Bead assortments are fun to get, but sometimes a royal pain when you need a specific size for a project and have to dig through the entire mix hunting! This is why this was one of the first things I designed when I started getting into 3d printing: A bead sifting tower.
How it works:
- Stack the tower with which sizes you want to sort out, largest size higher up.
- Place the bottom cup onto the bottom, then pour your bead mix into the top cup.
- Put the lid on, and then holding the entire thing in your hand (two handed for the most balanced grip), give it a few shakes up and down and/or in a swishing motion.
The beads that are the size labeled on the cup or smaller will sift through the layers until they come to rest on the layer that's too small for them to pass through, with the smallest ones gathering in the bottom cup. (note: the arrows on the cups point the direction that the beads in the size listed will be.) If some beads get stuck in a cup layer, simply invert the cup and gently poke them back out with a pencil or any other handy tool.
The cups that fit together tightly and may need a light bit of squeezing to separate them. This allows for easier shaking of the sifter tower and far less chance of things being knocked over and spilled.
Sifter cups are 2 inch in diameter. Larger sized sifters and sifters for larger sized beads are available on request. (Please allow 2-4 days for customization, thank you!)
All the parts are 3D printed using PLA, (a bioplastic,) and can be customized on request.
Please note that the colors may be slightly different than in the photos due to differences with in filament spools, but always will be in the same color family.
Lindsay Star also did a super awesome write up on these on her blog here: