How To Build An Automatic Compost Sifter / Trommel Using A Cement Mixer & Trash Can

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  • Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
  • This homemade compost sifting machine can be built at a fraction of the cost vs store bought turn key models using readily available materials and just a few basic tools. Save time, money and your back as you sift through tons of compost, soil, woodchips etc. The end product is a beautiful finely processed compost perfect for planters, seedlings, amending new garden beds, making compost tea, re-filling raised beds.
    Here is a complete materials list for this build:
    (1) Harbor Freight 3-1/2 Cubic Ft. Cement Mixer: www.harborfreight.com/search?...
    (1) Witt Industries EXP-52RD Steel 48-Gallon Outdoor Waste Receptacle: amzn.to/2SYgzha
    (Currently $169.00. Check all colors for best price)
    (1) 1/4-In. Galvanized Mesh Hardware Cloth: amzn.to/2T3cKrm
    (1) 6 ft. 2 X 4
    (6) 1-1/2 in. Anchor Points
    (6) 1/4 in. X 7-3/4 in. Turnbuckle Hook/ Hook or Eye/Hook
    (2) Rubber Caster Wheel with Rigid Non-Swivel Top Plate - 3-Inch
    (2) 3/4 in. x 48 in. Round Steel Stake
    (2) Blue Hawk 4-cu ft Steel Wheelbarrow (Purchased from Lowes)
    (2) 3/8 in. X 4 in. Eye Hook
    (12) 1/4 in. X 1/2 in. Hex Bolts
    (8) 1/4 in. X 2 in. HexBolts
    (20) 1/4 in. Nylon Lock Nuts
    (20) 1/4 in. Flat Washers
    (1) Bag of Zip Ties
    (1) Drain Cover for Waste Container
    And Here The The Tools Needed:
    Drill
    Phillips Head Screwdriver or Drill Attachment
    7/32 Metal Drill Bit
    5/16 Metal Drill Bit
    3/8 Metal Drill Bit
    1 in. Wood Drill Bit
    11 mm Socket & Wrench
    11 mm Metric Combination Wrench
    Circular or Hand Saw
    Greg Smith UA-cam Channel:
    • Trommel cement mixer
    • Trommel attachment for...
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 409

  • @tee2899
    @tee2899 3 роки тому +74

    Videos like this are the reason I don't go to sleep until 3am. Love watching them

    • @dawn6954
      @dawn6954 3 роки тому +3

      Haha isnt it the truth!!! 😂

    • @ERMAV
      @ERMAV 3 роки тому +3

      I love doing them !

    • @LetsReviewThisS
      @LetsReviewThisS 2 роки тому +1

      Currently 340

    • @javier0304
      @javier0304 2 роки тому

      So addicting and then you find yourself shopping for the materials

    • @cheritait8116
      @cheritait8116 2 роки тому

      Yep!

  • @gabbygertie8709
    @gabbygertie8709 2 роки тому +27

    As a 70 year old handicapped grandma this is absolutely the answer to my prayers! I have been screening my compost by hand and it takes hours of backbreaking effort. I already have the cement mixer so this is going to the top of my husband's honey do list! I can't wait and neither can my back!

  • @bethatz252
    @bethatz252 4 роки тому +7

    I can hardly wait to show my "non-gardening" husband your invention. I think he'll make it for me because you did a great job of demonstrating how to do it. Thanks.

  • @ussweeneyd
    @ussweeneyd 4 роки тому +29

    Only a brave man films the first try out. Great job and good project.

    • @MichaelSmith-hs5iu
      @MichaelSmith-hs5iu 3 роки тому

      He's not only brave, he's confident and aware there are always minor and sometimes major adjustments

  • @lillysimeoni5080
    @lillysimeoni5080 5 років тому +8

    I bought the same concrete mixer when it went on sale for Christmas specifically to mix soil and make aircrete. I use vermiculture, compost, humus, goat, rabbit, duck, chicken and quail manure to make my own soil and needed an easy way to mix it all for different uses. Your idea is an awesome implement for me, def will make it! Planting season is in full mode now and I can’t seem to mix soil fast enough to plant and mulch all my gardens. Thank you for the video!!

