better if needed.
Pack the little pot tightly with moist potting mix.
Add water pipe, fill in rest of the kettle with potting mix, keep it moist and packed at the center to make sure the wicking process works.
i've found that it really helps to make the soil into a mound and cover it with the weed block material (or even a trash bag)
This blocks weeds, and helps prevent evaporation of the soil. Plus it makes the soil nice and warm on a sunny day.
I'll probably make another this weekend, I'll try to get specifics and pictures.