I have a custom built filter that came with a plastic filter basket that is about 4 inches deep, with holes for the input pipe and clean out opposite. The filter basket has become cracked over the years and doesn't keep the dreaded spruce needles out of the macaroni (filter media) in any event. I'd like to replace it with some stainless steel mesh that is slightly finer. It can't be too fine or it would be a cleaning nightmare. I have the mesh, but I'm not too sure how to reliably join it? I can't see soldering being to effective or a good use of my time. I was thinking about 'sewing' the two pieces together and reinforcing it with some silicone caulking?
But realistically, I think I need a separate pre-filter. I don't have a lot of room, so I'd like something small, inexpensive, efficient and easy to clean. I would like a sieve, but they are quite large and the filter room is below ground, so the filter is pressurized. I do have a small pressurized vortex filter that I never used, it's a leaf basket on steroids. But it's kinda small, so I'm not sure how much it would help.
Any bright ideas?
Thanks