Gravel screener build
 

I've began working on a gravel sifting/screener. I don't have plans or specs or have ever seen one up close. I'm building with pictures, videos and any information I can find on company website.
I am also wrestling with the idea of having it on a stationary base or on a trailer for mobility.
Since this will be my second screener build I'm attempting to do something a bit more challenging. The first one was an attempt on making a bar separator and wound up with a vibrating screen.
So here is what I have so far. And PLEASE If you have any ideas or have made one or have up close pictures please don't be shy and reply.http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psbam3fjfn.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Looks great MCL ,looks like it going to work great ,bet it took some time to cut out the pvc ,how did you attach the expanded metal to the inside
keep up the great work :D

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Thanks PUMPTECH. I drilled pilot holes and cut the PVC with a jig saw, I used a downward facing blade so I can see the lines as I cut. It was doing the measurement and making straight lines on a round object that took the most time.
I will be posting some pics of the inside and show how I got the screens fastened in.

Re: Gravel screener build
 

nice start to it .... cant wait to see more finished pictures

Re: Gravel screener build
 

seeing that pipe gives me an idea. in the water well drilling industry they have machines to slot casing. I wonder if I can get one of the guys to take some 7 or 8" casing and cut 4 large "slot" windows in the section.... might work, might not.... hmm.

Re: Gravel screener build
 

From what info I've been getting any pipe will work. Just remember the heavier the pipe the stronger there geared motor has to be that is turning it.
Ideally I was getting that a semi truck exhaust pipe would be best, on that thought since BIGFORD is the only trucker I know in my reach I'm going to ask him if he has any old exhaust pipe around him. might get lucky.

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Hi if you need pipe let me know I have to my availability just about any size pipe you want

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Just watched this video and thought of your build!
http://youtu.be/_q9qrSOt09E

Re: Gravel screener build
 

I think a lot of guys are using air and oil filter screens for trommels. Works well and very cheap if you know a place to get them used.

Re: Gravel screener build
 

That's a good idea

Re: Gravel screener build
 

no pipe and we just tossed 4 w900 air filters out. but im in brooklyn
every day i can meet up with rccrazy and grab the pipe for you..

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Thanks man If you have any 5 or 6 inch pipe close to 30 inches long would be dynamite, any old air filter would be good as well good for the screen.

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Thanks BIGFORD for looking out. I appreciate what your doing.

Re: Gravel screener build
 

I have that size pipe Pvc or steel ? And I will get you the mesh from the air cleaners no problem

Re: Gravel screener build
 

I would say steel, it should have a more authentic look some what when I'm done. OH the thinner the pipe the better. Thanks

Re: Gravel screener build
 

This is the outer mesh from an air cleaner that I use in my 275 MF tractor, measures close to 5 inches diameter. The ends are made from oak.

The tube in the background I can't remember where I got that from, the diameter a bit smaller, closer to 4 inches. The holes are much too small for screening dirt, be a good tube for sifting pit run to get sandblast sand quality.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psytegj030.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Here are some more photo's of the project. I have a 4" PVC pipe with cut out sections for the screens. Two 4" reducing couplings and a 4" end cap. And three different size screens.

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psdnfzat9t.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Here I'm getting the center of the end cap. I also use those lines for a reference when cutting out the ports for the large debris. The center of the cap will hold the shaft for turning.

http:/http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psqay6sgkr.jpg/

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Now to cut the ports on the end cap with the reducing coupling. I drilled pilot holes to make it easier.

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...pseodvjkvc.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

I use Tamiya screws and nuts to hold them together.

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psoyxoudbc.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

I now install a threaded rod about 5mm in diameter. I used a few washers and nuts to hold the rod firmly. That rod will be attached to a universal coupling which will be connected to the geared motor.
http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psmfxweaxq.jpg

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psopo71b7m.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Now how I hold the screens in is with the aluminum strips and some Tamiya screws and nuts.

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psxhi1jqsc.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Now after putting all this together I wound up with something that looks like this.

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8mypoprd.jpg

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psnyszgnuc.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psabpvyjda.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Now for painting what color? And should it be stationary or on a trailer. Now I'm waiting on universal couplings and she'll be turning for sure. Unfortunately the size I need it comes from china and will take some time to get here.
If any one has a 5mm to 6mm universal coupling for sale let me know I'm hoping to get one faster that waiting on a shipment from china.

Re: Gravel screener build
 

I think harbor fright may be able to help with some parts. going to visit the automotive department. I have a idea for a universal coupling.

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Well here are some more pics of the gravel screener build. I went ahead and painted the screen black.

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psbsmm6rg8.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Now lets start on the structure. Some cuts was made by hand.

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...pshhgwtc93.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psh7iusmyu.jpg

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psrksnijrp.jpg

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...pslh3kpvw3.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...ps36avso91.jpg

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psrrrhfy7f.jpg

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psgv7zn2iw.jpg

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psemxiqvkh.jpg

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psoya9ndxo.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5rycqllu.mp4

I've got to slow this down. its way to fast. even with a geared motor.

Re: Gravel screener build
 

what can I use as a speed control?

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Reduce your voltage

Re: Gravel screener build
 

That was the first thing I thought of. It runs that fast on 4.8 volts 4 AA battery's. Is there a cheap manual speed control out there. Or?

Re: Gravel screener build
 

I think I've found something that may work I will be trying this out shortly.

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...psyiiftk50.jpg

Re: Gravel screener build
 

What you need is something like this. All kinds to choose from that are rated at various amperage and voltages, with or without reversing switch. Ive got a few of them and they work great and produce very little heat compared to a variable carbon pile resistor.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/PWM-Motor-Spe...item33afe99d6a


http://youtu.be/o1rKK4gUuz4

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Looks like you made a "slinger screener"! Seriously though it looks great and when you get the speed right it will be awesome!

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Where am I now?

So I lowered the voltage which lowered the speed of the drum, but it lowered the amps as well. Which does not allow the geared motor to turn a heavy load.
It tense to struggle. Now I figure I'm going to need a geared motor slower/stronger than the one I'm using now. I figure a 540 can size 37mm gear motor at about 35 to 60 rpm at the shaft. And a proven speed control to save me time and head ache(using Mario's recommendation). And a universal coupling. Then some form of way to get DC current to the electronics without using batteries. I will still have receptacle's to use batteries when no power is available.
So until I get some parts in I'm only going to be able to work on the cosmetic aspect of it. I really don't even know what its supposed to look like LOL. I need to see one in person or get some up close pics. But GOOGLE has been of great help but not enough close detail. I'm not looking to make it true to scale but it take time to get the parts from china most times. Might as well jazz it up a little.
I was fiddling around with it and made this video.

http://http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/...pswcubznxy.mp4

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Deep cycle marine battery would run that little motor for a yr on one charge.

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Look at "robot shop" - "motors and actuators" -"page 3"

Re: Gravel screener build
 

Thanks getting what I need from a closer source is a great benefit.