Comments on: John W’s Rotating Screen Harvester

By: Texgal

Texgal — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 04:29:44 +0000

Finally got around to making this harvester. THANK YOU! It took about 10 minutes to harvest the castings and it was done!!! Quick and easy. I did a demo with some of my “worm” friends and they were all excited over it. Thanks again.

By: Susie Kayser

Susie Kayser — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 23:55:58 +0000

John, I love the paint roller idea! I was trying to think of an easy, cheap (relatively low-tech) way to roll the aerobic composter I plan to make from a plastic barrel. I also want to harvest my worm castings, and this thing can work for both! I will let you know what my costs are, but I think I can do it pretty cheap – we never throw anything away that might have a new life left in it! I’m excited!

By: oneman

oneman — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:00:43 +0000

Two bits of thin flat board in a V screwed underneath ( like a long funnel does the trick. the tarp is another good idea. If using the board, remember to give enough room underneath to catch the cast.

By: John W.

John W. — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:09:43 +0000

the only real trick is to make sure you have the right size bucket under the screen. After this pic was taken I replaced the blue bucket for a bigger one. You could also put a tarp under it. If you have to small of a bucket you just have to spin it slower; otherwise you spin casting out of the bucket.

By: tim m

tim m — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:01:45 +0000

Looks great! I know I will be building one in the next few weeks and getting ready for my first (EVER!) harvest! Can’t wait! Thanks!!

By: John W.

John W. — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:10:09 +0000

I just do it the old fashioned way and spin the bucket as you see. It turns very easily on the pvc pipe. I have seen where some people make similar contraptions and put handles on it, but for me i wanted to keep it simple as possible.

By: Kim from Milwaukee

Kim from Milwaukee — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:24:26 +0000

John, how are you turning it?? Do you use a knob or just rotate it by hand? This is really brilliant, I think I have everything at home to make one!

By: John w

John w — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 02:23:17 +0000

Yeah. It was one of those “this has to be to simple to work” things that actually worked!!! I have been using the turbo light harvesting method for a while now but kind of dreaded it cause I don’t have much work space. This really speeds up the process though!

By: John Duffy

John Duffy — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 02:15:52 +0000

Way to go John. The paint rollers were a brilliant solution for bearings.