How to make a dry washer - build your own gold catching dry washer - capture desert gold

A dry washer is a great tool for processing gravels that are not close to water. I use mine for digging out nugget patches that I found with my metal detector and I've dug many ounces with it. It is not just a device for deserts, any dry gravel material can be dry washed - forests, and mine dumps are typical types of places people overlook. You can build your own dry washer without too much difficulty. This video will explain how. Watch this video and learn how to build your own mining equipment.
For those who want to learn more about Prospecting and finding gold check out my book, Fists full of Gold. It’s an encyclopedia of everything on the topic of prospecting. It’s available on from High Plains Prospectors. (Affiliate) You can find it at:
highplainspros...
For even more information on prospecting, minerals, gems and other related information you can also check out my website at:
nevada-outback-...
The Prospecting and Mining Journal magazine can be found at:
www.icmj.com

[@mikeeureka2171]

I built a bellow type because the older prospectors said that the bellows capture a high percentage of the gold. I have processed tailing that others left behind from their blower type and found a lot of fine gold in those tailing .

[@ChrisRalph]

I've found good gold in tailings from bellows dry washers too. Dry processing is not perfect, but it can yield some nice gold.

[@davidvilla3243]

You did it again-I'm looking into making my own drywasher puffer type 12 volt motor driven unit.Good winter season project with your inspirational video.Can't thank you enough Proffesor Chris--David out

[@ChrisRalph]

Go for it! I do think it would be a good winter project. I have other videos on dry washer operation. Check out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYHKpaOIjLimg8U Starting at about the 6:30 mark I show my dry washer in operation.

[@Glucoperon]

Thanks for everything Chris! After being fired for voting Trump- all I can do is go after gold. You've really brought hope to my life.

[@ChrisRalph]

Best of luck to you in your prospecting.

[@tombeilman5579]

Sounds like grounds for a lawsuit

[@Glucoperon]

@@tombeilman5579 it's very hard to prove but nearly all trump supporters have been terminated and recently. We may have a good case if one more gets offed.

[@oldminer5387]

I needed a winter project, thank you Chris.

[@ChrisRalph]

I think it would make a good one. Best of luck to you.

[@jeffarto8340]

You need a dolly or wagon with tie-down straps to haul stuff in one or two trips!!! I use my niece's old plastic huge wagon to haul stuff, and the walls come off if I need space for larger items. Sledgehammer/heavy mallet the chunky soil or rocks to loosen them up!!! Great idea on the leaf vacuum/blower/shredder combo on the dry gravel in cracks on the bedrock!!! Great stuff my brother!!!

[@ChrisRalph]

It would work in some places, but in others, they are so rocky and steep a wheeled wagon would not work. I'd need a pack mule - which is more work than just hauling it in myself.

[@bigmoney3405]

Great info Chris. I really enjoy your videos, your love of teaching is a blessing . Thank you!

[@ChrisRalph]

I appreciate that!

[@bigmoney3405]

@@ChrisRalph It is a great service you provide, and I am grateful for it. Gonna drag my old bones out and find some gold and make some jewelry, and maybe some excitement!

[@royguitar2000ify]

Thank you for another interesting video, Chris :-) Maybe, also a short video with the machine in operating mode, could help us to better understanding your so detailed and accurate instructions :-)

[@ChrisRalph]

Check out this older video of mine - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYHKpaOIjLimg8U Starting at about the 6:30 mark I show the dry washer in operation.

[@HeidiConanGoldProspecting]

Amazing video and series Chris. Your book is on my short list. Cheers!

[@ChrisRalph]

Awesome, thank you!

[@allansgoldmining]

Great video Chris. Lots of info ! I l enjoy dry washing for the simple reason that one can find gold without water. Although recovery is much less than a wash plant, it's much more fun !! Thanks for sharing knowledge !

[@ChrisRalph]

Dry Wash recovery varies a lot depending on the gold and the material. If the gold is fairly coarse and the material sandy and not too much clay, the recovery can be quite good. But if the gold is small and the material full of clays and clods, it can be terrible. I've seen examples of both.

[@baddog9320]

Oh high Allan. He is the one that makes the drywasher that fixed that dirt claw problem. Allan the name of your drywasher is The Rattler, isn't it. Lol. Allan stop using them blower drywashers and your get more gold. But I also know that the material you run. You need your blower drywasher. I still haven't worked on how to make a puffer version yet. You must of posted this as you were working on your drywasher. You know. I just figure out how to make one for a puffer. I'll be contacting you soon. It just came to me as I was writing this.

