cool riverr

Just in case any body wants to get real serious, this is available... https://goldcountry.craigslist.org/reb/d/calpine-high-production-gold-mine-in/7083442664.html That sure is some pretty gold.

Both items were delivered by amazon, for less than $60 US

when moving lots of material, or breaking down an old drywasher tailing. I like to break the crust and knock them down by six inches or more. Smooth it out, let it dry for a few minutes, and your coil just glides. I added magnets sheathed in stainless steel to help clean up the trash.

The investment is minimal, and I'm confident if you had those 2 pieces sitting in front of you, it would make sense, if this doesn't? You don't have to cut the mid section, unless you want to make a "Micro-Nox" like Steve Hirschbach's. Brett

From pic right to left. I didn't want to have to try and duplicate the drill hole pattern in EQX shaft, so I used my clamp-on arm cuff from the GM 1000. I drilled one hole in the carbon fiber replacement shaft (link above) to accept the "positioning nub" in the EQX hand grip. I reduced the height of said nub until I was able to slide the next shaft sections past. Next you have a couple choices - longer screws to compensate for larger diameter tube, or judicious use of sandpaper. I chose the latter. I wrapped sandpaper around the cf shaft and slowly removed material from inside the clamp area until I was happy with the fit, and felt reasonably comfortable the screws would be secure. Finally I added the telescoping tube clamp (link above). That covers the top section. Next, I cut off about 4" of the mid section (the crimped part). I also no longer need the push button release. I think that's it? As you can see, it collapses down to 25" - it barely fits in my carry-on bag, but it fits. I don't think I would travel with the coil on though. It's weird with Minelab - I have three straight shaft models (4500, EQX, GM 1000) and it really seems that shaft design is a total afterthought? The fixed length on the GM makes the d*mn thing so front heavy you need the bungee - reduce the shaft length and it swings like the EQX. Why did they crimp the mid section on the EQX? All the components are there to make it fully collapsible - i.e. locking collar. Just perform a couple mods at the factory and man, the EQX would be too sexy for it's own good? Minelab, are you paying attention? I'll gladly consult with you for a small fee? Thanks. Brett

Could you be a bit more specific? Which model do you have? Brett

Just by coincidence, this 25mm * 23mm carbon fiber tube fits both models, so it's a "win win". I needed a 1" * 7/8" tubing clamp to make the conversion complete. I didn't want to drill a bunch of holes and not have them line up, so I used the "GM 1000 clamp on" cuff. As you can see, I trimmed off about 4" of the mid EQX section. I wrapped sand paper around the cf tube and slowly increased the clearance in the handle/clamp combo, until I was happy with the fit. Total un-extended length is 25", and could be less if you remove the coil. As for the counter-balance weights, it's just another happy coincidence. The washers fit like a glove (.90"), and by adding an over-sized washer, I can move the weight in or out of the shaft. That 1.5" bolt with 14 washers weighs about 4 ounces, and is infinitely adjustable with regards to length, weight, and positioning. https://www.amazon.com/Carbon-Fiber-Tube-Wrapped-Surface/dp/B07DH8WYQQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=carbon+fiber+tube&qid=1554147132&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1 https://www.ebay.com/i/123165031900?rt=nc&var=423574663558&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3Dae995979ba42462ea30ceb0bda2fd5d5%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D9%26sd%3D122309026322%26itm%3D423574663558 Happy swinging. Brett

Have you considered an "internal" solution/system? It would be difficult with the EQX cuff design, but ...? I think one of the reasons you have to add "so much" weight is you are also increasing the shaft length? Good luck. Happy hunting. Brett

2003 - that's the cruel part. The last time this was "claimed" was 2012-13, and it's obvious they didn't work the tailings - still standing tall until I broke them down. I'm befuddled by this area. Lots of shallow bedrock, obvious source, and plenty of untouched ground, yet...not putting out? And it is definitely a gold producing area. Thanks Brett

Busting bedrock hasn't panned out that well, so I decided to heed Bill Southern's advice. I broke down the crust on the first pile, and started swinging the EQX 800. 15 minutes into it, and "bingo", nice little 3.2 grain nug, all rough and course like it hasn't traveled far? "This is going to be an EZ day" I'm pretty sure ran through my mind, since there were plenty of tailings' around? I guess the penny is somebody's idea of a "cruel joke"? At least it was shallow. Brett

Hey Julie, Not sure where you reside, but if you make it up to Lone Pine or the eastern sierras, let me know? I'm starting to figure out an old placer area near LP, and it's still got some gold. Happy hunting. Brett

Thanks, I like thought provoking prose.

Dewalt 20V Max, < $150 I think, plus batteries. I seem to get a good session (4-6 hours) of intermittent use, not too sure yet? I'm just opening up cracks enough to clean them out, and it does a fine job on those. I bought a scaling chisel to help break down some of the conglomerate material, then swing the EQX over it. Brett

No. Private property, I have no intention of asking anybody. Thanks

I just started working an area with lots of exposed bedrock. In addition to my EQX 800, I carry a few lightweight tools to help open up cracks. So far, this combo has proven pretty effective. I haven't really tested the battery life with a long day of hard use. Happy hunting!

Thanks, and thanks again. Feels just like my EQX 800, I think I can lose the bungee on the GM.

The GM 1000 and EQX 800 weigh about the same, and yet, one is markedly more comfortable to swing than the other, IMHO. It's mostly about shaft length - the longer "the lever", more support is needed. I had a piece of 25mm * 500mm carbon fiber shaft from a previous project, so I acquired a 1" * 7/8" telescoping collar lock from "rods by plugger" and got to work. I removed the original upper piece and swapped the components to the CF shaft. I had to spread the nylon clamps a bit, but that's about it - adjustable, telescoping, and comfortable. The lower shaft fits like a champ, and every thing so far looks good. Just thought I would share, thanks for reading.