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

[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.

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

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.