  • @IowaKim
    @IowaKim 4 роки тому +4

    I love this idea, especially using a mesh trash can.. I already have a cement mixer and you have given me the idea to trundle that out to my compost yard and use it for sifting and combining materials. Thanks much!

  • @davesims3471
    @davesims3471 5 років тому +18

    Absolutely love it! I've been kicking around ideas in my head for a while now and this NAILS IT! Already have so many ways to use this around the gardens!
    Now to convince the wife I need more garden tools!

    • @that_auntceleste5848
      @that_auntceleste5848 2 роки тому +1

      See and here i am waiting for my husband to retire so he can build me one! 😆

    • @markjust86
      @markjust86 Рік тому +1

      ​@@that_auntceleste5848 and I need a wife to tell me that I can or can't make one! 😂

  • @kevchard5214
    @kevchard5214 5 років тому +1

    I am a big fan of multipurpose tools and have looked at a mixer for a while now but couldn't justify a single use tool. With your genius idea I now can justify a mixer. Thank you very much!!!!!

  • @nelsonolivera8059
    @nelsonolivera8059 4 роки тому +1

    I think you are a genius because you were able to simplify it to the point that I might take a shot at building it. Thank you for your generosity, clarity and for being able to teach. Namaste, Nelson

  • @downundervlogs
    @downundervlogs 3 роки тому +3

    What a fantastic way to harvest compost. I have to say I really enjoyed sitting back watching you do all the work shovelling the compost in, I was quite mesmerized by watching it turn and sift. Great job.

  • @mindy779
    @mindy779 5 років тому +4

    Wow you are the MacGyver of gardening. This is a most excellent project. Thank you for the instructions. 😄👍😄

  • @WaddedBliss
    @WaddedBliss 5 років тому +20

    That sifted compost at the end is brown gold. Beautiful.

  • @MarkBohland
    @MarkBohland 4 роки тому +1

    Thank You! I am not mechanically inclined, so something with simple instructions and simple processes like this is invaluable. Thanks Again!

  • @RustyCarnahan
    @RustyCarnahan 4 роки тому +7

    I use one of these cement mixers as a livestock feed mixer. A setup like this could also serve as a grain cleaner. Food for thought

  • @andrewehrmantraut4742
    @andrewehrmantraut4742 5 років тому +14

    This is genius!!! I wish I had this yesterday when I sifted my compost for my beds and pots. I like how you didnt edit out the mistake, made me lol and proves you're still human! Either way, freakin genius.

  • @markluke8447
    @markluke8447 5 років тому +3

    Thank you Dan, for sharing your projects. This is a good idea and to see your building process helps us all in doing our own. Good job, great video. Thank you.

  • @Bearclaws1234
    @Bearclaws1234 2 роки тому +6

    This video is awesome. This has got to be one of the TOP UA-cam / DIY type videos I’ve ever seen, and I watch a lot of UA-cam. Great outlining and presentation. Hats off to you!! Keep ‘em coming! Thanks!

  • @NatalyaBerezneva
    @NatalyaBerezneva 3 роки тому +3

    Thank you so much for sharing! We are going to make one ASAP. This is must have for all gardeners and small farms.

  • @my_permaculture
    @my_permaculture 5 років тому +1

    This is so genius! Wow. Looks like a pro tool one could buy! Thank you for sharing!

  • @chri8067
    @chri8067 4 роки тому +3

    I'm 10 seconds into the video and saying this is an excellent idea and project.

  • @Anvil-Blacksmith
    @Anvil-Blacksmith 5 років тому +1

    I have made one 2 years ago i drilled no holes in the trommel and i have screwed a piece of wood at the mixer foot to improve the stability of the mixer . This is also a nice idea ! Happy sifting!

