Use of Trommels?

[Geo-George]

Using bucket screens works O.K., but I'd like to up my processing volume.
Want to use one on my Calif. claim.

First, I have heard that special permits are required.
Is this so?

Second, is there a size/volume limit before a permit would be required?

BTW, I have come up with non-motorized designs that can work off of a hand crank or water wheel.
I have plenty of drop for volume and pressure to run with water power.
No gas or bat charging to eat up my profits.

[Gold Seeker]

George,

I have never heard of a permit being required, unless of course you have a very big trommel and using earth moving equipment to feed it, then maybe you would be required to file a NOI, POO and post bonds, etc. because of the significant disturbance, but wait for Hoser and others to chime in to be sure before proceeding.


Skip

[Geo-George]

Thanks Skip!
I don't figure to be able to process more than a couple of yds. a day at best.
That'd still be a lot of shovel work.
The trommel would feed directly into my Long Tom.

It takes time to screen into a bucket, so I'm trying to eliminate that step.
Then feeding from the bucket to the "Tom" will also be eliminated.
Two birds, so to speak.

[golden optimist]

That all envolves use of that dreaded word, shovel! Thats why I'm a dredger. Normally, no shovel required!.
Leonard

[Geo-George]

I know, I know,.....shovel is a "dirty" word.
Until Calif. changes the "suction" dredging law, I really have no choice.
I'm just not willing to take the risk, concerning the consequences if I were to get caught.

[Hoser John]

There are many forms of MINI back hoes available for rent,just rent and pile up a few 100 yards and then shovel into your unit. Make a simple archology type a screen about 3' x 4' to classify and away ya go as DRY is much faster,lighter and easier on your poor old back and yes SHOVEL is a 6 lettered word but it is still 1 tough road to go-tons a au 2 u 2 -John

[Geo-George]

I have a little Massey w/hoe and bucket but I can't even get it near to where I'm workin'.
50% grade on both sides and 80 ft below the road.
When I hike up to the cabin for lunch, I have to stop 3 times to get my breath.
As the saying goes, "If I'd known I was gonna live so long, I would have taken better care of myself".

[Seattle-times]

A Trommel is just like any other highbanker, except that it works alot better. This one will process material at the same rate as a six inch underwater dredge & breaks down into small enough components for one person to pack in.

[russau]

this trommel looks very similar to Dave (Vortexrex)Franks unit!

[Geo-George]

Looks like a pretty good unit.
I'm planning on a double barrel 4 ft long with 1/2 inch inside and 1/8 inch outside.
These will dump to different piles that I can go over with a detector.
Just how durable I can make it and keep the weight down is gonna be key.
I'll use aluminum where I can, that depends on the supply available.
Still pondering details of the design. I don't plan on using it until next spring, so
I've got all winter to figure it out.