I have made sifters to sift my dirt for my layout.
The first one I bought. It is just a kitchen strainer with 24 squares per inch.
Then I made three sifters of finer screen.
Parts
¼" x 7" x 16" masonite, cut a 5" x 11" hole in the center
¾" x 2" x 12¾" Wood
¾" x 2" x 5" Wood
6" x 12½" Screen 40, 60, or 80 squares per inch
This screen is available at hardware stores in the plumbing supplies. If you have a problem finding the screen check with a plumbing supply house. It is know as plumber's screen, or mesh screen, or strainer cloth. It is available in copper, brass, and stainless steel which is what I use.
One source for the screen is McGuckin Hardware in Boulder, CO.
Phone (303) 443-1822. Their website is http://www.mcguckin.com/.
The screen comes in 12" wide rolls and is sold by the inch.
The price is Copper and Stainless Steel $1.00 per inch
Brass is $1.75 per inch.
Screw the four pieces of wood together making a rectangle of 6½" x 12¾".
Place screen on masonite and screw the wood rectangle on the masonite from
the bottom.
Dry dirt in your oven for 2-3 hours at 250 degrees to kill all seeds and germs.
Sift dirt in kitchen strainer.
Then sift your dirt in your sifters until you reach the desired fineness.
Jerry