{{gwi:3443}}

The best sifters I have seen were used by archeologists. They looked exactly like tapla's above and had heavy cords or light chains from each corner and the the sifter was hanged from a structure above so that it would swing like a children's swing in a playground. Someone had a name for these and found a picture and posted a link - but that was long ago.

I think this is what you are referring to....or at least something like it. Scroll down on the page a bit....
http://people.ucalgary.ca/~schultz/roses.html

And, I think it looks like a really good idea to make frames just like Al's and then be able to hang them over my containers....

Susan

Al: For those of us who are not intuitive, can you provide some specs for these and how you attached screening material to the frames?

I have 2 sets of screens, 4 in each set. Screen mesh sizes are aluminum insect screen, 1/8, 1/4 and 3/8". The screens in the large set, with the handles, are about 20" square and made of 1 x 4 pine, half-lapped (look closely at the corners) and glued, both for extra strength. The screens in the smaller set are 13" square, made with 1 x 3 pine, also half-lapped and glued - same size screen mesh. The screens are attached flush to the bottom and are stapled into the edge grain of the 1xs with 1/2 x 5/16 galvanized staples and then tapped home with a hammer.

I've been using them for more than 15 years, and I've screened tons of soil (literally) in that time, so I guess they work pretty well. ;o)

Al

I feel that if your going to make your own soil, you have to become a screener. Unless you only want to do two pots a year. Then you could just buy a good potting soil like fafards nursery mix. I made one 40" x 26" out of 2"x 4"s and then put a plywood brace at the corners. Its very strong. I nailed 1/2" screen to the bottom which is strong. Then I just place different size screens inside that one. I don't shake the screen. I place it on two saw horses and sit in a chair with leather gloves on, and move it around with my hands with a dust mask on. Its easier on my arthrits. When I need two get the very fine stuff out of the bark,turface,perlite, or DE I put it in my wooden box with insect screen on both sides. Then I use my electric leaf blower and blow the fines out. Its much faster than screening it out.I just dump the stuff in and put a wood lid on "two screws" then I blow the stuff out in the woods part of my yard. I realize if you live in the city this may not be possible.

{{gwi:25310}}

{{gwi:53360}}

Oh thank you everyone for all the good ideas and the pictures. I am so looking forward to getting over this obstacle and having the right tools for the job.

I am absolutely terrible with a hammer and nails, so I will have to give good directions to someone else to make these for me, but then I'm gonna be a sifting fool....

Susan

Al and Filix, I am so saving these pictures so DH can build me something like that! He says its on the top of his list just as soon as he retires,lol...(it will be while) Appreciate the pictures.

Guess for now I'm going to have to make due using my Spaghetti aluminum strainer from Target :o)
{{gwi:53361}}

I think I must be at least your age(82) and suffer with a back that will not stand the action needed to screen. A motion similar to that of "Chubby Checker". My screen is electrical driven by a vibrator motor previously used on a foot therapy device. If you send me an email I will send you a picture which makes construction "self evident". Al

Thanks, Al.
Guess I'm a youngster after all.
I'll just have to explain that to my joints....

Susan

Someone else on the forum recommended this product. It's exactly what I need. Price ranges from $25 - 40.00 + about 10.00 shipping.

The site also has instructions for building your own

Here is a link that might be useful: The Soil Sifter

Those are some of the pictures -- in addition to Al's -- that my helper used yesterday to make me four screens. Sifting can now begin....

Susan

Fantastic idea's everyone..

Now I can make one as big as I want intead of using the tiny one I bought that I paid and arm and a leg for..

Sift away!

Mike.:-)

Get a 18" x 24" x 24" packing box, for $3 at U-Haul. Open it up into the box form, staple insect screen to the top. Lay the bottom flaps out, and (for people whose backs can handle it) kneel on the flaps when sifting. I use it to sift turface and bark fines, and it can be folded back for easy storage. It beats taking 10 feet of insect screen, throwing the materials in there, bagging the lot, and shaking.

Granted, it's not as big as the commercial screens, but the two foot height of the screen helps. I also help the sifting by rubbing the turface or fines into the screen.

Hi,
I built one of these with insect screen and it works pretty well...it's also cheap!and it sits in a 5 gallon bucket!
http://www.lornet.com/prospector/articles/classifier.htm

I also used some inexpensive canvas stretchers like you would use for an oil painting and stapling a screen on them then cutting some lath for around the edge, add some wood glue (overkill?) and screw/staple the lath down. They are working well and there are lots of sizes to pick from

oops...please ignore link above and try this one :)

Here is a link that might be useful: 5 gallon bucket sieve

used this again today and it was great
http://www.recreationalgoldpanning.com/How-to-Make-Your-Own-Classifier%27s.html