  • @MikeKincaid79
    @MikeKincaid79 5 років тому +11

    That's ingenious! I've got to put one of those together, thanks!

  • @debraarizona4809
    @debraarizona4809 5 років тому +5

    That is another awesome invention,you thought of everything.✋[high five!👍
    I can think of several ways to use the machine.💕💕love it!!💕🤗
    I like my potting soil,and garden soil sifted,and free of twigs,rocks,etc.
    I don't have to sift by hand now! 😀
    This creation is another stroke of genus!!! Fabulous!creation,well done.👍🤗🌹.
    Excited!! to save and get one put together.🤗🤗
    Thank you for sharing Genus😁

  • @bracebridgelionsclub5223
    @bracebridgelionsclub5223 5 років тому

    Thoroughly liked this video. So informative, clear, concise and helpful. I especially enjoyed the professional grade production values and choice of music. As a beginning vermicomposter, I have struggled with the question of how I will create a trommel when the time comes and now I have an answer. Thanks.

  • @t.barclay203
    @t.barclay203 5 років тому +1

    Wow! What a clever idea and execution!!! You are a gifted teacher. Thank you!

  • @mobyindisguise
    @mobyindisguise 5 років тому +9

    You Sir, are a genius, superb thinking outside of the box and you've still got a cement mixer to boot!

  • @Mityob67
    @Mityob67 4 роки тому +5

    Love it when a plan comes together! Great content, thank you sir!

  • @JasonEyestone
    @JasonEyestone 2 роки тому +1

    I clicked the like button right after I heard “you can also use it as a soil mixer”. Thanks nice video

  • @bigdogbob845
    @bigdogbob845 5 років тому +16

    Nice Dan ! ! ! Looks like you re-purposed a cement mixer. I made my own 10 years ago, it is 6ft long with 4 ea x 27" bicycle rims to support the 1/2" mesh heavy wire drum, swivel casters on a wood frame and an old washing machine motor for power, works great. I even lend it out to neighbors who have compost piles, they love it too.

  • @sumerbreze46
    @sumerbreze46 3 роки тому

    I brought my harbor Freight Concrete mixer to mix my ingredients for potting soil. I did see this idea before, but your setup with the metal mesh trash can is and wheel casters is better. Great Job!

  • @backyardgrillmaster2910
    @backyardgrillmaster2910 Місяць тому +1

    Every once in a while you run past the video that's like takes your breath away and this is definitely one this this this this this this this helps me out so much on two fronts I thank you for your time😮😮😮😊

  • @tombouie
    @tombouie 4 роки тому +2

    Well Done & Communicated.
    Minor important: Remove the TOP half of the mixing drum/tub & mount the sieving drum/tub onto the BOTTOM half.

  • @twinpalmsvideo2741
    @twinpalmsvideo2741 3 роки тому

    as a new gardener, this vid is an inspiration.
    I just bought some dirt, peat moss, etc. and I was thinking how to mix it.
    I never thought of the cement mixer, which I also have an old harbor freight mixer. Thanks.

  • @jacklong311
    @jacklong311 4 роки тому

    I love that you were not afraid to show you errors. Good job and what at great machine.

  • @smokymountaingirl
    @smokymountaingirl Рік тому +1

    researching ideas all day for my newly worm casting farm and harvesting project and this is EXACTLY what I am going to do if I can find someone to help me.

  • @vlvtopcat
    @vlvtopcat 5 років тому +2

    Awesome job thinking outside the basket lol.Works great.A great multi use tool.God Bless

  • @herbkronholm2781
    @herbkronholm2781 7 місяців тому

    Thank you for sharing and all the information. I built this same unit this past summer with some slight modifications and it works perfectly. A Milwaukee m18 leaf blower keeps the 1/4” mesh free and clear of wet mulch during operation. Thanks again as you saved my back along with valuable time.

