How to build a screen
For the large sifter - 2 X 3 ft - I used 2 X 4 redwood for weathering durability. Build
a frame, stretch 3/8 hardware cloth ( wire - lumber yard) over it and put strips of
wood along to hold it in place. 3/8 openings wont let a dime pass at an angle.
Some guys like tighter openings. The wood strips also allow for replacing it should
it ever rip.
Use galvanized screws only - no nails as they will loosen. Build a bottom frame to
match the top and put the top on it with large hinges. Now you can swing the top
screen back to dump the load after you sift the goods out.
The legs are any height you want. I unscrew mine to fit it into the car trunk if I don't
take my truck.
The smaller one is basically the same as the larger - just use 2 X 2 wood for
lightness. Put a BIG handle on the side for carrying it in to a site. Attach 2 swing
down legs to the sides using a wing nut so you can tighten & loosen easily.
How to screen a dump
Walk all over the dump and eyeball the ground.
Once you settle on an area, dig a couple of holes and run the dirt though a sifter.
If your initial digs look good enough, start digging at the edge of the dump where
you can see the original undisturbed ground. Dig always going down to that
original dirt. A lot of work but very much worth it.
Just recently, my partner and I finished a dump and had 1,000 things to take
home. Not a typo, one thousand! We had a few coins, tokens, bottles, old pots for
my wife to use as planters, date nails and other things. At another dump we found
coins, buttons, all types of bottles, tokens old silverware, etc. One last thing, don't
dump your "tailings" over a spot where you want to dig later. Don't laugh - I did this
again just a few weeks ago. Good Luck.
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