NexusBau - Making A Compost Trommel

The compost trommel in this video was commissioned by LES Ecology Center for East New York Farms! (ENYF!). Within this process video you'll see the third iteration of a design modeled off of @dwwaltman 's homemade rotary soil/compost screen machine. A metal structure seemed best to use with this type of tool for weight and longevity purposes. Left outside in the elements wood will expand and compress leading to racking, splitting and overall failure within time. A 1 h/p agricultural motor is used but a household 3/4 h/p motor would suffice. You'll see in the video that a reduction in rpms is made possible by attaching a 1/2" v belt from a 2" pulley to a 10" pulley and then another 1/2" v belt from a 2" pulley to a 25" bike rim. This system of pulley's reduces the rpms of the motor (1800rpm) to around 30-40 rpms. The reasoning behind doing this rather than attaching a variable speed switch is due to exposure to the elements and I wanted to minimize all electrical components that may be susceptible to water damage. The motor was enclosed with wood and metal for protection from weather and theft along with weather proofing the off/on switch at the seams and safely securing it to the metal structure. A half inch square grid mesh was used for this particular trommel in respects to ENYF! wishes to have a chunkier compost finish. As you may have already guessed a smaller grid size will yield a finer end product. The strength of this design comes from its ability to adapt in size, strength, and output whether its for home use or a small commercial farm it'll definitely pull its weight in black gold. Enjoy the video and let's keep making!
A Special Thanks To
Lia Lucero for whom this project would not have been possible. Sra Feigelman (Compost Program Manager) and Ali Sampson (Compost Program Junior Staff) whom were gracious hosts, recipients, and assistants in the process of building this trommel. Dan Ramirez who's musical talent is heard throughout this video. Mark Shklovsky, Raymond Dupoux, anonymous and all those who assisted here and there on the making of the trommel. Last but not least LES Ecology Center and East New York Farms! for allowing the whole process to happen.
Thank You

[@mghtrock48]

thank you. i feel this is exactly what i am looking for!

[@nexusbau]

@mghtrock48 if you end up building a similar trommel please take photos and tag me through Instagram @nexusbau I would love to see the finish product.