plans for soil screener

[not2old]

I figured that this would be the best place to look for plans to build a soil screen/shaker but a search brings up everything but that. I find it hard to believe that a search only shows one thread for a grizzly screen. Any suggestions for what words to use for my search or anyone have any other suggestions for help? I'd prefer not to use a trial and error method for construction. If nothing comes up, I will try to post my build.

THANKS

 

[Wagtail]

Have a look at the "Similar Threads" at the bottom of this page.

Also, don't use the 'Search' (magnifying glass) function, I believe that it's busted. Use the Google Custom Search box, above it.

 

[not2old]

Have a look at the "Similar Threads" at the bottom of this page.

Also, don't use the 'Search' (magnifying glass) function, I believe that it's busted. Use the Google Custom Search box, above it.

I didn't know what I was doing wrong. The problem with the search function shouldn't surprise me- ALL COMPUTERS HATE ME

THANKS

 

[Wagtail]

Nah, you didn't do anything wrong... I only learnt about the magnifying-glass function (lack thereof) the other day.

 

[Amvcane]

A few years back I built a 50'x75' garden by scratching the area with my backhoe 18" deep piling it then screening it all. The screener I built was on the cheep but worked better than expected. Total cost $50 for the piece of 9 ga. chain link fence and metal strapping,had the pressure treated lumber from a deck I removed. You have to go to a fencing co. for the fence, the big box stores only have 11 ga. crap. I didn't stretch the fence fully since the holes would be to big, so I tightened up the openings and secured it with the strong back straps in three places. Basically used a 9' length of fence in a 6' run.
Since the pictures I have added a couple more boards to the sides to better contain the soil.
The only downfall I have found is that some odd shaped rocks, roots, and branches will sometimes clog the screen, so I keep a metal leaf rake handy. Other than that I am very happy with the results, dig a hole with backhoe, place screener in front of hole, screen out soil, rocks roll into hole.

 

[Coyote machine]

Nice work! How long did it take to build?

 

[rswyan]

Consider making the "screening panels" easily removable - I have three screening panels for mine, all of which use 2 x 4's (on edge)

The one I use the most is 1" square wire netting ... works good to clear most all debris down to around 1/2" - 3/4" diameter.

The second uses a cattle panel from TSC, which I believe has around a 4" mesh - good for larger rocks.

The third uses hardware cloth with 1/4" mesh ... good for cleaning dirty gravel.

 

[Handloader109]

After plowing my garden spot, I'm going to have to build one of these things, :thumbsup:
I've got rocks from small to 20 pound that I've pulled out......

 

[Amvcane]

Nice work! How long did it take to build?

Weeks of planing and about a day and a half to build. I actually built it in the shop in my basement ( like a boat), only I was able to partially disassemble and send it out the basement door for transport and reassemble.
I tried to pull the larger rocks out by hand, 8-10" a and over so as to not damage the fencing.

 

[Coyote machine]

Weeks of planing and about a day and a half to build. I actually built it in the shop in my basement ( like a boat), only I was able to partially disassemble and send it out the basement door for transport and reassemble.
I tried to pull the larger rocks out by hand, 8-10" a and over so as to not damage the fencing.

Thanks. Couple of other questions: what angle is the screen at? Looks to be about 45*....
And the metal strapping- where did that come from?
Can you remove the screen by hand, or only by using the tractor?

 

[jzr756]

Hello Avmcane
I'm in the process of building a rock sifter patterned after yours. In looking at the pictures you posted I cant really see how you attached your 9ga. fencing material to your framing .Can you go into a little more detail into how you went about it? I purchased a box of 1 1/4x22ga. metal strapping,(the type they use in residential framing to tie structural members together) I posted a couple of pictures of how far I've progressed but I'm trying to figure out the best or strongest way to attach the fencing material.

 

[jzr756]

Hello AVMCANE
JUst wanted to add that in the pictures I posted,I only have the two shorter front legs attached to the framing .They are cut at a 45 degree angle, I've yet to install the hind legs which would position the main frame at 45 degrees

 

[jzr756]

This is the tractor I'll be using to load and screen approx. 10 yards of rock and dirt

 

[Smokeydog]

The scrap yard I frequent sometimes has chain link fence, gates, quarry screens, etc.
For small amounts of soil like a garden a chain link gate propped at angle up between trees or posts might work.

 

[BukitCase]

Depending on how involved/heavy use you need, here's an older thread
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/119273-screening-plant-project.html

HTH... Steve

 

[spo307]