u/Dorky_Mom

I’m building a vibratory sifter frame from reclaimed 2x4s using a 120w vibration motor, so it needs to handle pretty aggressive vibration without being overly rigid and killing the motor’s effectiveness. I also have a smaller 30w motor I could add if needed.

My first frame held up for a while but is starting to fail. I noticed several screws snapping near the joints, which makes me think my fasteners may be the issue. I used #8 3" deck screws and now suspect they may have been too small. I recently bought #14 screws, but now I’m worried they may be too large for the 2x4s, especially near edges/end grain even with pre-drilling.

The tools and hardware I have available are circular saw, reciprocating saw, oscillating tool, angle grinder, drills, 3” #8 & # 14 screws, inner and outer 90° braces, as well as other random stuff.

Another factor is closest store for any lumber is 45 miles one way. Also I'm cheap, and really try to reuse or repurpose wherever I can.

For someone with limited woodworking skills mostly reclaimed lumber, what would you recommend for building a durable frame? Better screw choice, bracing, etc.?

So I have a set of sifters that are barely to big of a diameter to fit in a 5 gallon bucket. I understand that lies won't fit which is fine. Another non issue is for the seal to be perfect.

For context I want to use a the sifters on a 5 gallon bucket to sift worm castings with a vibratory motor that I have (actually have 3 but only 1 is needed, lol) along with other things like a base with shock absorbing springs, but that info is really not important.

So a couple ideas. The first is to make a few relief cut around the top but I'm not sure how effective that would be, and although buckets aren't exactly expensive, I'd hate to make it useless.

The second is to put the rim about 4 inches in boiling water for a minute or so. Although I'm not quite sure what I could use to start expanding to top. Something that would fit inside the bucket then gradually flare (the opposite of taper?) out. I assume I would have to do it a few times, possibly submerging more while also being careful not to smash it down instead of expanding it.

Any ideas DIY Peeps?