Comments on: How To Build Your Own Dirt and Stone Screen Sifter…with Wheels! http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/ Home Improvement Tips and Tricks for the Average Homeowner! Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:22:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Andrew http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-2/#comment-122610 Andrew Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:19:04 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-122610 On a recent trip to Philippines I noticed a guy at a work site sifting dirt. He had a deeper box than yours and it was mounted on short, stubby legs that let him rock it back and forth. There's nothing like visiting a 3rd world country to find elegant, low-tech solutions to common problems. I'm about to build a sifter and am torn between your wheel design which looks a little more efficient and the even simpler rocker method. BTW, it looks like Ramon (Feb. 19) had a similar idea. On a recent trip to Philippines I noticed a guy at a work site sifting dirt. He had a deeper box than yours and it was mounted on short, stubby legs that let him rock it back and forth. There’s nothing like visiting a 3rd world country to find elegant, low-tech solutions to common problems. I’m about to build a sifter and am torn between your wheel design which looks a little more efficient and the even simpler rocker method. BTW, it looks like Ramon (Feb. 19) had a similar idea.

]]> By: Jacquie http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-120231 Jacquie Tue, 19 Jul 2011 02:59:24 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-120231 I was looking for something that would work behind my riding lawn mower, dig slightly and place the materials in a screen that would then sift the stones out. I have a 100 x 200 riding ring which my husband drags (to distribute manure so I don't have to pick it all up) and each time more stones pop up. Haven't found anything that'll work so I guess I'll try your idea. Was hoping to avoid the repeated shoveling as our stones appear to go all the way to China! I was looking for something that would work behind my riding lawn mower, dig slightly and place the materials in a screen that would then sift the stones out. I have a 100 x 200 riding ring which my husband drags (to distribute manure so I don’t have to pick it all up) and each time more stones pop up. Haven’t found anything that’ll work so I guess I’ll try your idea. Was hoping to avoid the repeated shoveling as our stones appear to go all the way to China!

]]> By: Trey http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-117422 Trey Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:13:50 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-117422 Kevin: This is a great plan for sifting river rock. I have to sift a 40x40 area that once had an above-ground pool surrounded by 3' of river rock. So, I am about to build one, but I'm thinking about modifying this, but I want your opinion. What about taking your design and suspending it from a multi-ladder in an inverted-V configuration (or a stepladder)? I think that if the suspension chains are attached to the far edges, it will keep the unit from tipping. You could also (somewhat) adjust the height so that you won't have to shovel as high, and "shaking" it would be much easier. Your thoughts? Kevin:
This is a great plan for sifting river rock. I have to sift a 40×40 area that once had an above-ground pool surrounded by 3′ of river rock. So, I am about to build one, but I’m thinking about modifying this, but I want your opinion. What about taking your design and suspending it from a multi-ladder in an inverted-V configuration (or a stepladder)? I think that if the suspension chains are attached to the far edges, it will keep the unit from tipping. You could also (somewhat) adjust the height so that you won’t have to shovel as high, and “shaking” it would be much easier. Your thoughts?

]]> By: Deborah http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-112695 Deborah Tue, 03 May 2011 19:12:00 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-112695 You have saved us a lot of time and effort. We just tilled our 66 x 100 aq ft. garden; Pete looked at it with disbelief and shock over the effort it would take to clear out the grass clumps...he already came the sifter idea so I suggested we go into the house and search what others have done. We were so glad to read yours after reading several ideas yours of course was the best. We are thrift shops shoppers; we plan to gather up supplies to start this tomorrow. Once again, THANKS. :) You have saved us a lot of time and effort. We just tilled our 66 x 100 aq ft. garden; Pete looked at it with disbelief and shock over the effort it would take to clear out the grass clumps…he already came the sifter idea so I suggested we go into the house and search what others have done. We were so glad to read yours after reading several ideas yours of course was the best. We are thrift shops shoppers; we plan to gather up supplies to start this tomorrow. Once again, THANKS. :)

]]> By: MutantPilgrim http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-112435 MutantPilgrim Sun, 01 May 2011 09:23:27 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-112435 I like your steel banding covering the rough edge of the screen. I made my first one out of 2X10s with a Rubbermaid garden trailer for the base. It's portable and tiltable and mainly used with water. I like your steel banding covering the rough edge of the screen. I made my first one out of 2X10s with a Rubbermaid garden trailer for the base. It’s portable and tiltable and mainly used with water.

]]> By: Ramon http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-104478 Ramon Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:47:42 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-104478 Love the idea. What do you think of substituting a fulcrum for the wheels? Basically teeter tottering out the dirt. Love the idea. What do you think of substituting a fulcrum for the wheels? Basically teeter tottering out the dirt.