  • @jamesc9327
    @jamesc9327 Рік тому +1

    You did an awesome job on your soil sifter sir. I wish to thank you for sharing your experience and video on UA-cam. I can't wait to build incredible soul sifter. Adding the 1/4" mesh was an excellent idea. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @patriciarussell8450
    @patriciarussell8450 5 років тому

    Great video I'm gonna start saving for a mixer, I see the value in a multi-use tool. Thanks for showing details and even little hangups or opportunities to make improvements to make it easy, Thanks.

  • @froissart1
    @froissart1 3 роки тому +10

    This is a really great build and exactly what I was looking for to sift my compost! Thank you!

  • @grahamedwards9634
    @grahamedwards9634 3 роки тому

    1 Minute in and this is brilliant needed this 8 years ago to do the soil thumbs up from me

  • @stuffbywoody5497
    @stuffbywoody5497 4 роки тому +5

    Thank you for this. You have given me some ideas for a stationary system that I want to put together.

    • @plantabundance
      @plantabundance  4 роки тому +1

      Glad it was helpful!

    • @susiedixon6835
      @susiedixon6835 3 роки тому

      Yeah me 2. Esp startin a green house its gonna be such a big help. Much appreciated. 👍

  • @eCitizen1
    @eCitizen1 3 роки тому

    I am making something very similar to this. Thanks for the video. I really appreciate it. I have an old steel drum I can repurpose and cut and fit some screen in it. I have all the supplies except the turnbuckles. It should turn out pretty good thanks to all your great tips.

  • @JG-fg1ye
    @JG-fg1ye Місяць тому +1

    This is the best design I have seen so far

  • @auniciasharpe7293
    @auniciasharpe7293 22 дні тому

    Sir!!!!! Super informative video!!! I seriously love the options here. I need a soil mixing option AND a sifter. This is perfect! And thank you for being specific about the parts needed. I also appreciate the trouble shooting!
    OUTSTANDING and super helpful video. Many thanks!!!😊😊

  • @user-dx3os1yf2v
    @user-dx3os1yf2v 4 роки тому

    Молодец!!! Просто и с запасом применения. Молодец!

  • @Rec_it_Roop
    @Rec_it_Roop 4 роки тому

    one of the best i've seen. simple. easy.

  • @laurielehman915
    @laurielehman915 5 років тому

    Oh this is great! We have this cement mixer! Thanks for sharing. 🥳🙋🏼👍🏻

  • @kimmokannala4576
    @kimmokannala4576 3 роки тому +1

    This is exactly my idea! Thank you for build + test!!

  • @doctoreden
    @doctoreden 5 років тому

    Brilliance is in simplicity! Excellent idea.

  • @littlesinman
    @littlesinman 5 років тому

    This is cool! its worth just for mixing potting mix, thanks for the great share!

  • @frrapp2366
    @frrapp2366 4 роки тому +1

    i think i would make a stand alone end support just so i could move the coarse material wheelbarrow. also some wider or even dueled wheels would make it more stable. great build and so much simpler to make and use than many

  • @DeeJayBee85
    @DeeJayBee85 5 років тому +3

    Wow! Works great and appreciated letting us see the necessary modifications😄 you make it all look so easy! Very encouraging💕

  • @robertevans8024
    @robertevans8024 5 років тому

    Mister, that was awesome !!!!! Ya gotta love compost !

  • @londonpickering8675
    @londonpickering8675 3 роки тому +2

    Damn impressive! Thank you for taking the time to post this.

  • @deh773
    @deh773 5 років тому

    That was awesome and looks like anyone could do that. So Genius!

  • @susanmyer1
    @susanmyer1 5 років тому +2

    Love the build. Hubby already watching the video again. 🤩

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed 5 років тому

      Made sure hubby was captive when I played it... Hint hint honey😍

  • @nickslingerland4155
    @nickslingerland4155 5 років тому

    By the way I use insulated wire for so many things are on my farm. Love it

  • @elizabethr7249
    @elizabethr7249 2 роки тому +1

    Everything about this video is simply perfect. Thank you so much for creating it, you have a new subscriber and huge fan….awesome job!

