DIY Seed Cleaning Machine: Test #1 with Amaranth Seed

This is a video of our first time testing the machine out using unprocessed amaranth seed. We look forward to future videos testing out other larger seed types. Great work NS/S staff Dick and Daisy!
This DIY seed cleaning machine was built by garden volunteer, Keith Lierman, using open-source design plans created by The Real Seed Collection (realseeds.co.uk). The machine replicates a traditional zig-zag aspirator which goes for thounsands of dollars. Keith said it cost him around $30 using scrap materials. He said building from all new materials would probably only cost around $50!
Normally we'd winnow seed with a box fan or pull out chaff by hand, this machine makes the process much more efficient. With the ability to adjust the level of suction, the machine can clean seeds as small as amaranth to seeds of squash and sunflower!
Access to the blueprints and building instructions are available on their website, realseeds.co.uk. Thanks to Real Seeds for sharing this brilliant design with the seed saving communtiy around the world. And thanks again Keith for your building skills!

[@itsatrapitsalways]

Very nice. After hours winnowing my last batch of amaranth, i need to make one!

[@cookiescoop6065]

I've made 8 of them they work great

[@Gardenerd]

Brilliant!

[@beng711]

Nice build! but . . . you are missing one crucial baffle plate at the top right. (see our original plans) By leaving that out, loads of your lighterseed/chaff will end up in your vaccum claner, which will need emptying frequently, and risks being lost if its good seed and you just had the suction too high. If you put in the missing plate, then the chaff will all fall to the bottom and not be sucked up into the vaccum .

[@regalite3]

Did you purchase the machine or build it yourself?

[@SoGaFarmstead]

Is it that dusty you need to wear masks?

[@perfectweather]

I thought it was strange too they're not sanding anything and they're indoors, at first I thought maybe it was because of the seeds but that should be enclosed. It's weird

[@shaneprat2489]

I couldn't understand a word you said with that damn mask on. Considering you're wearing it in an intimate setting with someone you know shows me all I need to know...

[@SharedThreads]

Do you have any recommendations on how to clean seed that has fluff attached (ie. strawflower)? Thanks!

[@sohaelemaongco9118]

is this viable on rice and its husk?

[@darollins42]

Chafee Chaferton
Valuable member of the team 😎

[@C-Hirsuta]

Hi! Were you able to dial it in and consistently separate the majority of your amaranth seed? I want to grow amaranth and quinoa and I'm wondering if this is a good winnowing solution.

[@NativeSeedsSEARCH]

Yes. with adjustments to the chaff door on top we saw improved results.

[@DancingL704]

Clever

[@reptilisst]

Awesome engineering!

[@JuanLopez-li2hi]

Hello I would like to know if you sell them

[@cookiescoop6065]

I make that style hit me up