DIY Gold Shaker Table Plans： Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Well, now, if you’re wantin’ to build yourself a gold shaker table, I’ll tell ya, it ain’t all that fancy, but it sure can help ya get a bit of gold separated if ya do it right. A shaker table’s good for folks who want to catch fine gold dust, stuff that’s too tiny to see with the naked eye. I’ll go on and give ya some simple plans for a DIY gold shaker table right here.

Step One: Get Your Table Materials Together

Now, before ya get into buildin’, you’ll need a few things. Here’s a little list:

Wood for the table frame – some use hardwood, but pine works just fine if it’s what ya got.
Thin, flat sheet of metal or wood for the top where the gold will separate.
Adjustable legs – best if ya can tilt the table a bit, helps with the shakin’.
Vibrating motor – somethin’ small that’ll get that table movin’. Can find it online or at a hardware store.
Water supply – hose or even a spray bottle if ya gotta go small.

Step Two: Building the Table Frame

Once ya got your materials, start buildin’ a simple frame. It doesn’t have to be high, just enough so ya can tilt it if needed. Some folks go all fancy with adjustments and bolts, but if ya don’t have much, even some blocks under one side’ll work. Just make sure it’s sturdy and can handle a little wobble when the motor’s on.

Step Three: Making the Table Top

Next, ya need to put the sheet of metal or wood on top of your frame. This part’s real important ’cause it’s where the gold separates from the dirt. Best if the top’s smooth, so the fine bits of gold can slide and separate easy. Some folks even use a bit of carpet on top to help catch the heavier bits of gold, keeps ’em from goin’ right off the table.

Step Four: Adding the Vibrating Motor

Alright, here’s where the real magic happens. You gotta attach a small motor under the table to get it shakin’. A little motor like the kind used in small tools works fine. Attach it to the underside and get it going slow at first. Too much vibration and the gold’ll just fly right off, so keep it steady and controlled.

Step Five: Setting Up the Water Flow

For the table to work right, you’ll need a little bit of water running over the top. It’s the water and the shaking together that help move the gold. A slow trickle from a hose is best, but a spray bottle works for a smaller setup. The water pushes the lighter stuff off, while the heavier bits, like gold, stay behind.

Testing and Tweaking

Once ya got it all set up, it’s time to give it a try. Pour some dirt and tiny bits of rock onto the top and watch what happens. The heavy stuff should stay near the top, while the lighter dirt’ll get washed down. It’s a bit of trial and error, so don’t be afraid to adjust the motor speed or the angle of the table. The goal’s to have the gold move slowly down one side while the waste goes off the other.

Tips for Better Gold Recovery

Now, if ya really want to catch the gold, here’s some little tips:

Keep the table tilted just right – too flat and everything stays in place, too steep and everything washes off.
Watch the water flow – too much water, and ya lose the fine gold; too little, and the dirt won’t separate.
Adjust the vibration – find a setting where the table shakes but doesn’t throw the gold off.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Keep that table clean, especially if you’re serious about catching the fine bits of gold. Dirt and dust build up, which makes it hard to separate stuff. A little rinse after every use helps, and don’t let the water pool up on the table or it’ll mess with the vibrations. It’s a simple setup, but ya gotta care for it if ya want it to last.

Why This Shaker Table Works

The table works by mixing the right amount of shaking with just enough water. Heavy gold stays put because of gravity, and the lighter stuff floats off. This kinda setup’s been used for years in gold mining – it’s just a way to get more gold outta dirt without big equipment.

Final Thoughts

Building a gold shaker table don’t take much if you follow these steps. Just remember, it’s all about balance – the tilt, the water, and the shake. You get those things working together, and you’ll be pulling fine gold outta that dirt in no time. Happy mining!