Gold Cube Setup

[Jakal]

Started gold prospecting this season just classifying into a 120 mesh and panning it out. I had success.

Well I finally broke down and bought a Gold Cube 4 stack for Indiana placer gold after researching about 6 months and started to run my screened cons thru the Cube, way better success!

I have used it several times now and am recovering some of the smallest gold you can almost NOT see. Take a needle and dip it in ink and then dot a piece of white paper and that is the size of gold I am recovering and larger. I have checked my trailings and float bucket multiple times and in different ways. I can say, IF any gold is getting past this Vortex matting, it's the 1% not being recovered as stated by the Gold Cube inventors.

For Indiana gold, the product does what Mike and Red say it will do.

I had some trouble the first couple of times setting it up but with a hand level, things were going ok. Called Mike about the setup and leveling of the frame and Gold Cube. Mike stated that you want the front-to-back of the stand to look level and to place a tray and fill it with water. Looking at the trough, if the water is level or very near, you should be good to go. I asked about distance and Mike did say that he had a guy running 30 foot of hose and a 2000ph pump.

Went out and bought 50 foot of hose from Boatersplus.com and a SeaFlo 2000gph pump and a 100amp AGM type battery and installed a shut off valve at the Gold Banker inlet (yep, bought on of those also!) and now I'm in high-banker mode. I'm running 20 foot of hose and calibrate the water flow using the 5/8 dowel trick.

Of course, me being an engineering type, I wanted to make sure that the Cube was set at the proper 15 degrees for optimum vortex formation and thus better gold recovery. I knew my setup was not spot on so after doing some more research, I found these inclinometers from Tiltmeter.com, perfect!

I checked each tray by itself for uniformity down the face of the tray, while on the frame after leveling it first. There is some variance I found. Also I looked at the leading edge of the vortex mat to select the most uniform for the top tray. Marked the trays 1-3, most uniform to less uniform. Now I know what my Cube angle is and think this will actually help in better recovery.

Here is a pic... Sorry for the long first post but I thought this might help someone else that is starting out with a Gold-Cube!

 

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[KevinInColorado]

I'm impressed! You are coming right out of the blocks at full speed. Using your brains and experience to refine your process will do you well.

 

[Jakal]

Thanks Kevin! I actually have several of your threads bookmarked from my research and learned the 15 degree thing from you!

I also added some weather stripping between the grate and the plastic slick plate on the Gold Banker to keep bigger pebbles out. The best part is the paint roller pan I customized and attached between the grate and it's standoff bracket in the front. Helps keep the tailings out of my float bucket. I'll post a picture, looks quite hilarious!

 

[MikeMike]

Thanks Kevin!
I also added some weather stripping between the grate and the plastic slick plate on the Gold Banker to keep bigger pebbles out. The best part is the paint roller pan I customized and attached between the grate and it's standoff bracket in the front. Helps keep the tailings out of my float bucket. I'll post a picture, looks quite hilarious!

<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1188287"/>

Thanks for the tips on the Gold Cube, Jakal

 

[BagLady]

Lets see some pic's of that gold!
Good luck.

 

[Goodyguy]

Hey Jakal,

I'm in southern Indiana as well. I have lots of homemade equipment most all designed for Hoosier gold.
You should PM me and I will be happy to share info.

My version of the cube.....



GG~

 

[AuTSaurus]

Goodyguy,

Nice DIY job. If you don't mind, would you share your source for those wheels? I have been looking for that size and composition of wheels, in my area, with no success.

Thanks,

Greg

 

[Goodyguy]

Goodyguy,

Nice DIY job. If you don't mind, would you share your source for those wheels? I have been looking for that size and composition of wheels, in my area, with no success.

Thanks,

Greg

Salvaged from an old wheelchair found in a dumpster.
Have seen others at Goodwill, Salvation Army, Craigslist, Yard sales, etc.

GG~

 

[AuTSaurus]

Thanks guy, I appreciate the reply. I'll look around this area at those places.

Greg

 

[Jakal]

Hey Goodyguy!

I have read several of your post. Great looking box! I'm down at Gatesville quite often. Met several folks at the store now, great group. I'll pm you.

 

[Goodyguy]

Hey Goodyguy!

I have read several of your post. Great looking box! I'm down at Gatesville quite often. Met several folks at the store now, great group. I'll pm you.

