So, ya wanna make yourself a gold shaker table, huh? Well, lemme tell ya, it ain’t too fancy if ya follow some simple steps. Ya don’t need no big money to buy one ready-made, ‘cause with a bit of wood, some screws, and elbow grease, ya can make yer own table to help sort out gold bits from the rest. Now let’s dive right in, and I’ll tell ya all about how to get it done.
1. Gather Up All the Bits and Pieces
First thing ya gotta do is get all the stuff ya need together. Here’s a list, so ya don’t get forgetful:
- Some plywood or solid wood for the base.
- A small motor, something like what you’d find in an old appliance, to give the table a good shake.
- Metal strips for riffles – these help separate the gold from other bits.
- Bolts, screws, and a couple o’ hinges.
- A shallow metal or wood pan to catch the gold at the end.
- Water source – a little hose will do, or you can pour water with a jug if ya gotta.
2. Build the Table Platform
Alright, now that ya got yer stuff, time to make the base. Cut yer wood into a rectangle – ’bout 3 feet long and 2 feet wide should do the trick. This size lets the gold settle nice and proper. Use yer screws and bolts to attach the pieces firmly. Make sure it’s solid as a rock ‘cause if it wobbles too much, it won’t do the job right.
3. Attach the Riffles
Now, them riffles, they’re important! Get some metal strips – maybe somethin’ like aluminum strips. Screw ‘em down along the table’s top surface at an angle. The idea here is that the gold, bein’ heavier, will settle at the bottom near the riffles while the other stuff washes away. Space these riffles evenly so the gold has time to settle with each shake of the table.
4. Hook Up the Motor
Alright, ya gotta get a bit technical here, but don’t fret none – just attach a small motor to one side of the table. Use hinges so the table can move up and down when the motor’s on. Make sure the motor’s speed isn’t too fast; a gentle shake’ll do. Too much and you’ll send everything flying! Test it a few times to get the right movement. Ya wanna see a gentle back-and-forth motion so the water can flow over and take the lighter stuff away.
5. Add Water Flow
Gold needs a little help to move along the riffles, so ya need a bit of water flow over the table. Set up a small hose at the top end or have a jug of water handy to pour as ya go. This thin film of water will help the lighter stuff get washed off while the heavy gold bits stay put, stuck by the riffles ya made earlier.
6. Test ‘Er Out
Now, give ‘er a whirl! Put some gravel mixed with a little bit of gold dust (or whatever ya got to test it) on the top part of the table. Turn on the motor, add some water flow, and watch as the lighter materials wash off. The gold should make its way down towards the end and settle behind the riffles.
7. Adjust as Needed
If ya notice gold slippin’ past the riffles, ya might need to adjust the angle or the motor speed. Try makin’ the table tilt just a hair more, or slow the motor a smidge. Fiddlin’ around with it is part o’ the process – ya gotta get it just right so the gold stays where ya want it.
8. Extra Tips
One last thing – don’t expect miracles on day one. This DIY gold shaker table takes practice. But once ya get the hang of it, it’s like havin’ a little gold factory right in yer backyard. Keep at it, and soon enough, you’ll have a nice stash of gold dust from all that effort.
So there ya have it! With a few tools, some wood, a bit o’ water, and a lil’ patience, ya can make yerself a shaker table to help with yer gold prospectin’. It don’t take much to get started, and it’ll save ya a heap of cash.
Tags:[DIY Gold Shaker Table, Gold Prospecting Table, How to Build Shaker Table, Homemade Gold Mining Equipment, Gold Separating Techniques]