Now, makin’ a shaker table for gold, I tell ya, it ain’t somethin’ ya need a fancy degree for, but it does take a bit of work, patience, and the right kind of materials. With a little know-how, anyone can put together a simple setup right in their own backyard. So, lemme tell ya how ya can build a shaker table for gold, nice and easy-like.
Materials Ya Need
First thing ya gotta do is gather up the right stuff. Nothin’ too fancy, but here’s what ya want:
- Sturdy wooden base – somethin’ like plywood, so the table has a solid foundation.
- Frame materials – metal pipes or wood for makin’ the frame, whichever’s handy.
- Motor or handle – if ya wanna make it automatic, a small motor will do; otherwise, just a simple crank handle.
- Washers and screws – to keep everything held tight.
- Riffles – these are like little grooves that help the gold to settle down while other stuff washes away.
- Water source – a small hose or container of water to help separate the gold from other bits.
Now, when ya got these things, it’s time to get started on puttin’ the table together.
Buildin’ the Table Frame
Ya start with the frame, right? This is like the skeleton of the table. Ya wanna take yer base, that piece of plywood, and attach the legs, makin’ sure they’re good and strong. Use metal or wood legs that can handle a bit of shakin’. Screw ’em down tight so the table won’t wobble too much.
Once ya got the legs on, set up the frame where yer riffles will go. The riffles are gonna be the grooves that guide the gold as it separates from the other materials. Ya can screw these right onto the tabletop. Just make sure they’re a bit angled so the gold has a path to settle as the table shakes.
Gettin’ the Shakin’ Part Right
Now, the shaker table needs a bit of movement to get the gold separated. This is where ya can go two ways: hand-powered or motor-powered. For folks who don’t mind a bit of elbow grease, ya can put a crank on the side and turn it yourself. If ya prefer it to run on its own, a small motor should do the trick. Just attach it under the table, connectin’ it to the frame with a few washers and screws.
When the motor’s all set up (or the handle if yer goin’ manual), give it a test run. Ya wanna see the table movin’ back and forth in a gentle motion. Not too fast or it’ll throw all yer gold right off the table, but not too slow either, or it won’t separate like ya need it to.
Addin’ the Water
Gold bein’ heavier, needs a little push to help it separate from other stuff, and water’s just the thing. Set up a small water source, like a hose or container, so ya can pour water gently over the table while it’s shakin’. The water will carry lighter material away while the gold, bein’ heavy, stays near the riffles.
Don’t pour too fast, just a thin stream of water should do. The water helps carry the lighter stuff off while the gold stays put, right where ya want it. Simple, but effective!
Testin’ It Out
Now, it’s time to test yer table. Get a handful of dirt or crushed rocks that ya think might have gold in ’em and sprinkle it on the table. Turn on the motor (or start crankin’), and pour the water nice and easy. As the table shakes, watch the gold start to settle along the riffles while the rest of the dirt and lighter bits wash away.
Ya might have to adjust the angle a bit to get it just right. The steeper the angle, the faster the light stuff washes off. But too steep, and ya might lose some gold too. So, take yer time and adjust it until ya see a nice, even separation.
Cleanin’ Up
When ya start seein’ those little flecks of gold gatherin’ up by the riffles, ya know it’s workin’. All ya gotta do now is gather up that gold, clean up the table, and get ready for the next round. Make sure to rinse everything down real good, so yer next batch won’t get mixed up with leftovers.
Keepin’ It Simple
So there ya have it, a shaker table for gold that’s simple to make and works pretty darn good. Ya don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets, just a sturdy frame, some riffles, a bit of water, and a little bit of patience. In no time, ya’ll be sortin’ gold from dirt like a pro.
Happy gold huntin’, and remember, sometimes simple’s just as good as fancy. Get that table shakin’, and good luck!
Tags: [DIY shaker table, gold mining, gold separation, homemade shaker table, gold prospecting]
