In Reply to: About My Last Trip
posted by Richard ( Key West, Fl ) on May 31, 1998 at 14:08:30

Richard,

Sounds like you should of invested in a RC-1 for your trip. I have used one of these pilot mill for rough testing. They work great out in the field, very portable. I was working with a Geologist out in the Bradshaws last year. We were using the Keene RC1 to get the ore down to about 100 Mesh. They we would place the crushed ore into a ball mill for about 45-60 minutes. Then run the crushed ore acrossed a mini table. The good think about this unit is that spare parts are really cheap. The speed-impeller is about the only part that needs to be replaced. You can have one made for cheaper than you can buy one. Last year I was using a small poop tube and the RC1 in combination. I would crush the ore down to about 3/4 inch or smaller then run that through the pilot mill. I would pass the material through the RC1 about 8 times. This will get all the ore down to about 200 Mesh. Then run the ore across a poop tube with water. This process take a little time, but gives you a good idea of the rough value of the ore. I could always see the fine gold in the poop tube when done. By the way were you in Arizona your last trip? Sorry I got everyone worked up over the depth of the nugget you found. It still seems to be a little far fletched. But your the one who found it. Good luck in you next adventure in the hills. Sounds like your making a killing on the nuggets.

Robert.....