How To Build a Worm Casting Compost Sifter

Chris Fietzer shows step by step how to build a portable worm casting separator and compost sifter for under $75, and then he does a quick demo at the end of the video. Detailed purchase list and cut listing are broken out below. If you like this video, be sure to leave a comment or give a thumbs up.
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Big Shout Out to Mike Laine's design. Check his KZbin Channel: • Mike's Hand Trommel Up...
His original plans:
mlaine.net/Trom/
PURCHASE LIST:
(paint section)
4 - Five gallon buckets
(bldg materials)
1 - roll 1/2 inch mesh that is 24" wide (need 40 inches in length minimum)
1 - roll 1/4 inch mesh that is 24" wide (if using additional screen sizes)
1 - roll 1/8 inch mesh that is 24" wide (if using additional screen sizes)
(plumbing)
10 - 1 inch PVC 90 degree elbows
9 - 1 inch PVC Tee fittings
5 - 1 inch PVC end caps
4 - 1 inch PVC pipe 10 foot lengths
2 - 1 inch PVC 45 degree fittings
1 - 1 inch PVC cross fitting (4-way cross)
1 - 1 inch PVC coupling
1 - 1 1/4 inch PVC pipe 5 foot length
1 - bottle PVC Primer (clear looks neater)
1 - bottle PVC Cement
(hardware)
8 - #8-32 x 1/2 inch machine screws w/nuts
8 - #8 fender washers
15 - #10-24 x 2 inch machine screws w/nuts (option - 4 of these are used for legs)
5 - #10-24 wing nuts (option - 4 are used for legs and 1 is used for axle)
6 - #10 fender washers
1 - 1/4-20 all thread (need 26 inches minimum)
12 - 1/4-20 lock nuts
8 - 1/4 inch washers
2 - 48 inch bungee cords (optional - needed if using additional screen sizes)
2 - small caribeener for bungee cords (optional - needed if using additional screen sizes)
(electrical)
1 - bag 8 inch black UV stabilized wire ties (zip ties - need 10-15 ties total)
(tools)
1 - 1 3/8 inch hole saw with arbor amzn.to/2woCfrG
CUT LIST:
-1 INCH PVC PIPE-
2 @ 13 1/2 inches (cross leg supports)
10 @ 6 inches (handle and chassis corners)
1 @ 41 1/2 inches (axle)
2 @ 29 inches (chassis sides)
12 @ 3 inches (leg feet and chassis leg slip nipples)
2 @ 21 inches (infeed legs)
2 @ 24 1/2 inches (outfeed legs)
2 @ 2 inches (outfeed leg 45 degree nipples
1 @ 7 inch (portion of handle that gets screwed to axle coupling)
-1 1/4 INCH PVC PIPE-
4 @ 6 inches (Legs slip attachment fittings)
1 @ 3 7/8 inches (handle spinner)
-BUCKETS-
2 @ 7 inches from top rim
2 @ remove bottoms and cut lengthwise
-SCREENS-
1 @ 40 inches long for each size mesh
PARTS BY COMPONENT:
-INFEED LEG-
4 - 1 inch PVC @ 3 inches (feet)
2 - 1 inch PVC @ 21 inches (legs)
1 - 1 inch PVC @ 13 1/2 inches (cross leg support)
2 - 1 inch PVC end caps
2 - 1 inch PVC 90 degree elbows
2 - 1 inch PVC Tee fittings
2 - #10-24 2 inch machine screws w/nuts
4 - #10 machine screw washers
-OUTFEED LEG-
4 - 1 inch PVC @ 3 inches (feet)
2 - 1 inch PVC @ 24 1/2 inches (legs)
1 - 1 inch PVC @ 13 1/2 inches (cross leg support)
2 - 1 inch PVC end caps
2 - 1 inch PVC 90 degree elbows
2 - 1 inch PVC Tee fittings
2 - #10-24 2 inch machine screws w/nuts
4 - #10 machine screw washers
-CHASSIS-
8 - 1 inch PVC @ 6 inches (corners)
4 - 1 inch PVC @ 3 inches (nipples between 45 degree and 1 1/4 inch leg slip)
4 - 1 1/4 inch PVC @ 6 inches (leg slips)
2 - 1 inch PVC @ 2 inches (nipples between chassis leg Tee and 45 degree)
2 - 1 inch PVC @ 29 inches (sides)
4 - 1 inch PVC 90 degree elbows
4 - 1 inch PVC Tee fittings
2 - 1 inch PVC 45 degree elbows
1 - 1 inch PVC Tee fitting drilled for axle
1 - 1 inch PVC Cross fitting drilled for axle
11 - #10-24 2 inch machine screws w/nuts
16 - #10 machine screws washers
6 - #10 fender washers
1 - bag of 8 inch black UV stabilized wire ties (zip ties)
-HANDLE, AXLE, & SCREEN-
2 - 1 inch PVC @ 6 inches (handle)
1 - 1 inch PVC @ 41 1/2 inches (axle)
1 - 1 inch PVC @ 7 inches (length that connect handle to axle coupling)
1 - 1 1/4 inch PVC @ 3 7/8 inches (handle spinner)
1 - 1 inch PVC end cap
2 - 1 inch PVC 90 degree elbows
1 - 1 inch PVC coupling
2 - #10-24 2 inch machine screws w/nuts
4 - #10 machine screw washers
8 - #8-32 x 1/2 inch machine screws w/nuts
8 - #8 fender washers
1 - 1/4-20 all thread (need 26 inches min)
12 - 1/4-20 lock nuts
8 - 1/4 inch washers
2 - 48 inch bungee cords (if using additional screen sizes)
2 - small caribiner for bungee cords (if using additional screen sizes)
1 - 1/2 inch mesh 24 inches wide @ 40 inches long (for each size mesh)
TOOLS USED:
- miter saw (or pvc cutter) amzn.to/2of4TI1
- hack saw with metal cutting blade (could use jigsaw as well)
- tin snips or heavy duty scissors
- wire cutters
- tape measure
- 1 3/8 inch hole saw with arbor
- 3/8 inch drill
- 1/4 inch drill bit for all hardware except all thread
- 5/16 inch drill bit for 1/4 inch all thread pilot holes
- phillips screwdriver
- 7/16 inch wrench
- 3/8 inch wrench
- 7/16 inch socket and ratchet
- needlenose pliers
- vise grips (used while putting lock nuts on)
- tape
- dremel
- sandpaper