[@allansgoldmining]

​@baddog9320 I never came up with a name for my dry washer, however, Rattler, sounds like a good one ! Does make quite a rattling noise when operating. Lol ! On a side note, the wash plant I operate is called the Gold Rattler. 👍 Best of luck to you prospecting.

[@GamerstrustOrg]

Hi Chris, first I would like to thank you for making these videos. To a novice like myself they are invaluable. I have only in the past 2 months gotten into the geology of gold ore. It’s a fascinating subject but not easily mastered. My 12 year old had a book report to write on different rocks and so we went out and walked a few trails. We happen to be nearby one of the former gold bearing areas in Georgia. After a few weeks and lots of heavy rocks brought home we discovered one that looked rather amazingly like a possible nugget trapped in some quartz. The rock is very heavy for its size and we wondered if you could give it a look over?

[@ChrisRalph]

I get so many, many requests for personal help, advice, training, review, mineral ID, etc. - every day - I simply cannot get involved with all the requests. I have plenty of my own projects to work on. Sorry. Take a look at this video and learn for yourself how to ID rocks and minerals - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6HOiGhuj8qEosU Best of luck to you.

[@hawynboynlv]

Thank you for the wealth of info in your video. On to part 2

[@ChrisRalph]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Danielchall25]

Just now found your channel. I appreciate all the information. I look forward to hobby mining in northern Nevada someday soon.

[@ChrisRalph]

Northern Nevada is a great place to look for gold!

[@ronpeterson7773]

thanks Chris! I have just got your book, hope to get out there soon!

[@ChrisRalph]

Awesome, thank you!

[@darrellgoodman9585]

Chris would wire or nylon screen material work the same as the muslin cloth im thinking it would work well and maybe last longer than the cloth .

[@ChrisRalph]

Has to be of the right weave - not too tight, not too lose.

[@patho7062]

Thanks Chris I am going to use my dry washer with my Gold monster .

[@ChrisRalph]

Sounds great! Best of luck to you.

[@mikeeureka2171]

I built one out wood and leather bellow . Works awesome check the tailing and no gold but the washer traps the gold.

[@ChrisRalph]

Sounds great.

[@mountainmanjim]

Just bought your book you smarty ... love your vids ... jim

[@ChrisRalph]

Many thanks for the kind words!

[@vahagnmelikyan2906]

I have Keene 140 ,but it has lots of issues with operation. They made the riffle part long, but not wide. I realised that to process more dirt quicker and recover fine stuff without raving up the blower is by having a wider riffles.

[@ChrisRalph]

If you need larger capacity, you need a larger dry washer with a bigger motor.

[@vahagnmelikyan2906]

@@ChrisRalph I'm building my own with 3d printer. Very lightweight, of course fragile ,but you can carry on your back like a backpack.

[@Smithsgold]

great infomation as always !!!!!

[@ChrisRalph]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Smithsgold]

@@ChrisRalph always !!!!!!

[@homemadetools]

Interesting build. We posted this video on our homemade tools forum this week :)

[@ChrisRalph]

Cool, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@donaldrogers5637]

nice video and good information Chris.

[@ChrisRalph]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DaleDuffy]

Good video, thanks again Chris.....!

[@ChrisRalph]

Thanks again!

[@michaeldonovan6076]

Im curently in the process of making, A Tromel that is hand wound rather operated by a pump,the idea is to create a waterfeed using a pump the pump I'm going to use would be a gravity fed pump called a Bunyip but wind mechanism to serve the tromel for me its not about how much you feed shingle but the control of such feed, Any thoughts on this welcome.

[@ChrisRalph]

You have kind of told me nothing but trommel - I'd ask how big diameter, how long, what holes, how it rolls,.etc.

[@williamevans6522]

Great CHRIS NOTES

[@ChrisRalph]

Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@mountainman9145]

No offense intended however would it have been so difficult to have some barren gravel (maybe filled with some lead pellets) to feed the hopper and show the novice the dry blower in operation and the final result.

[@ChrisRalph]

I have several videos on my using the dry washer and showing how it works. Search through my past videos and you will find them.

