my first worm harvester

[Dr Fish]

howdy; I am new. just started to build my trammel screen, as per the plans, but I'm thinking about NOT using electric power to turn it. I plan on just turning the middle rim by hand. does it work, anybody?

[Brian M]

Hello Dr Fish,

I too am about to build my screen after promising myself to start months ago. I picked up a 1/2" Drill with variable speed dial for $20 Aust. I plan to use this as my driver.
I think it will last for a little while and has a 2 year exchange warranty. There would be little load on it so hopefully will be ok
There are plenty of hand driven ones on Youtube.

[ShawnF]

Hey, Doc.
I just finished my harvester this weekend past. It came together nicely. I can't imagine hand cranking it. I'm guessing it will turn about 20-30 rpm. That's a lot of cranking considering I will be starting with 30 buckets in the 14-day cycle. I got a 1/2 Skil 7amp drill at Lowe's for $40. I bought it new so I could take advantage of the warrantee if needed. You could probably pick one up for less than half that on Craigslist.org or rummage sale. Good luck.

[Gramps]

Might check Harbor Freight @ www.harborfrieght.com they are almost always having a sale and at times you can pick up a dril for like $9.99 there are also a lot of 20% off cupons for them around too. They have retail stores all over the place too.

[Brian M]

Hey, Doc.
I just finished my harvester this weekend past. It came together nicely. I can't imagine hand cranking it. I'm guessing it will turn about 20-30 rpm. That's a lot of cranking considering I will be starting with 30 buckets in the 14-day cycle. I got a 1/2 Skil 7amp drill at Lowe's for $40. I bought it new so I could take advantage of the warrantee if needed. You could probably pick one up for less than half that on Craigslist.org or rummage sale. Good luck.

From memory I think on the video it says about 12 rpm for the harvester so you will need a speed controller.