Panning alternative ?

[LarenC]

My brother and I are gonna do some prospecting this year and just wondered if there is a faster way to sample without panning. We tried it and it would take us all day to sample a half bucket.
We saw videos on the Bazooka Gold Trap Sluice and the Underflow Sluice and we like both of them. Any advice from "Old Timers" would really be appreciated.
Thank you,
LarenC

 

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[Hemisteve]

Taking all day to pan out half a bucket is crazy. A sample pan can be washed down in a few minutes or so.
The reason to sample is to find a spot that is worth digging, THEN setting up a sluice box and running as much material as you can.
Your pan is your number one tool. Learn how to use it first.

Have fun
Steve

 

[KevinInColorado]

I'd say set up a plain drop riffle (instant clean out) sluice and run a quick half bucket then clean out, for each sample. A BGT would be good too but demands more water which you don't always have when sampling new areas.

Drop riffle sluices: Le Trap, Angus Mackirk, California Sluice Box, or handmade (google for plans)

 

[Hoser John]

Sluice,drywasher or detect ,take your pic but forget that thang-John

 

[63bkpkr]

Check out youtube for how to pan videos...........63bkpkr

 

[GrizzlyGremlin]

Practice with lead birdshot and some backyard dirt or sand. Theres no way getting around panning. Your back will tell you when good at it.

 

[kitt]

I use a plastic tub from a fridge about 7" deep and the ende part is a baby wipes box spread open by a plastic hanger. Thats what i use as the water collector.
1/2" pvc with 1/8's holes drilled. I have a top lid for it i use to classify. I gold all this stuff free the total cost was 0

 

[Rdg Sluicer]

It will save you a lot of time in the long run to just learn to pan effectively..... it is like riding a bike once you got it you will always have it.

 

[Vance in AK]

I have to agree with the others. For now invest your time in learning to pan at home with some small lead shot. A quick sample pan should take no more than a few minutes. don't set upthe sluice untill you find gold with the pan.
Prospect (pan) before mining (sluice)!

 

[hunterbill]

NO! there is not any faster way to sample.