Whatever you call him he's a nice guy always driving around and
checking on prospectors. I never fail to see him when I visit the
Lost Basin an area near Meadview AZ where the King Tutt
placers are located.
Mel uses an interesting little drywasher of his design a puffer.
I'd call it a piston puffer because it has no bellows duct cloth or
fabric to squeeze the air but a board piston in a wood chamber.
It uses a galvanized steel hopper and is easily assembled.
The small 12 volt motor simply clamps on the frame.
Mel likes working a couple areas that have red dirt and have been
very productive for him.
The material just puffs right on through. He uses a higher speed
system than I've seen but he says it works great. Note the pulley
and belt running a little loose that prevents a lot of current draw
from the battery. He uses electrical cords but they are attached
to his truck battery.
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