]]> By: Charlie http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-87080 Charlie Sun, 29 Aug 2010 01:14:58 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-87080 Wonderful plan – really got me started – the only thing I changed was on the bottom of the sifter I put in aluminum angle so I could rest a piece of that rigid steel shelving that I had (like you buy at Lowes or Home depot – that is constructed with rigid wire – usually painted white ) After that I put my ½” mesh screen over that. Two advantages – it will not come loose if you press on it – and it gives GREAT strength to the bottom for continued use. Thanks again for your idea Charlie Wonderful plan – really got me started – the only thing I changed was on the bottom of the sifter I put in aluminum angle so I could rest a piece of that rigid steel shelving that I had (like you buy at Lowes or Home depot – that is constructed with rigid wire – usually painted white )
After that I put my ½” mesh screen over that. Two advantages – it will not come loose if you press on it – and it gives GREAT strength to the bottom for continued use.
Thanks again for your idea Charlie

]]> By: Dan http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-79610 Dan Tue, 22 Jun 2010 01:21:21 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-79610 Thanks for the great article. Mines cost 35 bucks to build. One thing I'll mention I believe the skateboard wheels are too small. If I were to build another one, go with bigger wheels. Also make sure there is enough clearance for to move the sifter back and forth. Thanks for the great article. Mines cost 35 bucks to build. One thing I’ll mention I believe the skateboard wheels are too small. If I were to build another one, go with bigger wheels. Also make sure there is enough clearance for to move the sifter back and forth.

]]> By: Mary http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-76680 Mary Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:04:13 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-76680 Hey Tom, This is such a great idea! My dad is Mr.T in the comments. We're going to build a new one just like yours. I started using my dad's old sifter, and got so pooped after sifting and lifting. I think I did a total of 8 piles before I gave up. Thanks again! I can't wait to get my front yard done. I'll send you pics! Mary Hey Tom,
This is such a great idea! My dad is Mr.T in the comments. We’re going to build a new one just like yours. I started using my dad’s old sifter, and got so pooped after sifting and lifting. I think I did a total of 8 piles before I gave up. Thanks again! I can’t wait to get my front yard done. I’ll send you pics!

Mary

]]> By: MR. T. http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-76679 MR. T. Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:23:25 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-76679 TOM....I'VE BEEN USEING A SIFTER I MADE UP OVER 20 YEARS AGO. IT'S 2X2; HAS A SCREEN WITH 1/4" SQUARS BUILT ON 2X6 BOARDS. I MEARLY PUT IN 4 OR 5 SHOVELS OF DIRT/ROCK....AND WEARING A PAIR OF HEAVY GLOVES JUST MOVE THE DIRT/ROCK AROUND. I HAVE ANOTHER ONE WITH 1/8th HOLES FOR FINER SIFTING. I WILL TAKE YOUR ADVISE THOUGH AND ADD 4 WHEELS AND A SERIES OF BUMPS TOO ROLL OVER. THANKS....MR. T. TOM….I’VE BEEN USEING A SIFTER I MADE UP OVER 20 YEARS AGO. IT’S 2X2; HAS A SCREEN WITH 1/4″ SQUARS BUILT ON 2X6 BOARDS. I MEARLY PUT IN 4 OR 5 SHOVELS OF DIRT/ROCK….AND WEARING A PAIR OF HEAVY GLOVES JUST MOVE THE DIRT/ROCK AROUND. I HAVE ANOTHER ONE WITH 1/8th HOLES FOR FINER SIFTING. I WILL TAKE YOUR ADVISE THOUGH AND ADD 4 WHEELS AND A SERIES OF BUMPS TOO ROLL OVER. THANKS….MR. T.

]]> By: Ken Scott http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-74042 Ken Scott Mon, 10 May 2010 21:56:43 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-74042 You would be amazed at what you can make with the drum of a clothes dryer, a wooden frame, 4 casters, a belt and an electric motor. Been there, done that. You would be amazed at what you can make with the drum of a clothes dryer, a wooden frame, 4 casters, a belt and an electric motor. Been there, done that.

]]> By: Jeannie http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-72799 Jeannie Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:18:46 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-72799 Tom would also like to please see yours :) Tom would also like to please see yours :)

]]> By: Soil Screener http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-69638 Soil Screener Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:15:49 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-69638 This looks like a great little weekend project to throw together! I remember I had the pros in once when my house was being built, and they had one of the full size ones from http://www.ez-screen.com, which I thought was pretty cool, but this is just that but on a much smaller scale! Ive seen a few others online, but non with wheels, so I think I'm gonna to make yours on the weekend! This looks like a great little weekend project to throw together! I remember I had the pros in once when my house was being built, and they had one of the full size ones from http://www.ez-screen.com, which I thought was pretty cool, but this is just that but on a much smaller scale!
Ive seen a few others online, but non with wheels, so I think I’m gonna to make yours on the weekend!

]]> By: Brett http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-69636 Brett Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:08:29 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-69636 It seems to me that in order to get the vibrating effect, one should simply put strips of the wire meshing on the tracks. It seems to me that in order to get the vibrating effect, one should simply put strips of the wire meshing on the tracks.