[@aliabdihaj001]

I like your explanation but where can i get that motar system.

[@ChrisRalph]

From Amazon.

[@ShortWorld007]

Hi Chris, Did Iceland ever had a gold Rush ? Since there are so many volcanoes in Iceland there must be plenty of precious metals in the foothills of those volcanoes ?

[@ChrisRalph]

Volcanoes come in many different types. Only a few types have gold. The Hawaiian Islands are all volcanoes, but there are no gold deposits. So its just not as simple as you might guess. Volcanic systems that give rise to light colored volcanic rocks like Rhyolite give a better chance for gold and silver. Iceland is not the right type - closer to Hawaii in the types of volcanoes it has. There have been a few small gold deposits found in Iceland, not enough to cause a rush. You can find more info using Google.

[@toobzombe]

A section of old lawn mower bag makes a pretty darn good substitute for muslin and its more durable.

[@ChrisRalph]

Interesting.

[@bobthackrah1669]

Hi Chris, I like your video about how to make a dry washer but where can I find one that's ready to go... Amazon wasn't much help.

[@ChrisRalph]

Check out Keene Engineering. I did a video on their manufacturing shop recently.

[@nicolascarrera1908]

hello professor, technical query, if I have a mineral from the mine (gold rock mineral), and the material is pulverized to a granulometry between 80-150 mesh, we could say that the dry washer can capture the released gold, both thick and thin? thanks for your answer teacher. Greetings from Chile🇨🇱

[@ChrisRalph]

A dry washer is not good for gold smaller than about 30 mesh. So you will only catch maybe 20% of that tiny gold.

[@juliewilliams489]

Hi I've found realy fine gold and or pyrite. It's so fine if I touch it my finger is gold but you can't see the individual partials. It's sedimenting on very flat fine clay. Possibly eluvial but has been moved by water just not to a creak yet. I don't know if there's lots more or once this deposit is gone there won't be any more, making me cautious about spending to much money on working it. I've now bought classifiers and a pan but even 100 mesh isn't small,enough to catch it. And it's lighter/smaller than most of the other sediments I've scraped off with it. By wet poring from bucket to bucket its so light/small it looks almost perly in the water. The last lot seemed to be in the finer sands still all smaller than 100mesh. Haven't worked the clay yet to see if more in there. In Australia we don't have the black sands like you do. In fact it seems to be a very fine red grain, posibly garnets? And an almost clear partical posibley quarts? In jars I've collected the different sedimental shiny layers some have gone a greyer colour, what could this be? The orange yellow is much heavier but i also have a lighter yellow I suspect is pyrite but it could be golds hydrophobic flat shape making it behave as if it's lighter in a pan situation 🤷‍♀️ the tap tap method just seems to lock up the clay particals rather than drop the gold. So going to try to clasify by using this. I'm looking at getting more sives but there very expensive and I have no idea what size I need. 200, 400, 600? Or what increments I need. I asume i can sive out the sand and clay if bigger than the gold? I suspect a sluse like the pan may not work on such fine particles? Such expensive tools that might not work anyway? Can I use a microscope to see the partials at these sizes or are they to small? I can't use the weight, look or scratch test on such small sizes. Do I have to collect them all to use weight by mass ie collect enough to fill similar jars and compare the different jar weights against each other? What is the weight of pyrite, garnets, silver, tin etc? Ie how many times heavyer is pyrite than xxxx if gold is 19 times heavier than xxx There's so much to learn. And not much on such very fine gold. Except as I have found it dosnt behave like larger gold. Or should I say the sediments its in despite being tiny are to big and thus heavier than the gold. Any advice greatly received. Ps with this video I still haven't found one showing In detail it working so didn't realy understand how the parts you were describing work, I'm sure once I've seen how it works this one will make more sence to me. Thankyou for sharing all your knowledge 🤔🧐🤓👩‍💻😵‍💫🤔🤠😯😞🛌🤔🧐🤓👩‍💻

[@ChrisRalph]

I've been to Australia, and yes, you do have black sands. Perhaps not in the exact spot where you are. Have someone local who knows what they are doing look at your finds.

