Pros and Cons of Desert Gold and Drywashing ???

[starsplitter]

I have sniped, panned, and dredged, but never tried drywashing. What are the pros and cons of drywashing in comparison to dredging (from the obvious to not so obvious)? Also, are there upsides to desert gold hunting? Thanks.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Pros: Great Gold in a good spot
Cons: Still have to fill the buckets and finish the concentrates.
Upsides: Winter is nice, summer is not.

 

[russau]

Starsplitter first off , THANKYOU FOR YOUR SERVICE and GREAT response post to you Terry!

 

[starsplitter]

Thanks. I have used Bureau of Mines and Mining Ministry (Ecuador) data/claims information in the past. When working the desert are these worthwhile sources? I'm thinking I have to prospect before I work it. Went looking for old pics, found one of my dredge in Morona-Santiago.

 

[russau]

Is that a Proline dredge with a crash box on the sluice with a Honda engine is that pump / hose set up a 4 , 5 , or 6 inch ? I haven't seen anyone using a crash box set up in awhile ! They work fine on any conglomerate material or clay bound material ! I wish I still had mine!

 

[starsplitter]

Is that a Proline dredge with a crash box on the sluice with a Honda engine is that pump / hose set up a 4 , 5 , or 6 inch ? I haven't seen anyone using a crash box set up in awhile ! They work fine on any conglomerate material or clay bound material ! I wish I still had mine!

It was a custom build by a producer in Zamora. Bought it used. Yes, he used Proline as a model. Five inch. The photo is from 2015.