How to Build a Gold Shaker Table: Complete DIY Plans and Tips

Now, if you got yourself some gold and wanna separate it from the rest, a gold shaker table is somethin’ you might be lookin’ to build. It ain’t as fancy as it sounds, but it sure can help you pull them bits of gold right outta the dirt. So let’s talk ‘bout how to make one of these here tables from scratch.

1. Understandin’ the Basics of a Gold Shaker Table

Alright, first things first, ya gotta know what a shaker table does. It’s a simple setup, really. The main trick here is gravity. The table shakes or vibrates while sittin’ at a slight tilt. When you pour the water mixed with dirt and gold on it, the heavy gold pieces get pulled down while the lighter stuff washes away. That way, gold stays on the table, and everything else rolls right off. Fancy folks call it “gravity separation,” but that’s just a way of sayin’ heavy stuff stays, light stuff leaves.

2. Gatherin’ Up the Tools and Supplies

Now, before ya get started, you’ll need some materials:

• Wood planks – for makin’ the base and the frame.
• Metal riffles – these are small ridges that catch the gold as it slides.
• Electric motor – this’ll make the table shake.
• Water hose – you’ll need a little water flow to help wash away the lighter stuff.
• Bolts and screws – to hold everything together.
• PVC pipes – optional, but helps with the water system.

Once you got everything gathered, you’re halfway there!

3. Buildin’ the Frame and Table Surface

Start with buildin’ the frame outta wood planks. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the whole table and won’t shake loose when the motor’s on. For the table surface, ya want it nice and flat with a bit of a tilt, maybe about 5-10 degrees. Cut your wood planks to the right size and secure ‘em with screws.

Then, you’ll add them riffles. These are the little metal ridges you put across the table surface in rows. They’re what actually hold the gold in place as the water washes over. Space ’em evenly and make sure they’re secured tight.

4. Settin’ Up the Motor

Now comes the part that makes it a shaker table – the motor. You want a small electric motor that’s got enough power to make the table vibrate but not so much that it knocks everything loose. Attach it under the table or to the frame, and hook it up so that when it runs, the whole table shakes side to side. Don’t forget to add a control switch if you got one, so ya can turn it on and off easy.

5. Installin’ the Water Flow

A little water flow helps get things movin’. Now, you don’t want it to be floodin’ all over, just a gentle flow across the table. Hook up a PVC pipe or a small hose at the top end, and make sure the water runs smoothly. This’ll wash away all the lighter dirt and gravel, leavin’ the gold behind. It’s simple but real important to get the flow just right – not too fast, not too slow.

6. Testin’ and Tweakin’

Once you got it all put together, it’s time for a test run. Pour some dirt on one end with a bit of gold dust in it if ya got any. Turn on the motor and the water, and watch it go. If the gold sticks but the dirt washes away, you done it right! If things aren’t workin’ quite like that, maybe tweak the tilt or adjust the motor speed.

Now, a real nice shaker table could take you some time to get right, maybe even a few days of adjustin’ and testin’. Don’t rush it! A good table can last you a long time and catch a good bit of gold once you get it runnin’ smooth.

7. Tips for Keepin’ It Goin’

Ain’t much to it, but here’s a few last things to keep in mind:

• Check the motor every now and then. If it’s gettin’ too hot, give it a break.
• Make sure the riffles stay clean. Too much dirt buildup and you won’t catch much gold.
• Don’t let the wood get too wet – you don’t want rot settin’ in.
• Keep an eye on the water flow. Adjust it as needed dependin’ on how much dirt you’re puttin’ on the table.

And there you go, a simple homemade gold shaker table! Might take a bit of tinkerin’ and adjustin’, but once ya get it right, it’s a handy little tool for any gold huntin’ you got in mind.

Tags： [gold shaker table, homemade gold shaker, gold separation, gravity table, DIY shaker table, building shaker table]