[@juliewilliams489]

@ChrisRalph can you recommend a good youtube on how very tiny flour gold is formed, geology etc and what it looks like? And best methods of collecting? Seems to be a void in this area. How do I find some one reputable to ask in far south coast NSW? Is there any youtubes on where to go, profession's etc? That they won't just want to know where and take it for them selves etc? The criminal element is unfortunately high here. I to have your book on my bucket list😊

[@ChrisRalph]

Have someone local who knows what they are doing look at your finds. Cant really suggest people, I live in the western USA, and I've never been to NSW. There are prospecting groups in Australia , also folks who sell prospecting equipment.

[@paulbegley1464]

Great information. Thank you. I was wondering do you prefer prospecting high mountains, foothills or deserts or something totally different and where did you find the most gold or even silver in such places.

[@ChrisRalph]

All of the above! I've dug gold in the mountains, foothills and deserts. I've dug gold in Alaska, Australia, Africa and all over the lower 48.

[@mikeeureka2171]

@@ChrisRalph Yea where ever there is gold right happy to dig

[@edduarte2063]

Great information

[@ChrisRalph]

Glad that it was helpful.

[@johnruckman2320]

How come most drywashers don't have dust skirts on them?

[@ChrisRalph]

The dust does not settle very quickly.

[@johnruckman2320]

@@ChrisRalph, hmm, negative ion generators are supposed to settle dust and other particles from the air in your home. I wonder if using one inside a skirt would do the same on the dry washer, or would the volume of dusty overwhelm the ion generator?

[@doveseye.4666]

Hello, instead of in a hand agitated dry sifter by pumping that pole up and down, wouldn’t it be easier to beat that stringed stick with two drum sticks, maybe heavier, weighted sticks to expedited the pumping or rhythmic thumps across the board like a turn up or turn down knob and wouldn’t that be easier because your forearm would lie level all day while tapping?

[@ChrisRalph]

If you want to try it that way, I'm sure it could be made to work but I'm not sure that it would be better.

[@doveseye.4666]

@@ChrisRalph thank you for responding, if I can ask another question, what about if the string was taught but had a calibrated elasticity to it that it would stretch a bit and respond with tactility to the board? What started me on this path was watching someone a round 2 ft screen of various screens sizes together, hit with two sticks and watched as things separated out dry. It’s important to me because I’m in a wheelchair and it’s all so hard, I made my own dry shaker, I also made a shaker table for fine gold and it runs 100% by the large drumming sticks, I don’t usually ask, but you said you read all comments so I was encouraged, thanks again.

[@roadtrippin2781]

@9:55 Pro Tip: Invest in a garden wagon...

[@ChrisRalph]

Goes great across a flat backyard, not so well on steep rocky slopes.

[@TheFrog767]

l thought l saw this one nice that you have links 💰🙂 and the 5 cent coin l can relate to that

[@ChrisRalph]

Glad it worked for you.

[@stephenanderle5422]

How much does the air blow away of the fine flour gold?

[@ChrisRalph]

depends on the size of the gold. It b;lows away most of the very fine flour gold.

[@HALIYALBETAGERIVLOG2024]

Nice sir 🙏

[@ChrisRalph]

Thanks and welcome

[@sovageek]

@Glucoperon Trump your fired. @Chris Ralph, Maybe there is a tradeoff point for hike-in, ATV-in and drive-in access to use solar electric and not gas air blowers for recovery? 2 cycle engines stink, you have the gas cost/fumes and they fail badly leaving u stranded with no air. Solar electric with used Ebay panels or flexy RV ones might give you option of air plus adjustable tremblor off-center motor to control your dry sluice. U want to arrive /leave a hotspot with min weight and cons to put through your wet refine table, pan or blue bowl. Maybe charge detectors and pinpointers off the panels too?

[@ChrisRalph]

A single gell cell 12V battery will last a full day on my dry washer, so no need for solar panels.

[@goldminer49niner42]

Hey Chis my problem finding a dry wash is almost impossible now a bellows type backpack type no one makes it anymore . for exploration .the one that you have is excellent I used it too heavy to move up and down areas. If you have anybody you know or plans to build one . no gas units. Thank you and enjoy your videos

[@ChrisRalph]

I've seen some little bellows types for sale that could be set up for a backpack. All I can say is to ask around. Perhaps build one for yourself.

[@allansgoldmining]

@@ChrisRalph Mike Zapp with Apache Junction chapter of GPAA makes a great little bellows type dry washer at a good price.

[@regannyhuis2728]

Was that an Australia five cent coin

[@ChrisRalph]

Yes. I spent 6 weeks prospecting in WA years ago.