  • @AlvinMcManus
    @AlvinMcManus Рік тому

    Really good video! For me I would use my drill/driver to tighten all those nuts. Also turnbuckles are easily adjusted using a flat head screwdriver of at least 6 inch length so you don't risk skinning your knuckles. Gotta love the utility of concrete stakes or a length of #4 rebar.

  • @roseannerainwatersmith12
    @roseannerainwatersmith12 5 років тому

    I really really love this. Genius!

  • @BobMelsimpleliving.
    @BobMelsimpleliving. 5 років тому +4

    Good build Dan. Very nice. Best wishes Bob.

  • @debmartindale6991
    @debmartindale6991 2 роки тому +1

    What an ingenious compost sifter!

  • @franklord7804
    @franklord7804 3 роки тому

    Great detailed description and great video! Thanks so much for saving me so much time.

  • @RichardCMongler
    @RichardCMongler 4 роки тому +2

    Love the cement mixer, never again will I have to mix my soil blends on a tarp or with a shovel.

  • @santiagomercado4523
    @santiagomercado4523 Рік тому

    What a great idea! Very nice way of using one machine to do 2 different task. Thanks.

  • @matsvineyard7564
    @matsvineyard7564 8 місяців тому

    the best version of a composter I have seen yet,

  • @meltcat4
    @meltcat4 5 років тому

    Very nice! Love your genius mind! Thank you for sharing.

  • @JohnVance
    @JohnVance 4 роки тому

    This is absolutely brilliant. I'm making one.

  • @LatinDanceVideos
    @LatinDanceVideos 3 роки тому

    Unexpected. I’ve been wanting to scale up my composting. Might also be useful for my shredder. Separate out the oversized needing a second pass

  • @GrizzlyimGarten
    @GrizzlyimGarten 5 років тому

    Awesome idea! It seems to work very good. Nice construction!

  • @claudeirby1561
    @claudeirby1561 4 роки тому +1

    i just really enjoyed the background music.

  • @solidsoldier9021
    @solidsoldier9021 Рік тому +2

    GREAT JOB SOLDIER 🪖, HARBOR FREIGHT HERE I COME.

  • @phillipbrown9464
    @phillipbrown9464 4 роки тому +3

    Well I just finished my my version I use the the galvanized waste receptacle much more durable than paint also added aluminum angle two 24 in 180 deg. Opposed to flip the dirt inside the trommel.... I went to Northern tools and and got there strongaway 1200 pound plastic bed towable cart with rail sides that keeps the dirt in the cart and the steady wheels are on the front railside of the cart...i had to rase the mixer using 6x6 it made it more stable had to do it because it gives the cart room ,,,,wish I could show, pictures...works great...

    • @jamesswanson7213
      @jamesswanson7213 4 роки тому +1

      Have you posted your pictures any where? What mixer did you use?

  • @75blackviking
    @75blackviking 3 роки тому +1

    Brilliant. I have no other words...

  • @o00oZu1o00o
    @o00oZu1o00o 5 років тому

    you did an awesome job. I see only advantages to this being "no frame". Plus the large opening, it's easy to put the shovel in...

  • @veronamartin5285
    @veronamartin5285 11 місяців тому

    My partner has worked in concert finishing for almost 20 years. Last year we moved in together and he brought home a huge load of garden dirt that a client didn’t want anymore. The garden was removed to make room for more parking. He dumped it in a pile in our backyard. I used to work at a Hotel years ago and they changed out their furniture. Staff we’re allowed to take the old furniture home for free once they had sold what they could to the public. I took the Queen sized headboards home. They came with me wherever I went. So I used 8 to build two garden boxes and filled them with the same dirt he brought home. I have enough boards to build two more but not enough dirt. The pile that was leftover ended up growing grass & weeds. I covered it with a tarp & rocks to help kill them. I’m going to ask my partner to bring a cement mixer home so we can put something like this together. This will help shorten the waiting process and I can always build the two boxes & add dirt as I get it. The garden boxes are doing amazing and I have been outside all summer making improvements to the yard. I’m mostly fixing the stuff given to us. I can add the garden boxes, dirt & weed fabric to the list of things we have gotten for free. I call it free-cycling. ❤

  • @heidiw8406
    @heidiw8406 5 років тому +1

    Cool project. Thank you for your great videos.

