Drywasher Bellows Material

[oidium45]

Hello everyone,
I am currently looking into building a small bellows style drywasher. Does anyone have recommendations for the material to use for the bellows?

Thanks,
Matt

 

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[arizau]

I used vinyl upholstery material for a little sampler puffer but it was some leftovers from another project. Canvas duck should work as well and is probably cheaper. All a bellows needs to do is hold pressure for a fraction of a second to create a strong puff. I used muslin for the tray.

Good luck.

 

[oidium45]

I used vinyl upholstery material for a little sampler puffer but it was some leftovers from another project. Canvas duck should work as well and is probably cheaper. All a bellows needs to do is hold pressure for a fraction of a second to create a strong puff. I used muslin for the tray.

Good luck.

Thanks, Duck cotton and muslin were where I was leaning. If anything for their low price and they look oldschool

 

[1637]

ive used muslin and it worked ok ,it started sagging.that is the stuff that keene uses??
brad

 

[oidium45]

Not sure about Keene but I do know you need a stiff screen under the muslin. I've seen everything from punch plate to wood frame with a layer of window screen.

ive used muslin and it worked ok ,it started sagging.that is the stuff that keene uses??
brad

 

[1637]

what glue should we use
thanks brad

 

[oidium45]

what glue should we use
thanks brad

I was planning on making it removable for wear purposes.

 

[Clay Diggins]

Muslin won't last long, it pills a lot and it will stretch.

The traditional tray cloth is indianhead cloth. Just ask for that at a fabric store. If the counter person says something like "they don't make that anymore" just tell them you are looking for a linen type weave in sanforized cotton. If the person at the counter says "What is indian head?" move on to a fabric store that knows something about the products they sell.

Heavy Pans

 

[oidium45]

When you cant afford a drywasher you build one... Getting there slowly on a rough sketchup. The bottom of the hopper will be likely very thick duck cotton and the half circles will hinge in to allow the drywasher to fold up nicely.

 

[arizau]

When you cant afford a drywasher you build one... Getting there slowly on a rough sketchup. The bottom of the hopper will be likely very thick duck cotton and the half circles will hinge in to allow the drywasher to fold up nicely. View attachment 1656117

A couple of sets of drywasher plans on this site as well as other cool stuff. That is where I got my plan. http://www.billandlindaprospecting.com/.

 

[oidium45]

I am taking ideas from a few

A couple of sets of drywasher plans on this site as well as other cool stuff. That is where I got my plan. http://www.billandlindaprospecting.com/.

 

[Bodfish Mike]

I used a rubber underlayment for floors for the bellows and glued it down with contact cement
and staples ---- Muslin for the wood tray with contact cement.
I'm very happy with this one it's the third one I built. No gas motor or battery -- I sling
it over my shoulder with a strap and hike in.
Best Mike

 

[oidium45]

I used a rubber underlayment for floors for the bellows and glued it down with contact cement
and staples ---- Muslin for the wood tray with contact cement.
I'm very happy with this one it's the third one I built. No gas motor or battery -- I sling
it over my shoulder with a strap and hike in.
Best Mike
View attachment 1656144

Hahaha, great minds think alike :-D
I was considering using some canes they had at the 99 cent store for legs which adjusted like crutches.

 

[Bodfish Mike]

Build the hopper and tray angle at about 28 to 30 degrees.
I used a screen from an ironing board I picked up at garage sale for the hopper screen.
Mine paid for itself the 1st day I used it.