[@catherinemix51]

you understood the assignment! The addition of chutes is GENIUS!! Thank you, we will build ours this week!

[@tealtoad19]

Hi Chris, Mike Laine here from Mike's Trommel. What a great video you have presented. I thought it was well planned out and easy to follow. I have used the trommel for gold, gem stones, archeology, arrowhead retrieval, compost, worms, concrete sifting, aggregate classification and even chicken poop bagging! Every time I do a search I find another use. When I first designed it in 2009 the trommel was primarily targeting prospectors but soon branched out to many areas. I wanted a classifier that could be carried at least a mile away from the truck, along with a shovel, buckets, water and other gear in one trip without much effort. Motorizing it complicated the build with battery weight, motor, power cords, gearing, and engineering. I couldn't justify the use of sprayers, pumps, and hoses necessary to have a wash station either. KISS (Keep it Simple) has always been my aim. Besides, the hand crank is very easy to use. I like the all-thread and have built smaller trommels out of 3/4" PVC using it. If a prospector was to use all-thread I would advise installing two on each end of the barrel due to the extraordinary weight and density of rock. Again, I like your build and presentation. PS. The mil rating on Home Depot (Homer Buckets) beats Lowe's hand down! Cheers, Mike Laine mlaine.epizy.com/Trom

[@paultrudeau95]

This is the most complete, detailed How-To video I have watched in 2 years! VERY nice job illustrating this build. Hope to explore more of your videos!

[@angelikapaul2998]

This is absolute genius!!! I wish you had more than 3 videos. Your step by step is extremely detailed. Thanks for posting this video. I know it took a lot of time. Well done!

[@kitsurubami]

4 to 5 years later and I am so glad I built this! I use it all the time in my gardening and I enjoy using it. Go make one!

