What does everyone use for screening???

[Rufus]

I would like to build a large screen; maybe piviting for dumping? Please send any photo's you have of yours? I mainly dig privies but screening is screening. Many thanks in advance, Karl

 

[Ratzilla]

Hardware screening makes the best sifters, it's cheap and you can buy it at most hardware stores and make a wooden frame for it any size you want. It comes in various hole sizes (1/4"/ 1/2", etc.) , a good all purpose size is the one with holes a little smaller than a dime, I think that's 3/8" or 1/2".

 

[AntiqueMeds]

1/4" chicken wire or whatever you call that stuff is what we always used. Matters what you are looking for. My target was always coins , buttons, small shards, and the like.

 

[wolffbp]

I use diamond mesh lath. It works very well (if you don't overload it)

 

[Plumbata]

Hardware cloth/screen of the 1/2 inch size works well for most things like coins and worthwhile buttons and marbles, without taking too long to sift and then sort through. 1/4th inch works well if you are going after smaller stuff, but it retains a lot more of the worthless material, and takes far longer to sort through as a result.

Depends what you are going after, but 1/2 inch would probably suit your purposes ideally. It would catch half-dimes. 1 dollar gold coins would potentially pass through but if you can't see the glint of gold from a mile away then that is a problem in and of itself!

 

[tigue710]

Photo ID and a good reference

 

[Rufus]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Will just build up a plain wood frame and see how it works out. Was thinking of trying to build something that went over the hole and could be pivited to dump back in the hole once you were sure there were no items of interest. Usually when I dig a privy myself I am so tired I do no thave the enrgy to screen. The last pit I dug was 13 feet here in AZ.

Best to all.....

 

[tigue710]

Some friends of mine used to tie the screen on rope
Between two trees, made it a lot easier...

 

[cyberdigger]

This came in handy in the tidal rivers of Monmouth county.. now I use it to drain pasta..

 

[surfaceone]

Hey Karl,

Here's a couple possibilities for you:

PVC Shaker Screen.

http://www.tvclip.biz/video/ghSee5T9BTo/diy-home-made-simple-compost-screen-box.html