Hand-crank or gas?

[Customx_12]

I haven't bought or built a drywasher yet but I'm debating between which is better. In all honesty, I'm not much a builder so I'm probably going to just buy one. I'm leaning toward a hand-crank as it will cut down on the gas expense and give me a bit more of a workout. Is this a bad/stupid idea? What are the pros and cons of each type? I may be wrong but I am under the impression that a hand-crank is a two man job. This really won't be an issue as I'm a bit of a safety nut and never go panning or prospecting alone anyway. What are some thoughts on this?

 

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[Terry Soloman]

I haven't bought or built a drywasher yet but I'm debating between which is better. In all honesty, I'm not much a builder so I'm probably going to just buy one. I'm leaning toward a hand-crank as it will cut down on the gas expense and give me a bit more of a workout. Is this a bad/stupid idea? What are the pros and cons of each type? I may be wrong but I am under the impression that a hand-crank is a two man job. This really won't be an issue as I'm a bit of a safety nut and never go panning or prospecting alone anyway. What are some thoughts on this?

Just get a AZDesertGold.com gas powered pocket rocket and be done with it! We use them at our school in Arizona and could not be happier.

 

[Customx_12]

I didn't find anything on the site about a "pocket rocket" but some of the drywashers seemed expensive. I want one that is fairly affordable. I don't even care if it's used or homemade as long as it works.

 

[jcazgoldchaser]

Not suggesting you build it like this one, but I've seen several videos on using a simple electric motor. One of those car jumper packs and a solar panel might set you up for the whole weekend. Notice how loud it is?

 

[Terry Soloman]

I didn't find anything on the site about a "pocket rocket" but some of the drywashers seemed expensive. I want one that is fairly affordable. I don't even care if it's used or homemade as long as it works.

That is 13-lbs of pure affordable. Check out Keene dry washers. As I said we use them, and if you are serious about running material a puffer drywasher is 19th century tech..

 

[blindpig]

Hi Customx-12 ,
I think a small blower type is the way to go . Small,. I mean one that uses a hand held leave blower, which should be setup as a vac, hell just using the vac & pan on bed rock is a weekend of fun !! Anyway,.. these lit' drywashers are easy on gas ,..and they will give ya as much of a work out,as you let 'em...
I've also used a ol' hand crank Becks belows type ,. good to go in wilderness aras / non moterized
There ya go,. Joel

 

[jcazgoldchaser]

I'm trying to picture running a lot of material by hand. Here's video:

 

[Customx_12]

I'm trying to picture running a lot of material by hand. Here's video:

That looks like an incredibly poor design and a waste of energy.

 

[Customx_12]

That is 13-lbs of pure affordable. Check out Keene dry washers. As I said we use them, and if you are serious about running material a puffer drywasher is 19th century tech..

I know the puffer is old school but I like the idea of not having to worry about fuel. But you're right that for more material, the modern ones are the way to go. I'm just a little apprehensive about putting $500 in something that I'm not certain I will get a return on. How is your success with the ones you recommended?

 

[Fabrication Specialists]

That is 13-lbs of pure affordable. Check out Keene dry washers. As I said we use them, and if you are serious about running material a puffer drywasher is 19th century tech..

You know how you clicked on that video and immediately turned down your volume on your computer? Imagine that ALL day long...I just can't do it personally, just my opinion.

 

[Joe Z]

You know how you clicked on that video and immediately turned down your volume on your computer? Imagine that ALL day long...I just can't do it personally, just my opinion.

X2
Joe

 

[Joe Z]

You know how you clicked on that video and immediately turned down your volume on your computer? Imagine that ALL day long...I just can't do it personally, just my opinion.

X2.... Many people it doesn't bother

Customx 12
Try this YouTube "Drywasher" Page..... Tons of videos to help you decide
Joe

drywasher - YouTube

 

[AzViper]

I haven't bought or built a drywasher yet but I'm debating between which is better. In all honesty, I'm not much a builder so I'm probably going to just buy one. I'm leaning toward a hand-crank as it will cut down on the gas expense and give me a bit more of a workout. Is this a bad/stupid idea? What are the pros and cons of each type? I may be wrong but I am under the impression that a hand-crank is a two man job. This really won't be an issue as I'm a bit of a safety nut and never go panning or prospecting alone anyway. What are some thoughts on this?

CustomX all I can say is do your homework. If your after a blower style of which you can move more dirt than a puffer then check out Royal Drywashers, http://www.royalmfgind.com/index.php/products/product/204/dry-washers This is their one man drywasher and it is priced below the other drywasher mentioned. The blower style drywashers are all built on the same designed but that is about the only thing you can compare between the two models being mentioned. Check out this thread called AZ CLAIMS where I pointed out the differences, http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/drywashing/329162-az-claim-2.html and very interesting whats really under the hood.

Now if your after a puffer style drywasher you may want to look at Thompsons Drywashers, Thompson Drywashers©...Redding, California or OlYeller Drywashers, Olyeller's Blog | DRYWASHING for GOLD at its BEST

You may also want to check out Fabrication Specialist as Chris is getting ready to launch a puffer style drywasher, Gold prospecting Supplies From reading Chris website he will build you whatever you want, he is a member of these forums and you can PM him directly. Just do your homework and you will come up whats best for you...

Also check out my thread on building a Vac / Blower, http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/drywashing/331022-build-your-own-vacuum-blower.html This combination allows you to use the blower and use the Vac to go crevicing for gold. Again there are many Vac / Blowers but I have laid it out in detail how to easily build your own and have a better Vac / Blower than you can buy. My design is 100 percent leak proof and this allows more suction power at the hose end. I even give you the links on where to buy the goods.

 

[motohed]

The thing I will say about a lardge gas caddy , is check state , federal and local laws as to how much they allow . Gas is usually much less than diesel , there maybe special venting equipment involved . You don't want a hugh fine , if you happen to get stopped . Just and FYI . I would not try to build a gas caddy as it would not be UL listed . It also depends where you are , if your using on your own place that would be different . Ok after rereading the post my answer is a moot point but it may help someone else , Sorry .