[@adamjones9506]

Was looking at a stupidly expensive sifter and, even having to purchase a jigsaw, your compost sifter is miles ahead. Inspiring work, thank you very much.

[@paulabeattie8565]

Excellent video - clear, concise without unnecessary annoying chatter.

[@cupbowlspoonforkknif]

Thanks for the build video. I started making Mike's Trommel but your idea for using threaded rod was a huge time saver. Some of his written instructions were unclear so it was great to have a video to follow. I made mine for about $85 Canadian.

[@gordongavin1330]

Thank you for this! The supply list, the clear video - great job! I just finished building mine and it works great! It takes about a day to build depending on the tools you have.

[@az82ce]

That, my friend, is the darnest thing i have seen lately. Very well done

Wow thats what i call perfection in Gardening!!! Thanks for sharing and many tasty vegetables from your garden!

[@hhenley7457]

Thank you Chris for providing such valuable information with such expertise and articulate communication!!!!

[@kanhaikapadia1665]

Agreed...I've watched too many of these diy sifter videos and this is easily the best. Thank you.

[@scottwillis5434]

Excellent video, thank you! When cutting all-thread, it's helpful to put the nuts on first, make the cut, then unscrew the nuts to force the threads back into shape. Grinding the end to a cone shape or using a fine file with a narrow edge to restore the thread groove can also help.

[@areaSixTwelve]

Beautiful work, Chris. Great project, nifty design, and I feel you hit the sweet spot between assuming we know everything you do, and over-describing the steps.

[@Polusplagchnos]

Thank you for the ideas, the work, the demonstration, the step and parts list, and your genuine human decency. Bless you and hope to see you on the other side!

[@unnet1]

I've watched a lot of harvester videos. I'll make this one. Simple and effective. Excellent! Thank you.

[@pittfan346]

Best instructional video I've ever seen. Very direct and to the point. On my way to lowes hardware now.

[@Kevin-wo3kp]

This is the very best video of its type I have seen. It's given me the confidence to give it a go. Thanks for sharing.

[@georgeevans9159]

Kevin H i

[@SuperQuickfix1]

@@PlantedByChris did a video on using bushings for bearing. That way you can glue up and replace the bushings easily.

[@georgemastrovasilis5079]

That's a very nice build. Thanks for making it so simple and easy to understand. Plan on building one this week.

[@grandwheatgrass]

This is the best video I have ever seen on making your own screener. I am planning on following these instructions. I'll let you know how it goes.

[@ohhansel]

Dude you should be way proud of yourself for being so awesomely clever. Just a great elegant and simple design. I'm building one for my brother-in-law for Christmas he's going to be in worm heaven. Thanks for taking the time to put this out there in the universe.

[@robodojo2353]

Fantastic video. I'm going to make one of these with my students, and this is a near perfect reference. It's also the reason I'm going to build this sifter. Well done.

[@christopherbrewster9236]

I can't really complain about this video since it was free to me and 90% of the steps were demonstrated. Well done. I just finished mine and it worked great. Thanks so much for this demo!

[@sylviacherry4233]

Thanks Chris I have been trying to come up a simple way to separate casting using buckets. The screw all was the missing element. I like the shot idea too. Thanks again.

[@hakovatube]

Amazing design, excellent instructions and detailed purchase and cut lists. Very complete, truly appreciated!

[@kickitatw]

Wow, nicely done! Clear, concise and very nice construction using readily available supplies. Thank you.

[@dkschannal5264]

This is so much efficient than other bucket trommels that I've seen! Excellent job buddy!

[@pamelaschoppeebortz223]

By far the best video I have ever seen on the making if a trommel sifter!

[@BKGallent]

Kudos sir! I made screen-drawer suspended on an 8 ft frame that I was able to shake through 18 bushels in an afternoon but I admire the compactness and thoroughly well thought out design. You have brought to fruition a design I've had rambling around in my head but didn't see how to do it. Thank you. WONDERFUL!

[@pageoanedwards5050]

Brian Gallentine can you post picture or video of yours also?

[@jasonr8935]

So practical Chris, thanks for the share.. I got a little worm farm going and was looking at buying a sieve. This will be my little project for next month.. Thanks again.

