For those unfamiliar with the worm harvester and what the plans include that make it a bit more unique here are a few details.

First the worm harvester uses two different screen sizes simultaneously so as to separate multiple size materials on a single run. The first screen is a 1/8” screen allowing you to sort out the worm castings or finer materials if screening finished compost. The second screen is a 1/4” screen enabling you to harvest worm cocoons and some slightly larger materials. Finally the worms or unfinished composted material comes out the other end.

I built the worm harvester with the idea that one might have to repair the screens or perhaps would like to build a second trommel to fit into the screen with larger screen sizes. To encompass this task I made it easy that all one needs to do is unscrew for screws and the entire trommel unit slides out of the frame.

I included some modifications as well as additions I made to mine such as a diverter underneath between the two different screen sizes as I had some worm castings ending up in the cocoon bin. This rectified the situation rather nicely.

Another issue I had was that when pouring materials into the worm harvester some of the material would back up and come out the top end, hence making a mess on the floor of materials as well as some worms. This was rectified with a simple guard and works well.

I also modified the worm casting harvester plans to increase the length of the back splash as well as arced it a bit so as the screened material now ends up in the center of the collection bins otherwise the bins had to be lined up just right.

Here is the new image which does not show all the modifications that I made to the worm harvester plans but gives you an idea.

Now being I am giving the worm harvester plans away for free I cannot support everyone via email. Instead I have created a separate area on the Worm Expert Forum, entitled Worm Harvester Plans… what else would one call it!

As to how you can get your set of plans, simply visit the Worm Harvester Plans web site.

Bruce

The original worm harvester was running a motor of 3,500 RPM’s which I modified for additional vibration, when I noticed a pile of small fragments in the light. Upon taking the motor apart I had found the shaft was wearing down. Hence with the speed of the motor, this could eventually lead to a serious health hazard!

Since so many have been emailing asking for the worm harvester plans, I decided to build one based off a manual design I built for a local couple here in South Carolina which would be much safer.

The new design encompasses a trommel style which still utilizes two different screen sizes for my purposes. It runs smooth and is much quieter than the shaker style worm harvester.

Another benefit to the newer model is the fact it is simpler to build and does not require some higher end tools to be used during the build process.

This model can be used to harvest worms and worm castings as well as a compost sifter for your garden soil mixes.

I am currently working on the plans for this new model and will have them available very soon. Sign up for the Worm Composting Newsletter if you are not already since I will be announcing in there as soon as I have finished them up.

The video below illustrates some of the basics to the worm harvester. It is also broken down to show how the machine will screen composted materials and sift down the different sized materials. The last part shows how the harvester will harvest worms, cocoons and worm castings into different bins.

Enjoy,

Bruce

The main differences are:

• More Power – modified the sander to make the counter weight more effective.
• Dual Screens – Being in vermicomposting or worm farming one needs to use two basic screen sizes, I have incorporated both 1/8” and ¼” screens which will now sort the material by size into three different collection bins. The ¼” screen is also removable.
• Increased The Screen Rail Size – from a 1” x 6” boards to a 1” x 8” boards to accommodate both screens as well as material to be dumped on the sifter.
• Additional Vibration – I removed the PVC support used to support the screen on the top end and replaced with two springs.
• New Sander Mount – I removed the two metal fence supports and replaced with two “L” brackets mounted directly to the screen box to enable additional vibration power.

I have a short video below showing some of the changes as well as the worm harvester in action. The plans will be made available from Organic Worm Farm in the near future as well as announcing the availability of the worm castings harvester / soil sifter plans in the Worm Composting Newsletter once they are completed.

Hence I went to the drawing board to come up with a solution for my own needs. It is actually a simple device that fits and spins manually in an 18 gallon size Rubbermaid bin. The main unit is built from a five gallon plastic kerosene can.

Keep in mind this worm harvester is for the small worm farmer. It works effectively for one to a number of bins, however once you begin to raise worms on a larger scale, you will want to replace this unit.

I used a stainless steel rod however one could use a short ½” copper pipe. I do recommend sliding end caps on the ends of the pipe so as not to cut oneself when working with the worm harvester. I slid the rod or copper pipe through ¾” PVC fittings on both sides of the bin as well as the five gallon can.

The neat part about this worm harvester is that I use a number of bungee cords to hold the screen in place, enabling myself to start with a 1/8″ screen, then a ¼” screen and finally a ½” screen. This enabled me to separate the worm castings, cocoons and small vermicompost particles effectively.

To work the worm harvester, simply place a small amount of worm compost into the bin, close up the screen opening with two bungee cords and spin the harvester one way then the other way. Once completed, open the screen, remove the left over material and place in a holding bucket or bin. Repeat until you have harvested everything from your bin and proceed to the next screen size and so on…

The other nice feature is when I was done using the harvester; I simply pulled the rod out and wrapped all three screens around the five gallon can, placed back into the bin and placed my lid on top.  Everything but the rod can be stored within the worm harvesting bin

Bruce