Trommel Multi screen

[rwells]

I decided to start a post on my trommel build. I've had this idea to build a multi screen trommel for some time. Computer models have shown their might be some problems, but maybe I can work around them. I believe that classifying is the key to efficient gold recovery. My idea is to have several tube screens inside each other, with outputs to sluice boxes at each sort. My center screen is 1/2 inch, next is 1/4 inch and then 1/8 inch. All the material is going to be aluminum to keep the weight down.

I considered using expanded metal, but believe that punch plate will do a better job. Expanded metal is much less expensive. On the end of each tube is 6" of solid material to help connect the tubes to each other. I found a local plumbing contractor who rolled my metal for free. I take classes at a local community college and had access to their equipment and also learned to weld aluminum. This first picture is how the flat plate aluminum comes and shows the solid pieces to be welded to it.

Next pic is the metal rolled ready to weld.
I got all the tubes rolled and this is a pic of all of them. Each tube has a couple inches space between them.

I have started work on the frame and putting the tubes inside each other. Stay tuned.. I am new to posting a build like this and hope I've included all info people want to know.
Rick

[russau]

looks like your off to a good start

[CalGoldDredger]

Looks real good, might have to build me one. At least a good reason to get a bigger slip roll for my shop...hmmm..36" or 50".

Well it'll have to wait till winter.

Best of luck, it is a great start to your project.

[rwells]

Took all 4 of my trommel tubes and put them inside each other. I also started building on the frame to hold the tubes. Plan to make it low to the ground. I've always seen trommels where you have to lift the buckets or shovel from waist high to chest high. Can't really figure out why they are that far off the ground. Anyway planning to make the center tube, where I feed the material, just 16 inches or so off the ground. I put wheels on the back of the frame and adjustable legs on the front.

[russau]

really nice looking setup!!!

[dickb]

I have two thoughts that I don't understand how your going to address.

1, How easy will it be to disassemble the trommel screens for cleaning jammed holes?

2. How are you planning to separate the different classes of sizes for running through different sluices?

It looks like it will be very compact and low to the ground. Keep up the good work.

Lots of luck to you.

Dickb

[rwells]

Dickb
Thanks for the comments. I had one Keene sluice box and made three other like it. I made several different sizes of riffle racks to try out. On the output end of the tubes I am going to work up some sheet metal that directs the material to a sluice set up for that size material. I have some ideas in my head and plan to build some cardboard models to check it out. I'm putting the sluice boxes on adjustable legs.

Clogged holes is another story. The 1/2 in tube in the center has the holes releived somewhat that should help. 8 bolts and I can pull out any tube, lots of trouble though. Maybe some scrappers or brushes with 3' handles. Just depends on how bad the problem is.

Rick

[rwells]

Today I finished the feed hopper for my trommel. It came out 31" X 24" and is 24" high off the ground. Goal was to make it as low to the ground as I could. All the material is aluminum. The hopper lifts off its mounts to make it removable. Another goal was to make this as light as possible and only take one person to unload and put it togather. Picture shows some brackets that slide into the ends of the frame to support the hopper. That should do it on this end and I plan to start on the front Monday. Hope you enjoy the pics.

Rick
6/2/11

[russau]

very interesting build!

[Bonaro]

Craftsmanship is outstanding...but IMHO, everything that will not pass through a 3/16 cut can be treated together. The big nuggets will almost find themselves unless you design something that intentionally rejects them (the pioneers did. The small stuff is what needs to be classified before you can catch it.