Hi all newby from central coast NSW

[ace2263]

Got interested in hunting gold from the EX father-in-law in the 70's when we went out by Bathurst to a friends property and panned for 3 days and got 1 1/2 ounces. Divorced soon after so didnt get a chance to try there again.
Now retired and selling up house and going to travel around Australia for the Grey Nomads Big Lap and would like to build or buy some gear to take with me at the end of the year. Have bought sieves and still have my old lucky pan. Am researching sluices and highbankers and cant understand why nearly everything comes from the US and costs a fortune. I am only on a pension and so a bit of bent aluminium and some ribbed matting for $300 is ludicrous,and miners mesh at $70 when the same as a shower mat or industrial mat enough to make 4 sluices is $25.
Sorry if this is off topic for an intro but I am a tightass when it comes to spending the little cash I have.
Happy Hunting everyone

 

[axeman]

G'day ace2263, welcome. This is one of the reason we have this forum, so tightass's like us can make or buy cheap gear. i'm cash poor as well and has saved me heaps. It's marvelous what can be found at bunnies or the local tip shop. Good luck with the trip and keep us posted on how you go with your adventures.
Mick

 

[Captain Zero]

Hi ace2263! better to find $20 worth of gold with a 200 dollar piece of home made equipment, than finding the same amount with a unit that cost thousands $$$$.

Myself at the moment! I'm trying to build a gold magnet, am on the 3rd prototype but just can't seem to get it right.

Capt.

 

[Twapster]

Welcome Ace, 1 and a half ounces is a dream for most prospectors! Would recommend the Walbanker self build, however with pumps and hoses etc will still cost a bit. Did purchase a pretty handy little bilge banker from the US but as you say, cost me about $420.

A sheet of aluminium is about $80 for 1.2 by 2.4m so that would be your stating point if you want a crack at a few DIY sluice options. Pop rivet gun and a couple of tools and you will have a sluice or banker in no time!