Best panning advice that I found on this site- so far.

[geolover]

I have a lot of intricate questions about panning, I read articles, watch videos.... But the best advice so far comes from paydirt 1850 video. I think they took it down but you could prob ask him.
It's about NOT using the large riffles when you've taken it down to the lighter material. He suggests turning your pan to the almost smooth section and then slowly washing it out. For me, I was hesitant to really wash the lighter material over the deep riffles because it required too much force to wash it out. So I would try to separate in a circular motion, after that didn't work I would go to a smaller pan. Now after taking his advice, I can take it all down in my big pan. Works for me.

 

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[SoCalDesertFox]

I have a lot of intricate questions about panning, I read articles, watch videos.... But the best advice so far comes from paydirt 1850 video. I think they took it down but you could prob ask him.
It's about NOT using the large riffles when you've taken it down to the lighter material. He suggests turning your pan to the almost smooth section and then slowly washing it out. For me, I was hesitant to really wash the lighter material over the deep riffles because it required too much force to wash it out. So I would try to separate in a circular motion, after that didn't work I would go to a smaller pan. Now after taking his advice, I can take it all down in my big pan. Works for me.

Riffles are only really good when you have constantly flowing water, like in a sluice. Otherwise, those riffles just get in my way. I love my old busted electric wok for a gold pan. Rip and tear through concentrates so fast!

 

[goldenIrishman]

Best pieces of advice I've seen on here for panning (so far) are:

1. Don't be afraid of loosing gold. That's why we use safety pans for after all.

2. Don't be timid when you pan and shake the snot out of the materials. That helps the gold to settle into the riffle quickly so it's held in place when you wash off the excess materials.

3.Also to classify your materials/cons to like sizes so the specific gravity effect is more effective.

 

[Terry Soloman]

What do you think about this video I did a few years ago?

 

[KevinInColorado]

Excellent summary Terry, well done video!

 

[meMiner]

I only switch away from the riffles when I am down to the last little bit in the pan. I trust the riffles and watch the color of the material - washing the light color sands out when they rise to the surface after shaking, then shake again. Watch out for clay, which can rob you of gold (break it up). If you have it, a drop of something to break the surface tension of the water which can float fine gold is also handy. A small pan is easier than a large pan. However, I met one guy who did ok using Frisbee, so go figure...