[@mountainman4410]

Awesome build! Love the attention to detail. This will be the one I build this year. Thanks for sharing.

[@WhiteKeys007]

Wooooow Chris... I don't know what to say. THank you for taking so much time to go step by freaking step. Thank you

[@CleoCastonguay47]

Great Project ! Great Video ! Thanks for the step by step instructions Chris. Looking forward to see more of your work.

[@FortifiedSoul]

This video helps me a lot. This is by far the best DIY tutorial vid for worm casting separator. Good job chris

[@desireea1407]

This is wonderful. The changeable screen idea is brilliant. Thank you!

[@folsterfarms]

This was one of the best “How to” videos I have ever seen! Very well done.

[@petermyers8661]

I'm very impressed with how detailed your thought process was in constructing this. I'm not easily impressed!

[@DadianSystemsLLC]

Fantastic Video! This is a much easier way to separate out the castings than how I'm doing it now. Looks like I'll be heading to Lowes soon.

[@gerryt643]

Beautious! The best DIY kit style sifter I've seen on you tube. Well done indeed.

[@michaelschadt9666]

I made it! Its awesome!! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, I appreciate it!

[@dysfunctional_vet]

well done, editing is professional, information is concise, presentation is first class. WELL Done!

[@walleye855]

Thank you Chris. I will be starting mine soon. Looking forward to future projects.

[@anthonyr640]

Absolutely the best diy sifter i've seen. This is now on my Must-Must do list. Recently started bin-worming and will be splitting bins in about a month. Thinking about making a "screw-thread" at the intake so the compost is guided in. Also, a series of angled vanes on the interior of the sifting chamber would move the material along without having to build the sifter with a tilt, would probably work best with larger diameter containers. Your build is really inspiring Chris. Thank you! Liked, subscribed and shared.

[@jasonjjordan1075]

***** Will build, thank you for a most valuable tool, development and demonstration. Great work Chris! *****

[@nancyaberg7086]

Thank you so much for making this video. I was looking for a trommel made for gold mining. This is just right as everything is so light weight, I will be great for a portable one using no motor.

[@RJ-lk5kp]

Freaking brilliant! And loved the end where you added a screen mesh you can add or remove.

[@ibmike111]

Great instruction! Love the simple detailed process. Thanks!

[@jdhitc]

This was awesome, I am not building this but this did give me advice on how to do a few things on my own build. Thank you for this

[@kaufmanek1]

Hi Chris.. Your video was very inspiring. I am now preparing to get all the materials to construct your version. I might be adding some wheels to the legs though. You are certainly an excellent methodical teacher. Keep the good work.

[@joecastillo966]

Your demo was very well done. Nice job. I've looking to make one but was not sure how to go about it. I now know how. Thank you

[@julestburt]

Wow, just found this. Don't quite need my own sorter (yet!) but very much enjoyed watching you build...and more importantly demonstrate! Very cool indeed. Watching from North Vancouver, Canada. Regards, Jules.

[@thenightfly3586]

thats a great idea Chris...well thought out....it would last quite some time being made out of pvc....thanks again for the post....look forward to seeing more

[@nereidapr1]

Love your step by step. You really made it easy. Loved and Subbed

[@kgs2127]

Awesome project with excellent instructions, thank you!

[@mamafranklin]

Brilliant design. Thanks for posting it!

[@galennordland8074]

Very good description and step-by-step video. Very pro!

[@JCC_1975]

Beautiful. Thanks for the video. I feel comfortable now making my own.

[@charleskiplinger9904]

Exceptionally well put together DIY video. Thank You!

[@777atmyplacerjm4]

Chris! This was wonderful... Excellent presintation Thank you.

[@MikeTrieu]

I was about to ask how you'd separate the castings from the worms or even their eggs, but you pointed out that it would be a simple modification to wrap increasingly finer mesh around the trommel to filter at the desired particle size. Great job!

[@kayyanisch9555]

Thank you. This is just what I've been looking for!

[@leifcatt]

That is a great design. Thanks for a very well made and informative video.

