Comments on: Automatic Compost Sifter – Screen

By: Randy

Randy — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:03:28 +0000

Thanks guys – a great contraption. I need one butdo not have electricity where I am gonna put it so I am going to try a small 4-stroke horiz. shaft engine ( 3 HP ). Will probably have to rig a couple of pulley to get the rpm down to a manageable level that won’t have to shaker arm going red hot.

Thanks. Just a great gadget.

By: Connie

Connie — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:36:39 +0000

Too cool! Wish I understood what you guys were doing! I really wish I had the knowledge and tools required to build one of these sifting boxes. Some day…

By: Richard Buxton

Richard Buxton — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:15:58 +0000

Inspired by Sid the Sifter but suspiciopus of the vibration and angled drive I am making Son of Sid.

The sifting box is hinged inside a close fitting open carrier box to allow debris to be tipped out. The carrier box has four, small, in-line castor wheels which run on plain wooden rails. The rails are fixed to the inside of an open table-frame with, T-nuts, anti-vibration mounts and angle brackets.

The motor is a modified reciprocating saw slowed to a variable speed of 0 – 200 cycles per min. This is clamped to a mounting board which is fixed firmly across the rails. A push-pull rod replaces the saw blade and attaches to the outer box with a gate latch with a 10mm bolt through both.

Because all the moving parts are on A / V mounts the table frame takes very little vibration. The sifting box has a 6mm mesh and is fitted with a piano hinge for tipping. The control box has an on/off switch and a speed control potentiometer.

It has yet to be used in anger. Pictures may be available by mail.

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:19:48 +0000

Richard, unfortunately the plans are locked up in the head of the evil genius in the UK that built this beautiful thing. I think once he’s finished building his rammed earth wall he’s going to offer a kit and/or plans for sale.

By: RICHARD A.GLIDDEN

RICHARD A.GLIDDEN — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:30:38 +0000

HOW DOES ONE GET A PLAN ? RICHARD

By: JW

JW — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:17:29 +0000

Wow, this makes me want to build one and sift all day long!

By: Col

Col — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:58:51 +0000

Great idea, I have been thinking of doing the same. One question, how do you get so many stones in your compost?

By: Lynn

Lynn — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:50:18 +0000

Totally cool; wish I had the engineering and carpentry skills to make my own. As it stands, all I have is the strength to lift a screen and shake it. He should give instructions on how to build it, or patent and market the design. I’d buy one!

By: Ant

Ant — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:40:58 +0000

Fantastic! It even sounds good – like an old steam engine.

By: Ann Rein

Ann Rein — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:26:38 +0000

Love it! But I can’t view the videos.