Dry Washer Question

[Sierra Kid]

Hello All. I am new to the forums and am amazed by the wealth of information here. I have a question about a Dry Washer I just bought from an old timer. Its huge compared to the typical Keene dry washers. Its on a trailer, has a chute about 2 feet wide and 3 feet long. It looks like it would handle a large volume of material (more than I can shovel to keep up with it) and has a small gas motor mounted to the trailer. Also, there is a series of belts on the bottom that turn a crankshaft system that provides the vibration for the unit. It weighs around 500 LBS. It appears to be very industrial. I will try and post some pics in the morning. Its been sitting for years and needs TLC. Any idea what it might be? Thanks. Cork

 

[Cynangyl]

Sounds like quite a machine! I am sure someone will be able to help answer your question especially once they have a pic to look at. By the way, welcome to tnet! As you can see there is a wealth of info here and more added daily...the best part is there is a wealth of really awesome people as well! I do hope you stick around and keep posting!

 

[pegleglooker]

bump

 

[Sierra Kid]

Thanks. It sure looks like a high production unit. I figure its about 30 years old. I started prospecting using a Whites MXT about a year ago and found the hobby to be really addicting. No gold yet, but a lot of bullets and junk.....

 

[Cynangyl]

Hey...nothin wrong with bullets and junque! lol I am sure you will find lots with that machine if you keep at it and as addicting as it is you will not have much choice there!

 

[Sierra Kid]

So far, even finding junk has been a blast. Just exploring in general is great. One thing I fight here are hot rocks and high ground mineralization. The terrain here is definitely not consistent. Mostly placer gold. Figured I'd try dry washing also.

 

[Cynangyl]

I have not used a drywasher but have thought about it. I sure put in some time shoveling into a highbanker though and done some panning, sluicing and a lil bit of dredging...now THAT was fun! Let me know how you like using the drywasher!

 

[Sierra Kid]

I want to try my hand at dredging. Good rivers here in California! I better slow down.....

 

[Cynangyl]

that dredging is GREAT fun! Maybe find some place that you can use different equipment and try it out and see what you think before you buy it all. lol I understand there are quite a few places you can go there in CA and use the equipment there for a price....might give you an idea what you like best and where to focus your attention. Me....I just like it all! lol

 

[Sierra Kid]

I think i'll give it a shot in late summer. The runoff from the mountain snow keeps the water COLD for a good portion of the summer. I do see people out there with their dredges. Looks fun!

 

[Cynangyl]

The folks I know that dredge a lot tend to have wetsuits....I only dredged using borrowed equipment and it was VERY hot and the water was not that cold. lol

 

[Sierra Kid]

Yes, a wetsuit would have to be standard equipment. Hmmm, may have to start looking on ebay. LOL

 

[Cynangyl]

LOL good luck to ya! Can't wait to see all your goodies! I best get to bed....got things locked up for the night and gotta open again in less than 8 hrs Sweet dreams!