Cheap Drywasher?

[Customx_12]

I've never used a drywasher and have no idea how to make one myself. Does anybody know where I can get one for cheap? I mean really cheap...under $100 cheap. On craigslist I find that the people ask too much and on ebay, they end up going for about what you would pay at a prospecting store. Are there any used prospecting equipment shops or anything?

Also, I hear that drywashers really aren't that efficient. Is that true? If so, is the Gold Exorcist better for the fine stuff?

 

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[frank]

Heres a link to view 2 size drywashers.

http://olyeller.wordpress.com/

Theres a link on the top right of the page for another page with more details on the mini drywashers.
The mini is efficent, lightweight and very portable as it folds flat for backpacking or toting on an ATV.
A drywasher can be very efficent once you learn how to use them.
Sampling areas with a small portable machine is the key to finding a good producing spot.
The minis sell brand new for $150.00
The full sized one will sell for $400.00

Just posted this to let you know there are alternatives that are reasonably priced.

 

[2cmorau]

get yourself a blanket and a buddy its called winnowing

 

[frank]

winnowing ,..... yeah thats cheap drywashing fer sure. But kinda tough to do it alone.

 

[Gravelwasher]

For the quality build and compared to the name brand corporate machines this is a great deal and one of the nicest looking drywashers too.

 

[soupfreak]

Heres a link to view 2 size drywashers.

Olyeller’s Blog

Theres a link on the top right of the page for another page with more details on the mini drywashers.
The mini is efficent, lightweight and very portable as it folds flat for backpacking or toting on an ATV.
A drywasher can be very efficent once you learn how to use them.
Sampling areas with a small portable machine is the key to finding a good producing spot.
The minis sell brand new for $150.00
The full sized one will sell for $400.00

Just posted this to let you know there are alternatives that are reasonably priced.

Frank, I am definitely interested in getting an Ol' Yeller, probably within the next 3 months. They look like really quality machines.

 

[Jack Hamilton]

If you have a collection of tools and are handy I would say make your own. If you have to buy all the tools, buying a drywasher will be cheaper.

 

[jcazgoldchaser]

If you have a collection of tools and are handy I would say make your own. If you have to buy all the tools, buying a drywasher will be cheaper.

Oh, it was another 1/2 off day at the thrift. Grizzly's were only $3.




Mesh looks like

 

[Svverwter]

I really liked this*information.

 

[rodoconnor]

2cmorau, I think you'd really need a face mask winnowing!

 

[Goodyguy]

Here are some FREE plans if you want to look them over and see if it's something you would want to attempt.................
DRYWASHER_PLANS

 

[delnorter]

I'm glad this thread was revived. I see on the site listed, the Mini Dry Washer now sells for $175.00 plus shipping. Still sounds good.

I've not prospected with a dry washer before. Properly set up, can a person recover small gold, say 20 mesh?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[KevinInColorado]

I'm glad this thread was revived. I see on the site listed, the Mini Dry Washer now sells for $175.00 plus shipping. Still sounds good. I've not prospected with a dry washer before. Properly set up, can a person recover small gold, say 20 mesh? Thanks, Mike

yes and since when is 20 mesh small? In my world, that's the big stuff...lol!

 

[delnorter]

Thanks Kevin, I know, 20 mesh is nice gold. I'm just pretty clueless about dry washers and thought I'd inquire about a size which might be easier to see in a dry operation. If I were to use one it would be in northern California on gravel deposits which are quite a distance from the water. In late summer / fall the gravel mix, for some depth, can be pretty dry. This may be another arrow in the quiver to deal with all the restrictions we encounter.

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[Hard Prospector]

Anyone considering drywashing shouldn't buy a thing until they've tried and experienced it 2 or 3 times and then ask themselves is this for me. Recovering decent amounts of gold drywashing means moving and reducing yards of material by back breaking physical labor (hand tools, buckets and wheel barrow, dirt boogers, blistered hands, dry cough etc.) Local prospecting stores and clubs are always having outings, not a bad way to check it out.

 

[jcazgoldchaser]

How did goodguy not post his trashcan?

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/drywashing/196055-gg-s-65-wastebasket-drywasher-updated.html