Metal pans information and questions

[Marked]

I have the Father-in-law's metal pans at my place atm...going rusty. What hints on maintenance/storage do you fellas have for these?

Cheers.

 

[Hunting the yellow]

reep paiting it with anti rust i geuss or just basic pant

 

[rc62burke]

You can oil it,"BUT" you will need to burn off the oil when you want to use it again.
cheers
Lee

 

[Ag Man]

Don't paint it or oil it. Paint will always have a surface that kinda beads water off, then the paint peels off or flakes - no good.

The rust will not affect the performance of the pan. Scrape or sand off the worst of the scaly rust - actually a lightly rusty pan is easier to use than a clean smooth pan (same as a well worn plastic pan works better than a new smooth one)

Once you finished using it, dry it off well & store it in a dry place.

A new (metal) pan, wash it in hot soapy water to remove any oils then place it in a fire or on a gas hotplate until the metal turns blue, this will somewhat prevent the pan from rusting.

 

[calala]

What Ag Man said!

 

[Nugget]

Steel wool with warm soapy water? If that fails, throw it away and buy a new one for around 30-40 bucks

 

[Ag Man]

You want a rough/scratched surface - like on plastic pans - when new, scratch the begeezus out of it with a good handful of gravel or even sand paper.
The rough surface helps the gold stay where you want it.

 

[Marked]

Thanks Ag Man - I had a vague recollection of needing to "cook" a new pan to help prevent the rust - but the brain was trying to confuse that with a cast-iron fry pan for some reason; or maybe the recollection was for cast-iron and the logic is the same (I think I am starting to confuse myself again )

 

[lee panhead]

Are metal pans as good as the plastic one's

 

[loamer]

Now this is going to get some discussion going. My answer - yes - better in fact. having said that, my metal pans are old and have been belted around and I have to admit I am very attached to them.

 

[lee panhead]

Thanks loamer , i won't be trading my 10 dollar metal pan then it seems to find the yellow so all good , cheers

 

[Guest]

Use it as a dog bowl for 12months then once the bottom gets rust build up they make the best clean up pan better than plastic.

 

[lee panhead]

I've been leaving it in the back yard after using it and the rust is building up , thanks for the info.

 

[Nugget]

I've never used metal pans but I'm pretty happy with my plastic ones.

 

[WalnLiz]

Is a model T Ford as good as a 2014 model Ferrari......yes to a collector or old timer, but technology has its advantages.

Wal.

 

[lee panhead]

thank's Wal, i might have to go and lash out on one of those new flash ones, are their any that are really good for fine gold?

 

[loamer]

Is a model T Ford as good as a 2014 model Ferrari......yes to a collector or old timer, but technology has its advantages.

Wal.

LOL Wal - who you calling an old timer? :lol: I agree if you are first starting out the plastic pans with the riffles are the way to go or if you are after very small gold and very small quantities. I just find the old big metal pans give me a 'feel' - hard to explain. My only concern with the plastic is the scratches and gouges they suffer from and hold up 'stuff' I don't want.

 

[headbut]

For fine gold they say you cant go past the Garrett super sluice

 

[Guest]

I like my metal pan no one else's I even watched the guy at sovern hill spin it up on the lathe. Frisbee's are made from plastic LMAO'

 

[tika]

I have used metal pans and other plastic pans but am now totally converted to the Garrett Super Sluice-hard to beat. Easy to use and takes large unclassified loads. Cant help wondering whether this type of deep riffle could be used in a conventional sluice.