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Post By arizau
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Nov 29, 2018, 02:25 PM
#1
Drywasher Bellows Material
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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Nov 29, 2018, 03:31 PM
#2
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.
Last edited by arizau; Nov 29, 2018 at 03:35 PM.
If it can't be grown, it must be mined!
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Nov 29, 2018, 03:37 PM
#3
 Originally Posted by 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.
Thanks, Duck cotton and muslin were where I was leaning. If anything for their low price and they look oldschool
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Nov 29, 2018, 04:00 PM
#4
ive used muslin and it worked ok ,it started sagging.that is the stuff that keene uses??
brad
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Nov 29, 2018, 04:07 PM
#5
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.
 Originally Posted by 1637
ive used muslin and it worked ok ,it started sagging.that is the stuff that keene uses??
brad
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Nov 29, 2018, 05:47 PM
#6
what glue should we use
thanks brad
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Nov 29, 2018, 05:57 PM
#7
 Originally Posted by 1637
what glue should we use 
thanks brad
I was planning on making it removable for wear purposes.
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Nov 29, 2018, 06:04 PM
#8
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
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Nov 29, 2018, 07:15 PM
#9
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.
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Nov 29, 2018, 07:28 PM
#10
 Originally Posted by 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. 
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/.
If it can't be grown, it must be mined!
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Nov 29, 2018, 07:52 PM
#11
I am taking ideas from a few 
 Originally Posted by arizau
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Nov 29, 2018, 09:06 PM
#12
 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
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Nov 29, 2018, 09:20 PM
#13
 Originally Posted by 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

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.
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Nov 29, 2018, 09:46 PM
#14
 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.
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