I am considering purchasing either a trommel or traditional hopper style high banker and would like some general pros and cons of the one against the other. I will likely only be able to purchase one type. I will mainly be using it in the eastern gold belt. I also likely get one with a dredge option available. I would appreciate feedback from those that have experience working both. I know there is not one end all but would appreciate your ideas. Thanks!
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Brent, I live in AZ. and build my own equip. on a regular basis. If you are handy with tools build your own trommel and save lots of money and get what you need for your application.
I build them with all aluminum frames, PVC reverse helix tubes, recirculating system, and a tailings/water separator at the catch tubs. They all break down for easy transport All you need are basic hand tools. If you want plans and some instrctions e-mail me at
p.brooks@cox.net Good luck ,George
G'day George Brooks. Would you be open to sending me some plans to build a small trommel please? I live in Australia, so it's probably not a good idea for me to purchase in the USA and have a trommel posted to me!!
I would be most interested in utilizing a trommel in some areas where it would be better to break down the host materials before they go directly into my GoldHog Highbanker.
Building a small stand to suit the height of my GH is a simple task, but I would definitely need plans to make the reverse helix trommel and its plumbing!!!!!
More than happy to pay for your time, effort and expertise.
Cheers,
Kate
Kate, just saw your reply. I don't get on the sight much right now due to eye problems so I don't know when you posted the reply. If you still want info on building a trommel send me an e-mail at p.brooks@cox.net and I will gladly help you all I can. I will wait to hear from you, George
I built a 12'' towable trommel this past winter and have used it several time to process some nasty NC clay. I can process 5 times as much of this material with the trommel as I could with a high banker.
Wes
Brent, I will add my two cents, I have both a trommel and a highbanker. I have prospected in NC, SC and GA and can tell you from my experience the trommel has issues with that beautiful southern clay. If your willing to work through those issues the trommel is wonderful at cleaning and identifying the gemstones as they exit the trommel on the slide. One other issue I have found deals with how much material you are planning to process. The trommel generally sits higher off the ground, than the traditional sluice. If you are hand feeding it with buckets or shovel, you will be doing some additional heavy lifting.
I like my trommel and have been modifying it as I go, but along with Maurice and Joshua's comments I would suggest you consider a highbanker/dredge combo to start out with.
Thanks Orrin.
Can you send photo's/videos of it in operation. Any other details to golden5258@yahoo.com Thanks!