]]> By: troy http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-69324 troy Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:15:06 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-69324 New idea... make the frame work pivotabale.... use my bucket to shake it?? Somebody is going to get hurt here.. and I am guessing it will be me. New idea… make the frame work pivotabale…. use my bucket to shake it?? Somebody is going to get hurt here.. and I am guessing it will be me.

]]> By: troy http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-69323 troy Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:03:57 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-69323 Thanks for all the ideas!! I rigged up a screen on the bucket of my little tractor... been working my tail off.. thinking there HAS to be a better way.. I like the screen and 2x4 idea. I could make a frame, dump the rock and dirt on it and dump in my utilty cart... update @ 11.. maybe put eye hooks on the frame.. raise the sifter off the cart with my bucket??? Thanks for all the ideas!! I rigged up a screen on the bucket of my little tractor… been working my tail off.. thinking there HAS to be a better way.. I like the screen and 2×4 idea. I could make a frame, dump the rock and dirt on it and dump in my utilty cart… update @ 11.. maybe put eye hooks on the frame.. raise the sifter off the cart with my bucket???

]]> By: Tom http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-68327 Tom Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:15:37 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-68327 Mike, Glad you were able to get your dirt sifter working! Yes, it IS a lot of work, but it's still better than trying to rake things out and separate the dirt and stone by hand or by lifting a sifter :-) Good luck! Mike,

Glad you were able to get your dirt sifter working! Yes, it IS a lot of work, but it’s still better than trying to rake things out and separate the dirt and stone by hand or by lifting a sifter :-)

Good luck!

]]> By: Mike http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-67959 Mike Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:18:09 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-67959 I just made mine this weekend using yours as my model. I spruced it up a bit, though. I put metal cabinet handles on either end of the sifter to help pick it up and to help sift it. i used non-swivel caster wheels instead of skateboard wheels. i beefed up the frame using L-shaped decking plates on each of the four corners to give it strength, and I extended the length of the sifter to 36 inches. it worked great. i didn't use the wheels at first. it was so tough without the wheels to push it back and forth. once i put the wheels on, it was cake. now i have a HUGE pile of gravel/rock that I don't know what to do with. but i have beautifully sifted dirt in my backyard. p.s. - sifting was hard work! i finished my backyard in about 5 hours with the help of my brother. thanks for your article!! I just made mine this weekend using yours as my model. I spruced it up a bit, though. I put metal cabinet handles on either end of the sifter to help pick it up and to help sift it. i used non-swivel caster wheels instead of skateboard wheels. i beefed up the frame using L-shaped decking plates on each of the four corners to give it strength, and I extended the length of the sifter to 36 inches.

it worked great. i didn’t use the wheels at first. it was so tough without the wheels to push it back and forth. once i put the wheels on, it was cake. now i have a HUGE pile of gravel/rock that I don’t know what to do with. but i have beautifully sifted dirt in my backyard.

p.s. – sifting was hard work! i finished my backyard in about 5 hours with the help of my brother. thanks for your article!!

]]> By: Green Horn http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-66218 Green Horn Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:29:37 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-66218 Nylon wheels with ball bearings can be purchased cheaply through Play-It-Again sports stores or similar used equipment store that sells wheels for "Roller Blades". Good over all concept Tom. A motor with an off-set pully and belt, would vibrate nicely. I also like the idea of attaching a reciprocating blade to the side and running the saw on oscillating mode. Nylon wheels with ball bearings can be purchased cheaply through Play-It-Again sports stores or similar used equipment store that sells wheels for “Roller Blades”. Good over all concept Tom. A motor with an off-set pully and belt, would vibrate nicely. I also like the idea of attaching a reciprocating blade to the side and running the saw on oscillating mode.

]]> By: Tom http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/comment-page-1/#comment-56426 Tom Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:50:27 +0000 http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/how-to-build-your-own-dirt-and-stone-screen-sifterwith-wheels/#comment-56426 Dennis, Hmm... so basically make little vibration speed bumps? Huh, I think that's probably a pretty good idea as long as they're small enough. One problem I had from time to time was a rock would fly out of the screen tray and onto the track and I would come to a dead halt because it would get jammed under a wheel. Maybe just some little grooves or notches would do the trick... I suppose you could even bang in some round furniture tacks to make bumps in a pinch... If I pull it out next spring I might give the speed bump idea a try and let you know what I find! Thanks! Dennis,

Hmm… so basically make little vibration speed bumps? Huh, I think that’s probably a pretty good idea as long as they’re small enough. One problem I had from time to time was a rock would fly out of the screen tray and onto the track and I would come to a dead halt because it would get jammed under a wheel. Maybe just some little grooves or notches would do the trick… I suppose you could even bang in some round furniture tacks to make bumps in a pinch… If I pull it out next spring I might give the speed bump idea a try and let you know what I find! Thanks!

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