Building a DIY quartz crusher for gold extraction can be a rewarding project if you’re into prospecting or small-scale mining. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a simple yet effective quartz crusher:
Materials Needed:
1. Steel Pipe or Cylinder (4–6 inches in diameter, 12–18 inches long) – Acts as the crushing chamber.
2. Steel Rod or Solid Bar (1–2 inches thick, longer than the pipe) – Used as the crushing pestle.
3. Heavy-Duty Base Plate (Thick steel or wood) – To mount the crusher securely.
4. Bolts & Brackets – For securing components.
5. Angle Grinder/Welder – For cutting and welding (if needed).
6. Hammer Drill or Rotary Hammer (Optional) – Helps with crushing if motorized.
7. Safety Gear (Gloves, goggles, ear protection) – Essential for protection.
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Step-by-Step Construction:
# 1. Build the Crushing Chamber:
– Take a thick steel pipe (~4–6″ diameter, ~12″ long).
– Weld or bolt it vertically onto a heavy steel base plate for stability.
– Ensure one end is open for loading quartz rocks.
# 2. Create the Crushing Pestle:
– Use a solid steel rod (~1–2″ thick) that fits inside the pipe but leaves minimal gap (~¼ inch clearance).
– Weld a heavy-duty handle or attach it to a hammer drill/pneumatic jackhammer for mechanical crushing.
# 3. Assemble & Secure:
– Bolt the entire setup onto a sturdy workbench or wooden base.
– Ensure stability—crushing quartz requires forceful impacts.
# 4. Optional Motorized Version:
– If using power tools:
– Attach the pestle rod to an electric hammer drill or rotary hammer.
– Secure the pipe vertically and operate carefully.
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How to Use It for Gold Extraction:
1. Crush Quartz:
– Place small chunks (<2") into the pipe.
– Pound repeatedly until reduced to fine powder/sand consistency.
2. Panning/Sluicing:
– Once crushed, use gold pans, sluice boxes, or Miller tables to separate gold from powdered quartz.
3. (Optional) Chemical Extraction:
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