I built this Gomi Tumbler to do a Proof of Concept on the screen I purchased, for this purpose, as I plan to build higher quality models that are easier to use, more durable and quieter. It came out remarkably well even if it is a slight pain in the ass setting up the tumbler but the results are worth it.
Parts list:
1 10”x14” Stainless Screen 200/ .0021 @ $5.62 per SqrFt $5.62
2 50oz Plastic H2O bottles @ $1.00 per $2.00
4 11/4” Light duty casters @ $0.25 per $1.00
1 Plastic tray Free
1 Variable speed drill Free
1 Straight #2 Bit Free
1 1”x1/4” Rubber hose Free
2 Large U-bolts Free
2 Small C-clamps Free
1 2” Band Clamp Free
Some Assorted Wood scraps ¾” ply & 2”x2” Free
Several 81/2”x11” Sheets of paper Free
Some Assorted Drywall screws Free
Total cost $8.62
Instructions:
Tumbler: Images: Frame 1
Remove top, bottom, and spout sections of plastic bottles, leaving the rough surfaces in tact so there is a lip. Make sure they fit inside one another before fitting the screen. Images: H2O bottle, Cut sections.
Cut and sew screen to size. You should be able to sew it on a household machine just set you stitch spacing very large. Make a simple tube that fits tightly over the bottle. Images: Screen
Place the inside closed cap end in one end of the tube, leaving some screen overhang the end. Cover it with the other closed end cap so the screen is tightly held in place and is as square as possible. Images: Closed end cap inside, Closed end cap outside Repeat this with the open end. Images: Open end cap inside, Open end cap outside
Frame: Images: Completed unit
Place the casters so they can have some free play as the tumbler will slip around on them quite a lot especially as it gets beat up from use. Images: Casters
A platform is created for the drill, and the drill if fixed to a ‘Mounting plate’ with the U-bolts. Then that plate is C-clamped to the platform so it can be adjusted. Images: Drill mount
This whole frame is then attached to a tray. Images: Frame 4, Frame 3
Operation:
Using the band clamp to control the drill speed and the rubber hose to act as a ‘gear’ on the end of the bit set the tumbler up to spin around 60-80 rpms. Images: Frame 2, Drill mount
Once this has been completed you can fill the tumbler 1/3 to 1/2 full of unprocessed material. Do not crush or break up your material as that will increase the plant matter particulate and you are just after the pollen. Run each batch for about 5 min and place a sheet of paper under the tumbler to catch the pollen. A small mirror of piece of glass would serve this purpose very nicely I just did not have anything at the time of construction.
This is a rather boring and loud task depending on your drill, but it will yield a good amount of pollen, and the post tumbled product is still often rather potent and can be used in the same way as before.
