When I first started worm composting, I wanted away to separate my worm castings and cocoons form the rest of the vermicompost mix. I read a number of articles for homemade harvesters, however they either were large utilizing multiple screens or very small with just one size screen.
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
Hey Bruce this is a very neat harvester. Do you have any plans drawn up? If so how much would you charge?
Jason
Jason
I never made any plans on this worm harvester. Simply purchased the needed material and went to work on it.
I sent you an email so feel free to reply with any questions you have on the building of the worm harvester. I will try to answer any questions, perhaps even make a drawing or two if needed.
Thanks
Bruce
P.S. Some great deals on bulk red worm orders…
Hi Bruce,
This is a really neat idea. Thanks for sharing the info with me. I’ll have to see if I can get my husband to build it for me……he’s still trying to get use to the idea of having worms in the kitchen! He’s coming along though. LOL. Chris
Chris,
I am glad your husband is coming around to the idea of having worms for pets
I will dig up the plans I roughed out when I get a chance. It is actually easy to make!
By the way, your worm castings will be shipped out on Monday… Thanks again
Bruce