Seeking advice - rock crushing/tumbling

[PatrickD]

Hi Everyone,

I have collected some rocks that I would like to crush down and pan. Can anyone suggest a more automated way to do this? i.e., rock tumbler with ball bearings in it? Basically, something I can put the rocks and come back later to get the materials for processing. I have already spent an arm and a leg so have to budget for a good solution.

Thanks in advance,

Patrick

 

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[Reed Lukens]

You're not going to crush rock with a tumbler. A mortar and pestle is the minimum.

 

[winners58]

saw one that uses a pneumatic air hammer, you might make your own or or $95 for the bit
.

 

[russau]

Dust mask and safty glass"

 

[Jeff95531]

On a budget? How does free sound?

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/gold-prospecting/446033-rock-tumbler-cons-crusher.html

 

[johnedoe]

Congrats on the engagement Reed & Karen.

 

[KevinInColorado]

On a budget? How does free sound?

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/gold-prospecting/446033-rock-tumbler-cons-crusher.html

This approach works great although I've only run it with material in the range of 12-50 mesh...nothing bigger. For bigger I use a steel mortar&pestle first. With safety glasses of course.

One mortar&pestle tip: instead of pounding with the pestle, set it on the material and pound on the top of the pestle with a small sledge hammer as if it were a chisel. Less flying material and faster results with less wear and tear on you.

 

[PatrickD]

Good advice.