Build Your Own
Archaeological/Garden Shaker Sifter

Zeiger Family Homestead HOMEZeiger Family Homestead GARDENZeiger Family Homestead WILDLIFEZeiger Family Homestead SEASONSZeiger Family Homestead BOATBUILDINGZeiger Family Homestead BOOKLISTZeiger Family Homestead BLOGZeiger Family Homestead STOREZeiger Family Homestead PATRONS

sifter

Many gardeners find the type of shaker sifter commonly used in archaeological digs extremely handy for sifting soil or compost. It's been called an archaeological sifter, garden sifter, compost sifter, sifting screen, or soil sifter, depending on the use to which an individual puts it.

The sifter operates by swinging the sifter box up parallel to the ground, balanced on the leg stand while the user holds it up (or braces it with one's hip to use two hands in the box). The box is agitated briskly back and forth to sift the contents.

I built this one for Michelle's 50th birthday after visiting Aly at one of her archaeological field schools. I searched the Internet for plans, but was unable to find any, so I made mine up as I went along, working off photos I'd taken of the sifters used in the field and adjusting as personal taste and need dictated.

If you're very handy, you can no doubt do the same. However, most people would prefer to work off instructions, so I've formalized the plans I created for sale here. My set of instructions produces a sturdy, handsome sifter that should provide years of use for less than $40 in materials. With basic carpentry skills and proper tools, it can be built in about 5 hours.

After building a second sifter for a friend, I improved the plans. They're now easier to use, more accurate, and offer an alternative bracing arrangement that allows the tool to fold flat for storage.

A set of instructions costs $19.99 and will be delivered electronically in Adobe PDF format, attached to an email from Yeldagalga Publications, LLC.

You don't need a PayPal account to pay with a credit card. PayPal will process your credit card order.

Email if you'd rather send a personal check.

 

HOW CAN I SUPPORT THIS SITE? The information on this site is free to you, but not to us. Our cellular based Internet connection costs a good percentage of our total monthly income. Those kind souls who have asked to donate directly may use the link below. Proceeds support the Web site and help keep the homestead afloat. And, if you like the Web site, Mark can build one for you or your company. Find out more under the "Web Page Design" tab at Yeldagalga.com.

PayPal Donation Button
Thank you for your support!

Also, we earn revenue through purchases from our Store, ad links on each page, and Amazon.com pays us a commission on purchases from their site if you enter through our links on the Book List Page. This applies whether or not you purchase one of our selected titles.

How to advertise on this site.

Home

©2019 Mark A. Zeiger

email
Contact Us