[@fraa888grindr6]

Looks like I need a burro.

[@ChrisRalph]

or a jeep.

[@Garimpeiro.MT300]

Pode me ensinar a fazer uma drywasher?

[@ChrisRalph]

I appreciate your interest, but I do not offer any services for personal training, consulting or advisement. I have many business and family commitments and simply don't have the time available. I do wish you the best of luck, but I am sorry that I cannot offer any help on that level.

[@KipdoesStuff]

Skip the video and go to 23:00 , only relevant information. Too much talking not enough info.

[@ChrisRalph]

You still have no idea what you are talking about as you've never done this before.

[@kevinsanti3546]

What about diamonds. We have alot of possible diamonds in California i think?

[@ChrisRalph]

There are a very few diamonds in CA, not a lot.

[@secretstreamsandfeverdreams]

While I enjoy your vids they could be edited a little better, the first 23 minutes of this vid titled "how to make your own dry washer" doesn't show anything on actually HOW to make one, just a bunch of pictures of different ones being used. And even after that wasted 23 mins the rest of the vid is kind of vague. I do enjoy your vids but just wanted to give you some feedback. All the best.

[@ChrisRalph]

I explain that on the video.

[@princessdianatolentino8566]

How can i contact you and i send the rock gold i have sir

[@ChrisRalph]

I get so many, many requests for personal help, advice, training, review, mineral ID, etc. - every day - I simply cannot get involved with all the requests. I have plenty of my own projects to work on. Watch my videos on how to identify minerals for yourself. Start with - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6HOiGhuj8qEosU Best of luck to you.

[@conniecoffey8615]

I think it wonderful that in the African countryside no claims just first come first serve. The claiming is selfish and gives one person all rights. Selfish.

[@ChrisRalph]

I can't say as I agree. With no legal claims, whoever is the strongest and best armed will take the locations of the weaker man by force.

[@legalizeweedpro9646]

Gives me a ideal:avideo on how to mod the Keene 140s...muaa ha ha haaa🧐⚔️🏴‍☠️

[@ChrisRalph]

Yep. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@pattonsirprospectinggold1108]

🕵🏻‍♂️

[@ChrisRalph]

ok.

[@allenhammer7923]

You maka me crazy. The first thing you do is show the components on how it works but you don't. You say you're going to and then you talk about parts but not show how it works, so your words have nothing to stick to. You are explaining backward. I have spent my whole life making things machines included, your frustrating me. I like you and I figure you will get to it. Ask others how to show things. First show a mechanical drawing would be good. Your filming is to far away. We need closeups of the machine and fabric. You talk about building one but I have very little idea of how to because you don't show the details. You teach like a professor all in your head, not like an engineer.

[@oddball8758]

Driving trains has nothing to do with it. Chris tells us what we need, the do's and dont's and has no clue what we have on hand to use. An example build would be a moot tutorial.

[@ChrisRalph]

I am confused. I spent a half hour explaining how a DW works, I'm sorry it didn't work for you because the order was not what you expected. I have other videos on dry washer operation. Check out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYHKpaOIjLimg8U Starting at about the 6:30 mark I show my dry washer in operation. I explain that I am not going do a plan set for one size and design of DW because different people want different things. Everyone has their own preferences - Sorry I did not meet your expectations. BTW, I am an engineer by degree. If you are truly interested in learning more, there is lots of other info out there and perhaps by putting that all together and maybe looking at a manufactured one in person, you will gain all the info you are seeking. Best of luck to you.

[@KipdoesStuff]

Yep. only really gives two decent pics and the rest is hot air.

[@aboveitall4763]

Got burnt out on to much talk. I'm the viewer that just wants to see how to make the damm think, I don't care about the history of it

[@ChrisRalph]

No worries, some people want to actually learn something. Since you are above it all, I figure you already know everything there is to know.

[@aboveitall4763]

@@ChrisRalph I wanted to learn how to build a dry wash I didn't want the history. Sorry if my comment hurt your feelings

[@ChrisRalph]

No hurt feelings at all. Your mistake is to assume I care about your opinions. I do not.

[@aboveitall4763]

@@ChrisRalph so why then the sarcastic come back for my first comment..

[@patkelly4715]

Frffd

[@ChrisRalph]

zzzzzzzzz...........