goldog's fluid head blog.

[goldog]

Hi my name' Goldog and I'm a fluid head. Been at this prospecting game on and off for many years. I'm starting this journal now because I've decided to setup a build area with all I need to fabricate a bazooka style sluice or two. I'll try to document the progress as well as exchange ideas with the experts here.

I decided it made more sense to go big so I've committed to buying ABS for about eight sluices. First project is a bending table.

 

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[goldog]

Here's a before on a plastic bending table.

This is most of what's needed to make a strip heater. I've got more plywood for the surface.

Some different sources of wire. Heating element from an old toaster oven. And some fresh nichrome wire a friend brought up after I scrapped the toaster. I'll use that.

The transformer.


wires and the all important spring.

Through the magic of YouTube I'm now a expert and should have this done in a matter of minutes. Or at least by Monday.

 

[Goodyguy]

Hi my name is Goodyguy
and I am a fluid head.


Very interested in following this thread to see your ingenuity at work
Love it so far.


GG~

 

[goldog]

I can't do those smiley things on my phone. But --NOT WORTHY-- you're top of the list of "guys on the internet I trust for fabrication advice".

 

[goldog]

As for ingenuity, I'm shooting for a clone. More or less. I have a 30" prospector. I'm making 36" so the measurements are close. I've got a pretty good idea of how it was constructed. I think I'll add removable plugs for the tubes. But no real design changes.

The grizzly fabrication worries me a bit. I found steel rods but the thought of bending them concerns me. Attaching them may or may not go smoothly. I'll never know until I try.

Pretty proud that I was able to get the strip heater completely from parts on hand. I'll use the fresh wire but still free.

 

[Goldfleks]

Add some traps milled into the top deck to catch sands/gold. Goldwasher had a great idea to add a catch without needing to add additional material to the build.

 

[goldog]

Thanks Goldfleks. That may be an option.

Added a strip on mine. A couple riffles milled into the deck may soothe those wanting to see gold. I actually liked mine better without it. I'm sure at least one or two will end up with some sort of inspection area.

 

[Goodyguy]

Thanks Goldfleks. That may be an option.

Added a strip on mine. A couple riffles milled into the deck may soothe those wanting to see gold. I actually liked mine better without it. I'm sure at least one or two will end up with some sort of inspection area.

I like the idea of a drop riffle or two cut into the top deck within 3" of the grizzly. I'm not in favor of an inspection mat for logistical reasons, such as extra expense, difficulty of attachment, slows the flow down plus it's another part to deal with. Better to keep it as simple and cost effective as possible.

Even the idea of a drop riffle nugget trap and smaller drop riffle flake trap would call for a thicker top deck which would add to the production cost.
Also not sure what possible negative effects the drop riffles would create when filled with gravels without field testing first on a prototype to analyze.

GG~

 

[goldog]

That's my thing. I wouldn't want to do anything to change the operation. At least for now.

 

[goldog]

AOk. I was able to mock up a functional bending table. Not done but it works.

An old trac lighting rail seems perfect for the channel. Ceramic ends from the oven worked great as guides for the wire.

The spring coiled from the nichrome wire did its job.

Blew a fuse on the transformer but otherwise it worked. Even found a piece of plastic to bend.

 

[goldog]

If you look close two of the three bends were fails. First bubbled badly. 2nd bent the wrong way. Kinda cracked up. But the third time really is a charm.

 

[goldog]

Did I leave something on? came out at dusk and saw a glow. Had to do a double take. . This old clipboard fell victim to my bendy spell this morning. Amazing how it glows even after sundown. This happens to make it a fun test piece.

Grizzly Build
This seems like it will be the most difficult part of the build. I'm fairly clear on how most things were done on the original BGT, but this is an unknown. Drilling all those holes in a straight line sounds like a challenge. Now do it again on the EDGE! Ok I think I can manage this.
Enter the clipboard.
I did some drill tests along the edge. I know it's not ABS and half as thick as the 1/4" deck but I figure if I can do this 3/32 in 1/8" material the real build will be a breeze. Mostly failed but got a couple well centered holes.

Next some drain pipe. Seemed close to quarter inch wall so this is a good test. Much better results. While some test holes tried to run out, if I was careful and didn't go too deep it seemed very doable.

Did a couple tests with steel rods.

 

[Goodyguy]

Drilling into a thin edge is always a challenge. That's where a drill press comes in handy. Or else a drilling template jig that you could build yourself.
You should make one anyway if you plan on doing multiple sluices.

GG~

 

[goldog]

This stuff is just creepy. Well before dawn this morning, there it is glowing. I think it called to me. 🤡[emoji102]

 

[goldog]

Once I get things a little bit picked up I'll post more photos. My first attempt at a jig may work. I got a bit off center. I need a jig to make the jig. [emoji37]

 

[Sockeye1730]

I've never seen a genuine bazooka...that how they do the grizzly? Drilled holes through the deck? Are they then sealed with glue or caulk?

 

[Goldfleks]

Def think you need a press with a clamp, so you can clamp the top deck piece in and press into the ABS in a straight line. Same with the deck material.

I know the grizzly is one thing that really stood out on some of the home made bazooka's I've seen, the wires were all bent inconsistently.

I think that's one of the major difference between production made for sale, and homemade. Both units might function identically and recover the same amount of gold. but a production made unit just looks professionally built and is clean.

 

[goldog]

It seems to be drilled and "glued". I use quotes because glue is probably not accurate. Weld or cement may be better. The grizzly is definitely what can make or break the build. Tests this weekend were promising. We'll see.

 

[KevinInColorado]

I now think the thing we call the deflector (on the underside of the upper deck) is really to cover the drill holes

 

[Sockeye1730]

Ah-ha, that makes sense. Thanks!