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
Bruce,
I get the idea of separating your castings from your eggs, will the eggs stay in the 1/8 inch mesh or is that what will fall through ?
Randy
For the most part, worm cocoons screened with an 1/8″ screen will not fall through the screen. A few smaller ones may get through but the majority will need to be screened with a 1/4″ screen if you wish to filter more as they will go through the 1/4″ openings.
Thanks
Bruce
Bruce,
I found 1/8 ” plastic (or maybe fiberglass) screen material and 1/8 ” Aluminum screening at an Asheville Home Depot. Are either of those ok for the 1/8″ screen, or do I need the “Hardward cloth” version of screening material?
+Frank D
Bruce,
2nd and final question:
Is the blue kerosene can cut out in just the two places shown, or is there a 3rd cut out on the side not shown in the photo?
Thanks.
+Frank D.
this is a very neat idea. would you be able to post or email some more pictures of the dismantled parts. I have a hard time to see the working mechanics between the 5 gallon bin and the screen around it.
Frank
It actually has four cut outs. I have another system which maybe easier to build for some… I just have to find the pictures and upload. I originally built it for a regular customer that wanted their grandchildren to be able to assist with harvesting the castings. They did not want anything motorized since the kids are apparently very young. I will look for them and post soon.
Bruce
Frank
I never tried a plastic screen and am not sure of the longevity of it or even if it would stretch to much. I use the galvanized hardware cloth which I was able to locate at a local Ace Hardware store.
Bruce
Amir
I am working on some drawing for this machine as well as one or two more modifications…
I hope to have the plans done in the near future.
Bruce
Thanks, Bruce.
I finally got the 14 Day E-Book to download and have read it.
Concerning the dual screen compost roller screen separater which sits on small rollers, what is used to support the ends of the long screened filters and the center where a belt of some kind extends upward to the drill V-pulley
power source???
Henry
There are supports using different casters on either end where the two end rims are located. Being the screen is galvanized hardware cloth which offers a lot of support itself, there is no need for further supports. As mentioned in the last newsletter I will be offering these plans for FREE for anyone on the newsletter mailing list. If you are not already signed up you can do so here.
Bruce
Bruce,
I like the looks of this. I’ve been searching for a good way to harvest my worm casting. I’ve been looking for a screen tumbler like this. Would you be willing to share the plans/blueprint for this? I’d like to try my hand at putting something like this together.
Thanks~
Carol
I am finishing up the plans as I made a couple modifications and added a couple small features to better sort the materials. The plans will be made available to those that are signed up for the Worm Composting Newsletter as soon as they are completed…. Working on them at the moment!
I had a hard time finding the 1/8″ cloth (neither Ace or Home Depot had it) but found the best price for both cloth and shipping is Amazon.
Anne
Thanks, I had not thought to even check Amazon.com however they do have some good pricing. In fact found a good price on Redi-Roll Hardware Cloth, 1/8″ x 36″ x 10′
Where can I buy African Night crawlers shipped to me this time of year ? Have established my Red Wigglers and European Night crawlers. I am ready to expand, orders are coming soon.
Randy
You can shop for African nightcrawlers year round from Organic Worm Farm. The worms are packaged according to the time of year. For instance, this time of year, 72 hour heat packs are added as well as other techniques to insulate the worms from the cold weather.
Bruce
Please explain the rationale of using first 1/8 inch screen, then 1/4″, and last 1/2″. I have been doing it in the opposite sequence since I started vermiculture over a year ago, and all is going well, doubled the number of bins, etc. I must be missing something! If I use the 1/8 inch first, why use the other two?
Actually with this particular type of setup, either way would work.
Bruce
Yeah,someone posted a homemade harvester but like the others it is hard to see how it is made. Can the plans be forwarded? I harvest with my grandchildren by HAND and it is long process.I would love to know the how toos.
happy worming,
Gisele
I am sorry but do not have plans for this one.
You can check out some more advanced plans for free at Worm Harvester Plans and utilize all or part of the concept to perhaps assist you in what you are looking for.
Bruce