DIY Shaker Table
Project

Dirt-thumbnail-with-machine-featured

Sifting, sorting and screening materials is usually a tedious, back-breaking process.
Needless to say, whether sifting compost or separating rocks and debris from soil, it is especially hard, dirty work.


But…now, it doesn’t have to be!

Often, Shaker Tables are called by multiple names: screen sieve, vibrating screen, compost screener, along with trommel tray, powered dirt mesh sifter, and so on. In any case, having your own DIY Shaker Table could make quick work of the task, no matter how it will be used!

Some of the many uses of this incredibly useful machine include:

  • Processing biochar
  • Harvesting earthworms
  • Sifting soil and compost
  • Gold separation
  • Archeological and paleontological screening
  • Cleaning dirt containing rocks and debris
  • Making wine

Whatever you call it, and however you intend to use it, this DIY Shaker Table project walks you through building one of your very own! To be sure, having a Shaker Table of your own will save time and hundreds of dollars, compared to a commercial solution!

Scrabble tiles showing many names for shaker table
DIY motorized shaker table image

This video shows you why you need a Shaker Table, and how easy it is to build!


See how Leslie is transforming her landscape with her Shaker Table

Shaker Table used in massive cobble gravel project

With 2355 square feet of cobble gravel to clean, she had a huge job ahead of her…

This DIY Shaker Table project is easy to build, and costs about $200, depending on the price of lumber. It can be made in a weekend, or faster for those with more DIY experience. Additionally, it makes a great addition to the Compost Tumbler Project.

While it is easy to make, it can be even easier with 60 minutes of video modules covering the build, and a PDF with visual parts and tool lists, cut lists, diagrams, step-by-step video and more. Presently, this comprehensive Plans and Tutorial package is available for just $29! Details are below.

Don’t let the amount of detailed information included make you think this project is complicated! It is simply thorough, so even complete DIY beginners can make this super useful machine!

A Shaker Table Plans & Tutorial Membership can make this DIY project even easier!

Now just $29, and packed full of features!

Features of the DIY Shaker Table Plans & Tutorial Membership include:

One hour of video instruction, in 18 easy-to-follow modules covering the build process

A 33 page PDF with

    • Visual/pictorial Supplies and Tools list
    • Cut Lists
    • Cutting Diagrams for 8 and 10 foot lumber
    • Dimensions
    • Structural components
    • And more Bonus Material!

Bonus 3D content!

3D bonus views•    3D schematics in PDF show the Shaker Table from all points of view

•    Video 3D fly-arounds and fly-throughs so you can see how everything fits together!

package details below
Comprehensive 33 Page PDF

Comprehensive 33 Page PDF

A printable supplement to the hour of step-by-step video instruction. Print out the cut list and cutting diagrams to bring them to your work area.

This detailed PDF features:

Visual Supplies and Materials List

Use as a shopping checklist. See what the items look like so you get the right thing the first time!

Visual Tools List

Tools you’ll need to complete the project, including alternatives if you don’t have lots of tools

Cut List

Details each piece of lumber required, size and quantity. Use as a cutting checklist

Cutting Diagrams for 8 and 10 Foot Lumber

Shows what cuts to make on each board. Use lumber most efficiently, minimize cut off waste

And more…

Dimensions 

Specifications

How to choose the lumber for this project

Bonus 3D schematics

Bonus Print-optimized Cutting Diagrams

Print out and bring to the work area while cutting the lumber

Comprehensive 33 Page PDF

Comprehensive 33 Page PDF

A printable supplement to the hour of step-by-step video instruction. Print out the cut list and cutting diagrams to bring them to your work area.

This detailed PDF features:

Visual Supplies and Materials List

Use as a shopping checklist. See what the items look like so you get the right thing, the first time!

Visual Tools List

Tools you’ll need to complete the project, including alternatives if you don’t have lots of tools

Cut List

Details each piece of lumber required, size and quantity. Use as a cutting checklist

Cutting Diagrams for 8 and 10 Foot Lumber

Shows what cuts to make on each board. Use lumber most efficiently, minimize cut off waste

And more…

Dimensions 

Specifications

How to choose the lumber for this project

Bonus 3D schematics

Bonus Print-optimized Cutting Diagrams

Print out and bring to the work area while cutting the lumber

18 Instructional Video Modules

18 Instructional Video Modules

One Hour of Video Instruction

Presented in easy-to-follow modules, guiding you through each step 

Intro and Notes About this Build

  • Work Surface
  • Sequence of the Build
  • Visual Differences (between video and plans)
  • Pocket Hole Direction
  • Moving the Completed Table

Do I Need Pilot Holes?

  • Besides using butt joints, there are times when pilot holes are needed

Cutting the Lumber

  • Using the Cut list
  • Cutting diagrams
  • Alternative ways to cut

Joinery: Pocket Holes or Butt Joints

  • No pocket hole jig? No problem!
  • How to make strong butt joints
  • Pilot and clearance holes

Creating the Saw to Tray Adapter

  • Connects the reciprocating saw to the Tray
  • How to make this easy adapter

Establishing the Base

  • The Base contains the sorting bins
  • Pivots and tilt adjustment

Constructing the Frame

  • This is the part that tilts and supports the sifting Tray

Building the Tray

  • Two sizes of screens sift and sort material

Bonus 3D Visualizations

  • See the table from every angle to better understand how everything fits together

And more…

Attaching the Frame to the Base

Adding the Base Rear Uprights to the Base

Attaching the Tray to the Frame

Assemble and Place the Saw Support

Finish Mounting the Saw to the Saw Support

Adding the Hardware Cloth Screens to the Tray

Adding Final Support Braces

18 Instructional Video Modules

18 Instructional Video Modules

One Hour of Video Instruction

Presented in easy-to-follow modules, guiding you through each step 

Intro and Notes About this Build

  • Work Surface
  • Sequence of the Build
  • Visual Differences (between video and plans)
  • Pocket Hole Direction
  • Moving the Completed Table

Do I Need Pilot Holes?

  • Besides using butt joints, there are times when pilot holes are needed

Cutting the Lumber

  • Using the Cut list
  • Cutting diagrams
  • Alternative ways to cut

Joinery: Pocket Holes or Butt Joints

  • No pocket hole jig? No problem!
  • How to make strong butt joints
  • Pilot and clearance holes

Creating the Saw to Tray Adapter

  • Connects the reciprocating saw to the Tray
  • How to make this easy adapter

Establishing the Base

  • The Base contains the sorting bins
  • Pivots and tilt adjustment

Constructing the Frame

  • This is the part that tilts and supports the sifting Tray

Building the Tray

  • Two size of screens sift and sort material

Bonus 3D Visualizations

  • See the table from every angle to better understand how everything fit together

And more…

Attaching the Frame to the Base

Adding the Base Rear Uprights to the Base

Attaching the Tray to the Frame

Assemble and Place the Saw Support

Finish Mounting the Saw to the Saw Support

Adding the Hardware Cloth Screens to the Tray

Adding Final Support Braces