Come on..., when someone says we're going to build a "can" we take them figuratively and present "The Can"

And just to demonstrate that with a bit of imagination there is in fact a prototype for most everything..., these are found in Arizona:

Now, that's a build we can all use 

Boy, not sure I would want to use that prototype in th middle of a hot Arizona afternoon, for various reasons

Folks;

It's not just privies.  The house my maternal grandparents rented had a septic tank.  The mushroom-shaped vent was about in the center of the back yard.  As a kid, I mowed that yard with a push-type reel mower - to earn money to buy Plasticville buildings for my Christmas train layout.  I remember that the closer I got to that vent, the faster I mowed!

Ah memories, David Meashey

I decided that an near empty small PVC Primer can (~3-1/8" tall) should work for an outhouse in 1:24.  I dumped the remaining contents into another can of Primer (Mik would be proud of the conservation effort) and am soaking it to release the label and saving my finger nails.

Todd, at least you'll have pre-painted walls as long as purple is your color 

Actually, this was semi-clear in the can though the lid shows purple residue.

I'm thinking maybe the best way to cut the can might be to put water in it and freeze it then work it in the mill.  The ice makes it hold its shape while you work on it.  (Others may also consider trying this.)

I've actually done this before, but the water quickly thaws in the working area.

 I think you are winning the Whimsy award this year with your can that is a can. 

I thought that I would try it without drilling the door out of the can.  I made a door/frame that can stand out from the can just a bit and I can wrap the can with sand paper to get the back of the frame to the proper curvature, then just glue it to the can.  The door on a can is typically closed anyway whether in use or not.

I haven't decided if I want to try drilling the can yet, but at least I have a back-up plan:

Todd, I don't see anything wrong with this idea.  If you had not divulged your plan, we wouldn't have known if you cut the can or not 

If I can cut it open, nicely, I can expose interior detail.

OTOH, using a clear acrylic door, as shown, I could put a "picture" of the interior inside the acrylic and add an "auxilliary door" hanging open.  When I did the first try that you see, I used Titebond III which is why you see a yellowish finish.  If I do a picture, I'll redo this using a clear glue to better show the picture.

And music fan that I am, I was thinking of using the "Zappa Crappa" picture.  But B&W wouldn't do it justice.

I found a can from nuts (edible) used to store nuts (ferrous) that was a bit bigger than the PVC and decided to try cutting that one first.  I filled it with water and froze it, chalked it up in the vice, and used the mill to drill/shape it.  Unfortunately, the can was a bit big for the vice and liked to lift distorting the cut.  I got the general shape but it was ragged.

I cleaned it up with the Dremel and cutoff wheel and a flat file and squared it out.  The hole, and can, are a bit larger than necessary, but wood framing can take care of that and the additional size will allow for some interior detail.  It came out well enough such that it will be the focus of attention, rather than the PVC Primer can.  I may still use that with the other door that is already made, just painting the door and having it closed...

Because (INSERT DRUM ROLL HERE)...,

 is better than one.