I've build a 2x2' sieve/screen of 1x4s, aluminum insect screen stapled to the bottom, and a couple of handles on it. I screen somewhere around 6-7 bags of Turface each year using this. It takes about 15 min per bag and I usually do a bag here & there and stockpile the screened product.

I think trying to wash it out wouldn't be very effective because the small particles would cause the product as a whole to become rather cohesive because of the water's surface tension.

The fine fraction varies by bag or lot, but I usually get between 1/5-1/3 fines when I screen it.

Al

I built one similar to tapla's with a one half inch hardware cloth bottom. I insert any screen of a smaller opening size on top of the half inch screen. Makes it easy to change sizes without building more boxes. Al

The responses (gratefully noted) of the two Als prompted me to repeat my miniature screening operation, using all the care I could muster, and the result again showed a fines volume of less than 10%, confirming tapla's comment that the proportion of fines varies from bag to bag (at least, from tapla's bag to my bag). I also tested tapla's conjecture that washing theTurface [under a faucet] wouldn't be very effective means of eliminating the fines. Here, too, my result substantiated tapla's comment (alas). The volume obtained by washing was only about 25% of what could be obtained by mechanical sifting of the dry Turface. So it looks like I'll be facing a strenuous Spring.

Neemo do you own a leaf blower? I made a box out of 1x3s. I covered front, back, and sides with aluminum insect screen " Screwed a top on it. Then I just blew the fines out. You just need a place in your yard to blow them. filix.

Very interesting - and innovative! ;o)

Al

Calistoga Al, please help me envision your setup. What is hardware cloth? I also am completely baffled about the 1/2 inch reference. I'm not so good at visualizing things from words, unfortunately.

Ingenious solution, filix. I don't happen to own a leaf blower, but I have a couple of neighbors whom I wouldn't mind covering in Turface fines. (:-D).

Seriously, though, I believe I'll use a modification of the method described by the two Als. I already have a framed 3' x 3' screen of hardware cloth. Putting an insect screen over that (a la calistoga Al) and setting the frame on my wheelbarrow and tossing shovelfuls of Turface on the screen should, I hope, do the job.

Ned (AKA nemo2009)

Hardware cloth is the name given to welded wire screening available in many sizes. The size specified indicates the size of the openings in the wire which controls how large an object will pass through it. My box I have mounted on a angle iron frame with springs allowing movement between the box and the frame. Mounted on the wooden box is a vibrator motor salvaged from a foot vibrator(often available at garage sales). The angle iron frame slips onto the loader on my tractor letting me shovel into the box as it vibrates. It has worked well for five years, and I have a spare vibrator motor ready, when it stops. Al

Let em have it! cover em! Fire in the hole :>)

Al and Al...either of you wonderful guys have a picture you can share with us "visual" people? Thanks so much!

You know what they say...a picture is worth a thousand words!!

Calistoga Al, that helps me a lot. I can't begin to create that, but now I have a basic understanding.