I'm planning to be at Gatesville this Sun 7/26/2015 weather permitting.
Will be field testing some new equipment.

Hope to see you there.
GG~

 

[Jimmydolittle]

The store was hit by a flood, and did quite a bit of damage. Since they are in a flood prone area, they had no insurance. Don't think I can post it here, but there is a Go Fund Me page set up to help Robin, and Doug out.http://www.gofundme.com/zgzvk4

I'm planning to be at Gatesville this Sun 7/26/2015 weather permitting.
Will be field testing some new equipment.

Hope to see you there.
GG~

 

[Goodyguy]

The store was hit by a flood, and did quite a bit of damage. Since they are in a flood prone area, they had no insurance. Don't think I can post it here, but there is a Go Fund Me page set up to help Robin, and Doug out.

Sorry to hear the bad news. I will do what I can to help out.
I've grown quite fond of Robin and Doug (and the dogs) over the years and they have always treated me like family.

It's not much but I'll also donate all the gold I've recovered there this year along with whatever I find there this weekend.
Hopefully the flood brought lots of gold with it.

GG~

 

[Jakal]

I was just out there on the 11th. I was wondering how things were going down there with all the rain. Morgan county is finally starting to dry out. White Lick creek and the White River are still up but have dropped a couple of feet lately. I maybe down there on the 26th, pending if the family-plans will be completed or if I'll have to help out on Sunday.

Hope Robin and Doug are doing ok.

 

[Jimmydolittle]

The 11th was the day of the Southern Indiana Chapter of GPAA meeting. Did you make the meeting? I didn't, because of my sister-in-law's memorial service was that day.

I was just out there on the 11th. I was wondering how things were going down there with all the rain. Morgan county is finally starting to dry out. White Lick creek and the White River are still up but have dropped a couple of feet lately. I maybe down there on the 26th, pending if the family-plans will be completed or if I'll have to help out on Sunday.

Hope Robin and Doug are doing ok.

 

[Jakal]

My condolences, yes I was at the meeting. Big turn out about 35 people.

 

[Jakal]

Hey BagLady,

This is for you. My cleanup from the 11th at Gatesville, IN.

 

[Goodyguy]

Due to last minute re-design my prototype is not quite ready for field testing.
So my plans for Gatesville have to be postponed until Sunday Aug 2. 08/02/2015

Hope to see you then.

GG~

 

[Goodyguy]

Jakal,

Was great meeting you in person at Gatesville today. You were definitely onto a decent pay streak as I helped myself to your diggings after you left as you suggested. I was getting skunked where I was digging and your spot saved the day for me by providing me with a nice cleanup, Thank you.

Had a little trouble getting my equipment dialed in as the new larger punch plate grizzly I was field testing was causing the trap to scour due to me running too steep with too much flow in order to keep it clear of cobbles. With some tweaking of the angle and the flow I was able to remedy the scouring effect but then I had to clear the grizzly by hand.

I'll be back next Sunday with my tried and true grizzly and field test the 3" dredge attachment. My gut tells me that I'll most likely have issues with scouring again due to the increased flow that a 3" nozzle will produce. Hopefully using the smoother grizzly with smaller holes along with the use of a damper flap placed at the crashbox/hopper exit will help, otherwise it will be back to the drawing board.

GG~

 

[Jakal]

Hey GG,

Great to finally meet you. I picked up my inclinometer from here. Tiltmeter.com It may help you with the angle. They can custom make any inclinometer you want. That's about my only suggestion as you've got way more experience than me!

Glad that bank worked out for you, I have always pulled gold from there. I think it quits down in between the two trees.

I got home and my buddy from Germany had ordered a 1/4 pound of pay dirt from the Yuba River for my birthday. He panned there about 35 years ago. Took about 15 minutes to pan it out. I'll post up some pictures, several pickers!

I'm going to buy a few scoops to help out the Gatesville Store due to the flood. http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/gold-prospecting/470433-gatesville-general-store.html
Talked to Dennis today and he stated that this dirt was seeded really well.

Hope you get your gear lined out, I'm not sure when I'll be back down there but will try to make the Southern Chapter meeting.

The Central chapter is going to have a clean-up weekend their next meet to help Robin manage the property. Chain saws and etc are being brought in by members to help out, anyone that wants to help out is invited.