[@matthewandmaria]

Fantastic. Just what I have been looking for to assist to build a compost sifter

[@chewee2k]

That, my friend, is a fantastic video. As luck would have it, I had just watched a video on the use of a commercial rotary screener/sieve, and I thought to myself that one could build their own fairly simply. Then I stumbled onto your video. Thanks. BTW, you have very good mechanical skills.

[@ziyuchan5464]

It's a very detailed and informative video. Very helpful indeed. Thank you.

[@TheArtisanbard]

That is awesome!! Great video and walk through. Thanks for the demo as well

[@alpeme55]

Hi Chris:Excellent Job!!!.Thanks a lot for sharing your creativity. Humankind would be much better with more people like you.GOD Bless you.Sincerely,Alberto from Puerto Rico: )

[@RaymondAKlesc]

Excellent how-to video and very simple/smart approach. Living here in Indonesia, I would probably use bamboo as it is readily available and more eco friendly. Thanks for sharing.

[@deepbeeps]

Well made and very professional looking! I loved that you used silver buckets. Now I have to add another project to the list! lol

[@jerico902]

Thanks for making this video! I appreciate the hard work that went into this project and showing others how to do the same. I'm gonna try to build one tomorrow 😎👍

[@Matt-rj2vj]

Brilliant idea, design, build, and explanation!

[@popo5413]

Thank you thank you I have been trying to think of a way to scale down the other screens on the tube and now I have thank you vey much

[@scsfulsarahr598]

That's really great! And a great video! Well thought out and put together! Thank you!

[@roncote2577]

WOW, Great understandable how to video. Thank you for sharing this knowledge with the world "every bit of info is useful for our future home food supply"

[@makassaraquaponic3286]

This video definitely deserve a huge thanks!

[@dongrant6371]

Great presentation. Clear and concise. Well done.

[@JohnMiller-oz7gv]

Nice work. Thanks for showing the build first, then the demo.

[@mattuk1310]

Wow quit the work out making it very detailed and WOW AGAIN seeing your list Thanks you so much for sharing your idea...been doing work factory for a few yrs and using a flat tray & mounds in the sun to harvest...i think i may just ave to make one of these ...THANKS AGAIN SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS...peace

[@bassmjm]

Fantastic! Really nice, complete video.

[@newbiegardener3980]

hey nice video!! I agree with a Paula- excellent and concise!@!!!appreciate you taking the time to make it for us to watch and learn from.

[@lindathompson4787]

A very well done video cannot wait till I build one for myself..Thank you so much

[@rickalbrecht2419]

Great job Chris, this has inspired me to make one Thank you.

[@michellebackus2515]

Wow! thank you for such a great idea put forth in a way I think I'll be able to use.

[@godisone4me]

Awesome job! Thanks for sharing!

[@bilabob211]

that was absolutely impressive great job dude you put in some work

[@bobmailer8260]

Very Cool my friend. Love your attention to detail on the construction and your creative use of common materials. NICE!

[@brianmorris8045]

Great work there Chris...thinking of modelling my trommel on your efforts....well thought out and described on the vid.

[@cherylkelley1970]

Great video with lots of detail, thank you

[@onemomsdrm]

This is amazing!! Great video!

[@addisonduggan9551]

Great work, thank you for sharing Chris

[@habutti]

Well done sir, good job. Simple yet effective.

[@ronmckinney6589]

Exactly what I need. I am going to build one Great job!

[@02221935]

Good job. I like how you wrapped the smaller screen around the larger screen

[@michaelgaryanderson]

Hi Chris. I've been generating more compost and vermicompost recently so I started researching better ways to sift the finished product. I really like that your design is practical, affordable with all the materials easy to find at the local hardware store. The only thing I may change is using less plastic in the design. Of course, that would probably increase the price and take a little more work. Great design! Thanks for inspiring us.

[@24bsensei]

Well done. I'm looking forward to building my own.

[@scottiajohnston8025]

Great video. Thanks for the detailed instructions. Love how it works!

[@anthonyrobinson9982]

Great instructional video. Thank you for posting it.

[@hassanhadi3376]

Thank you for this video. I think i can afford to build something like this. And the idea is great, simple and do-able.

[@I.am.Mumma.Bear.1]

Awesome comprehensive video .. thank you !! I’ll be building this on the weekend 😊👍🏽