The Royal Manufacturing Large Royal Gold Dry Washer promises efficient gold recovery in arid environments, and after putting it through its paces, I can offer a detailed review. This machine caters to prospectors seeking a robust and reliable dry washer capable of handling larger volumes of material.
Initial Impressions:
The Large Royal Gold Dry Washer makes a strong first impression. Its construction is solid, built to withstand the rigors of fieldwork (and someone standing on top of it). The size is substantial, hinting at its capacity for processing significant amounts of dirt. Assembly was relatively straightforward, but don’t be alarmed if the legs don’t line up with the hopper stand, you have the legs backwards (lesson learned!).
I have tested both the Royal Explorer and Royal Gold Large.
Performance in the Field:
The true test of any dry washer is its performance in the field, and the Large Royal Gold Dry Washer didn't disappoint. Once dialed in, the machine effectively separated gold from the lighter material. The adjustable airflow allowed for fine-tuning based on the type of dirt being processed, a crucial factor in maximizing gold recovery. I was particularly impressed with its ability to handle both fine gold and larger nuggets.
Key Features and Benefits:
High Capacity: The large hopper and processing chamber allow for efficient handling of larger volumes of material, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
High Clearance: The dry washer sits high which allows minimal ground removal to keep the air hose free and reduces the energy to constantly clear tailings. One main issue with dry washers is low ground clearance which requires digging a massive hole to allow the hose to hang free and the tailings clogging the riffles. The Royal eliminates those headaches with its height adjustable legs.
Adjustable Airflow: The ability to control the airflow is essential for optimizing gold recovery in different types of dry dirt. This feature allowed me to fine-tune the machine for various conditions.
Durable Construction: The robust build quality give the impression of longevity, crucial for equipment used in demanding environments.
Easy Cleanup: It is by far the easiest drywasher to clean out. Simply lift the riffles up from the mat and the gold concentrates slide into your bucket or pan.
Weight and Portability: The Large Royal Gold Dry Washer isn’t too big and even with its size, is lightweight.
Minimal Air: One amazing feature is the sluice box matting which requires minimal air from a leaf blower to process the dirt unlike the Keene dry washers.
Drawbacks:
Dust Management: As with any dry washer, dust is a factor. While the machine does a decent job of containing it, wearing a dust mask is highly recommended.
Wet Dirt: wet dirt is always an issue with any dry washer. The “tickler” attachment does provide some relief from hopper clogs, but won’t enhance the machines ability to process wet dirt efficiently.
Final Verdict:
The Royal Manufacturing Large Royal Gold Dry Washer is a powerful and efficient machine ideal for both serious and beginner prospectors working in dry environments. Its large capacity and adjustable airflow make it a valuable tool for maximizing gold recovery. While its size and weight limit portability, the benefits in terms of processing power outweigh this drawback for many. With improved instructions and a focus on dust management, this dry washer would be even more impressive.
Overall, it's a worthwhile investment for those looking to step up their dry washing game. I recommend this machine to prospectors who need to process large amounts of material and are serious about finding gold.
My Rating: 4.9/5
