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See drywashing equipment in action with the Working the Drywasher DVD, hosted by experienced desert prospector Mojave John. Designed for prospectors who own a drywasher—or are considering purchasing one—this instructional video explains the basic science, setup, equipment options, and field techniques involved in recovering placer gold without water.
The program is divided into two practical sections. The first examines drywasher design, setup, and available options so viewers can better understand how the equipment separates heavy gold from lighter material. The second moves into the desert for real-world demonstrations using two different sizes of drywashers.
Mojave John begins with a compact sniping-style drywasher used to test possible gold-bearing areas. The program then progresses to a larger production drywasher, demonstrating how prospectors can move from sampling ground to processing greater amounts of material.
First-time drywasher owners
Prospectors considering a drywasher
Desert gold hunters
Beginning placer miners
Experienced prospectors refining their technique
Gold-prospecting clubs
Drywasher equipment dealers
Mining and geology educators
Visual learners
Arizona and Southwest prospectors
Fine-gold recovery enthusiasts
Anyone learning to prospect without water
The basic science behind drywasher operation
How drywashers separate gold from lighter material
Important drywasher design features
Basic equipment setup
Available drywasher options
How to evaluate possible gold-bearing ground
How to use a small sniping-style drywasher
Methods for testing an area before increasing production
How a larger production drywasher is used
Differences between sampling and production equipment
Practical field techniques demonstrated in the desert
Common considerations for more effective drywashing
The first section explores:
How drywashers work
Principles of gravity separation
Drywasher design
Equipment setup
Available options
Selecting equipment for different prospecting goals
The second section moves into the desert to demonstrate:
Testing areas for gold
Operating a compact sniping-style drywasher
Evaluating recovered concentrates
Moving from sampling to larger-scale processing
Operating a larger production drywasher
Applying drywashing principles under real field conditions
Hosted by Mojave John
Professionally produced instructional program
Combines equipment theory with field demonstrations
Demonstrates two different drywashers
Covers both testing and production techniques
Filmed in color
Approximately 60 minutes
Physical DVD format
Suitable for beginners and experienced prospectors
Useful before purchasing or operating a drywasher
Watch proper drywasher techniques instead of relying only on written instructions
Better understand why drywasher adjustments matter
Learn how to set up equipment before reaching the field
See how compact and production drywashers differ
Develop a more organized approach to testing ground
Avoid processing large quantities of unproven material
Build confidence before operating your own equipment
Learn at your own pace and review important sections
Add a practical visual reference to your prospecting library
Complete your desert-prospecting education and equipment setup with:
Gold drywasher
Classifier screen
Shovel
Pick or mattock
Five-gallon buckets
Gold pan
Finishing pan
Snuffer bottle
Gold collection vials
Black-sand magnet
Crevice tools
Precision gold scale
Gold-capable metal detector
Handheld GPS or compass
Desert maps
Drywashing for Gold by James Klein
Finding Gold in the Desert: The Art of Drywashing by Otto Lynch
Keene Cyclone Wet or Dry Gold Pan & Concentrator
Title: Working the Drywasher
Host: Mojave John
Format: Physical DVD
Presentation: Color
Runtime: Approximately 60 minutes
Program Structure: Two-part instructional presentation
Subject: Gold Drywashing, Desert Prospecting & Equipment Operation
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Language: English
High Plains Prospectors SKU: 6131
One Working the Drywasher instructional DVD
This listing is for a physical DVD and requires a compatible DVD player or computer equipped with a DVD drive and suitable playback software. It is not a digital download or streaming video.
Drywasher performance depends heavily on material condition. Soil should be completely dry, loose, and properly classified before processing. Moisture and clay can form clumps that trap fine gold and prevent effective separation.
Maintain a steady feed rate and adjust the airflow, vibration, and machine angle for the material being processed. Save and test your tailings until you are confident that your equipment is properly tuned and retaining the gold.
Carry plenty of water, sun protection, navigation equipment, first-aid supplies, and emergency communication gear when prospecting in the desert. Be prepared for extreme heat, sudden temperature changes, flash floods, abandoned mines, unstable ground, wildlife, and areas without cellular service.
Confirm land ownership and mining-claim status before collecting material. Obtain permission where required and follow all current federal, state, and local laws governing prospecting, excavation, mechanized equipment, and surface disturbance. Never prospect on another person’s active mining claim without authorization.
At High Plains Prospectors, we know that watching experienced prospectors operate equipment can shorten the learning curve considerably. The Working the Drywasher DVD combines an explanation of drywasher design with practical, real-world demonstrations in the desert.
Whether you're deciding which type of drywasher to purchase, preparing to operate a new machine, or looking to improve your sampling and production techniques, this instructional video provides a helpful visual guide to finding gold without water.
The best video ever produced for the prospector who owns a drywasher but is not experienced in using it, or the guy who is considering purchasing a drywasher. Hosted by Mojave John, this video is professionally done and covers all the basics of drywashing. In two parts you first go through the science of drywasher design, setup and options. Then it is off to the desert to use two different drywashers in the field. A small sniping-type drywasher, testing areas for gold and then a larger production drywasher. Running time 60 minutes, in color.
Our aim is to establish ourselves as the leading authority and primary source for all your treasure hunting and outdoor supply requirements. Our primary goal is to provide you with exceptional customer support and ensure your satisfaction throughout your entire experience with us.
As a dealer, we pride ourselves not only on being accessible to our customers via phone, but we also actively encourage you to reach out and engage in discussions about your specific needs, skill level, or just to chat a bit about our hobbies.
We are committed to providing ongoing support and assistance to better guarantee your success in your treasure hunting endeavors.
At High Plains Prospectors, the support doesn't end with the sale.