Buckets and shovels?

[Fossil4Life]

So there seems to be those that use the smaller, 3.5 gallon buckets versus the standard 5 gallon buckets. What is the reason for this? Is it due to easier classification with classifiers? Easier to transport? What do you folks recommend?

And shovels: Is there a particular kind or one that is recommended for work in streams and creeks? I've seen fancy ones with modified welded steel lips around the edge of the shovel head so material doesn't fall off the edges. I've also seen people use a drain spade (long, narrow shovel head) used as well. What are your recommendations?

Thanks!

 

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[infotraker]

I use the smaller bucket as the 5 gal. Is very heavy if full and harder to hike with. I have seen people us the shovel with welded lip on the sides and those seem better than a reg shovel for holding the material.

 

[Goodyguy]

I made my own shovel to dig in the creek. It also works like a hoe, great for raking up a dam around the sluice. Holds just the right amount of material for feeding the sluice too. One of my favorite pieces of equipment!

You can buy one similar already made, I think it's called a "bucket digger". May need to put a longer handle on it than the one that comes with it though.



GG~

 

[rockygulchJoe]

Hello fellow miner. It's all personal preference, or what works for you.

Personally... *I use both 5 and 3 1/2 gal but really like the 3 1/2 because thay are easier to lift up and hold when full especially while feeding a machine. Thay also fit under my drywasher wich makes collecting the tails for rerun easier.

Here is a selection of shovels for prospecting and mining. One thing I noticed from a collection of dozens of old miner shovels I have is that their shovels were less cupped than the modern shovels found at the hardware store (see image of old shovel). *
The first shovel in the image is the "GoldDigger prospector/river shovel" it does a good job of digging underwater in loose material, and brings up heaping loads but is not made for prying it also breaks down for packing. The blue all metal shovel is made by "The King of Spades" the handle is extra long and the blade is shallowly cupped like an old shovels, and is the strongest and best designed shovel I have ever used, *it's kind of heavy and expensive but top of the line.

 

[Goodyguy]

I mostly use 5 gallon buckets. They hold lots of pay dirt, make a great stool to sit on, are easy to come by for free and fit in my bucket chariot perfectly. Beats carrying a heavy load by hand.

 

[Fossil4Life]

Update: Went to Lowe's, Home Depot, Graingers, Tractor Supply, Harbor Freight and several paint and contractor stores. NONE carry 3.5 gallon buckets. So, I'm at a loss here... Where can I find these elusive buckets at? I haven't tried online (yet) as shipping fees will likely be astronomical.

Does anyone have any ideas where to get 3.5 gallon buckets?

 

[jcazgoldchaser]

Update: Went to Lowe's, Home Depot, Graingers, Tractor Supply, Harbor Freight and several paint and contractor stores. NONE carry 3.5 gallon buckets. So, I'm at a loss here... Where can I find these elusive buckets at? I haven't tried online (yet) as shipping fees will likely be astronomical.

Does anyone have any ideas where to get 3.5 gallon buckets?

US Plastic
ULINE
Lowes
Grainger

 

[MinerFortyNiner1952]

I got my smaller buckets from a deli (they receive mayonnaise and pickles in them) and also a grocery store bakery (they get frosting in them) and usually they're free.

I made the mistake of not fully cleaning out the scent of the pickle bucket and left it at the claim. A bear dragged it up the hill and chewed it to pieces.

Must have been Yogi and BooBoo out for a picanic basket.

 

[2cmorau]

just a thought, try a pet store. kitty litter comes in 3 1/2 gal buckets, post a wanted flyer up

 

[Jimmydolittle]

Try at a bakery at your supermarket or doughnut shop, they get their icings in buckets, and most likely toss them out when empty.

 

[2cmorau]

I mostly use 5 gallon buckets. They hold lots of pay dirt, make a great stool to sit on, are easy to come by for free and fit in my bucket chariot perfectly. Beats carrying a heavy load by hand.


View attachment 1039622 View attachment 1039623

This is great; I picked up a hand truck for five bucks at a flea market cut the ends off axel.
18" bike wheels at a salvage yard twenty bucks, steel concrete stake (job site freebee) cut to I think two feet, drill a couple of hole at the end for Carter pins, mounted a little above the old axle giving a better fulcrum point so that i could haul my stapp winch in ¾ hike to my lower claim, not as nice as yours but works for me. I use five gallon buckets, fill mine up half way with screened material, but I can load up the bucket with extras digging tools, com-a-long, cables, gang box , still like my external frame game backpack for hauling in and out

 

[Fossil4Life]

Will any or all of these 3.5 gallon buckets mentioned be sized to fit JOBE classifiers?

 

[Jimmydolittle]

The 31/2 gal. bucket I have (purchased at Lowe's for about $3.00) has the same sized top as a 5 gallon.

Will any or all of these 3.5 gallon buckets mentioned be sized to fit JOBE classifiers?

 

[Goodyguy]

Not sure if anyone knows about this but it sure makes digging with a shovel a whole lot easier..........
Dig Rig


They sell for $6.95 + shipping from Alabama.