  • @charliewilliams8794
    @charliewilliams8794 4 роки тому

    This was sooo cool I actually use mines for mixing my container mix but wow didnt know you could do this with it. Gonna have to have the husband look at this video

  • @barryparks4689
    @barryparks4689 4 роки тому +1

    What a great idea! Well done

  • @autumnspring6624
    @autumnspring6624 4 роки тому +1

    Awesome! Thanks for sharing this!👍

  • @pby1000
    @pby1000 4 роки тому +1

    Great idea, and great job on the build.

  • @YensR
    @YensR Рік тому

    Excellent stuff! If anybody has a source for a similar waste bin in the UK, that would be great!
    We don't have a cement mixer, but with a bit extra parts and modifications, this could be converted into a manual rotating drum sieve, which would still be way faster and easier than hand-held sieves.

  • @director365
    @director365 2 роки тому +2

    Hi, Dan, I’ve been gardening for many years here in zone 9A (Texas Gulf Coast), but I have to say I’m learning a lot from your channel. Keep up the good work!

  • @adirondackjack
    @adirondackjack 2 роки тому

    Nice job, The garbage can was delivered yesterday & I'm assembling the cement mixer today! Then off to hardware store to track down the hardware. Hope it comes out as nice as yours did.

  • @wendyknoxleet
    @wendyknoxleet 5 років тому +13

    You are brilliant. I really want to make this! Hope I can find the components here in the U.K.! I make a lot of compost.

    • @clivecollins3778
      @clivecollins3778 4 роки тому

      If you found a bin in the uk please forward details I can only find household bins Brilliant idea THANKS

  • @dsbennett
    @dsbennett Рік тому

    Excellent! Except that I read a comment for a different mixer that cost around $170 where the person said he bought that one after reading comments about this mixer. I didn't even know there was a basket like this. Perfect!

  • @mickleblade
    @mickleblade 4 роки тому

    Excellent, I need it for sieving limestone for a finer powder, maybe I'll use it for compost afterwards!

  • @stevesoutdoorworld4340
    @stevesoutdoorworld4340 4 роки тому

    Great project thanks for sharing!

  • @girosmargara
    @girosmargara 5 років тому

    Very very good job!!!!....from spain thank's!!!!

  • @koruki
    @koruki 4 роки тому

    This is so satisfying to watch

  • @bootburner4544
    @bootburner4544 2 роки тому

    Brilliant! Perfect solution that I was looking for.

  • @stevebabiak6997
    @stevebabiak6997 4 роки тому +1

    Since you obviously visit Harbor Freight, I suggest you get their very inexpensive center punch to indent the center of the places on the metal where you intend to drill holes. That way the drill bits will be less likely to “walk” around the intended hole location.

  • @CreativeV3
    @CreativeV3 5 років тому

    Thank you very much!

  • @titaminnie
    @titaminnie 5 років тому

    You are really good Dan, very impressive!!...

  • @janeenbreyman212
    @janeenbreyman212 5 років тому

    Love it! Mistakes and all!

  • @sweetbaboo2698
    @sweetbaboo2698 2 роки тому

    Brilliant. Engeneering at its simplest expression.

  • @Kelsdoggy
    @Kelsdoggy Рік тому

    Wow!! The effort to make this video is amazing!! Brilliant fun journey thanks

  • @adamneusbaum3749
    @adamneusbaum3749 Рік тому

    Loved that first shovel!!!!

  • @RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia
    @RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia 5 років тому +1

    to support the trommel I used a small 18x18 inch furniture dolly with 4 casters turned upside down and bolted to a board. Harbor freight sells them for $5