Welcome In!

[Palladium]

Welcome to the forum gentlemen.

 

[garza.javier74]

name: Javier Garza
Sex: male

Age: 33

Location: Rio Grande Valley Texas

Profession: Security Officer

Hobbies: Hunting fishing reading and car model making

Interests: learning

How long have you been refining gold: I been refining for about a year

What are you looking for in our community: I'm trying to to gain enough knowledge on how to refine precious metals and try to make it into a small business and who know maybe go big with it. :lol:

How did you discover our forum: If i remember correctly it was by accident one night that i was without a job and the bills started to worry me. When i came across this site that night i didn't sleep i got instantly hooked on it and read it all. When i went to bed that morning it was around 7am and woke up at ten and started out looking for scrap within three days i had enough and started to work on it. A week later i came up with a 17 gram button. NOW that my friends helped me pay for the bills and then some.

Other: Thanks to everyone and this forum. god bless everyone

 

[Remuck]

Hi Folk,

My name is Lance. I'm a retired truck driver, but have had experience in disciplines ranging from clinical/research lab work (hospitals & NASA/Ames) to hard rock mining in the Mother Lode of California where I currently reside (nothing like the Jack Leg shakes). In total, I have approx. seven years of college under my belt with over two years of chemistry. Unfortunaely, what they say about "use it or lose it" is almost true, as I am currently vexed my the narrowness of the neural pathways to the information centers that were once (30 yrs. ago) well populated. Thankfully redox is not a term that I'm unfamiliar with, and knowing the basic language of the art helps immensely as I struggle to shake the shorts out of my chem. synapses.

My father, being a collector of antique sterling ware, was the first to pique my interest in precious metals, but I didn't become seriously interested in gold until I saw a Caddy trunk FULL of Krugerans (sp?) that a retired couple purchased after liquidating ALL else back in 1973-4. Believe me, they could barely steer that Caddy and I can't even begin to guess how many lbs they had. Subsequent to that experience, I became totally hooked on Au after I got lucky with my first pan of gravel --- manna from Heavan, as I saw it.

Prior to totally wrecking my back, my passion was golf. I had a two bunk sleeper in my truck and my clubs lived in one of them. I'm also interested in, flying (gotta love a Citabria) rocketry, auto racing, and Texas Hold "em.

I am currently engrossed in a recovery project from tailings near my home. Free gold is discernable on the odd piece of ore; however, in spite of the fact that some values are visible through a jewelers loop, they are playing "hard to get" and not conducive to gravitational removal. Presently, I am employing a commercially prepared Thiosufate leach and am getting recovery that is in keeping with undocumented assays performed many years ago that indicated from 3-3.5 oz's/ton, but further refinement of the leach pricipitate will tell the real story. That is how I found the "Gold Refining Forum," I was searching the net to find various means to attain the immediate goal of turning the precipitates into something that I can put into the hand of my good friend who has the rights to the material and has worked for over six months with nothing to show for it (sans canceled checks).

We are presenty restricted to working the fines in the tailings (no crusher until we get recovery) and I hope to employ either fire/torch and/or colorimetric assays to dial in the equipment that we have, the final component of which is a concentrate table.

I have been working on this project, at the computer or in my garage, for over three months now and both I and my friend are, to say the least, quite anxious to get the ball rolling. Any and all input would be more than welcome, but I'm more than willing to "turn over the rocks" to obtain the necessary information which, I'm quite pleased to say, I will more than likely find here on the Gold Refiners Forum --- as far a I can tell, an invaluable resource. My thanks to all who run, moderate, and contribute to it.

Regards, Lance

 

[Acid_Bath76]

Hello everyone!! I'm so grateful to have found a forum so full of experienced individuals. I'll be picking your brains for little tidbits here and there, as I prepare for my first batch within the next week or two.

Name : Chris "Reading Hoke"
Sex : Male
Age : 34
Location : NC
Profession : Chemistry/Bio Student... falling in love with chemistry though... that's what got me here.
Hobbies : backyard chemistry, fly fishing, antique hunting, carpentry/fabrication/metal work, and cooking... so many others... my hands are always moving
Interrests : too many to list... I dabble in everything!
How long have you been refining gold? : total noob... been taking chemistry courses for over a year, and understand the fundamentals..
What are you looking for in our community? : your expert guidance
How did you discovered our Forum? : hours googling ..
Other : Just got out of the service. what else? hmm... I love to chat. I don't sleep... and I'm always trying to find a way to improve my product and process. I recently came across the "motherload" of old pc's, with the option of receiving even more! I want to scrap them and refine the precious metals. If I can streamline the process, I'm going to spend my entire summer vacation working on this. Right now my brain is firing buckshot at a target a mile away... I need to harness the concepts/process's to where I'm putting a twelve inch hole at five feet. I'm sure you catch my drift. I don't want to rush this. I want to get this done the right way. I look forward to chatting with you all, and hopefully, sharing some great experiences along the way! Read Hoke.. just wanted to say it before it was thrown my way. I'm one step ahead.

 

[Militoy]

Thanks to the established members who have already given over several pearls of knowledge, while responding to my questions.

Name : Ralph
Sex : M
Age : 56
Location : Mojave Desert, California, USA
Profession : Electromagnetics Engineer
Hobbies : Geology; fossil, meteorite collecting; Military vehicle collecting
Interrests : Prospecting; hunting; fishing
How long have you been refining gold? : First batch electronics scrap 2011
What are you looking for in our community? : Advice from experienced refiners; Common interest
How did you discovered our Forum? : Google search
Other :

I am an Engineer; with my main formal education having been in the field of historical geology. I've never worked in that field, because of the "economic realities" of the petrolium employment market. I've been a hobby gold prospector for many years, and as a habit have collected electronics gold scrap over the past 20 years or so, when I came across it for free, or at a low cost in the course of my work. My son is a young Biologist with a passion for all branches of science - and he recently convinced me that we might do better processing our own scrap, as opposed to selling it off on eBay - since we already have a pretty good "garage lab".

 

[Acid_Bath76]

Thanks to the established members who have already given over several pearls of knowledge, while responding to my questions.

Name : Ralph
Sex : M
Age : 56
Location : Mojave Desert, California, USA
Profession : Electromagnetics Engineer
Hobbies : Geology; fossil, meteorite collecting; Military vehicle collecting
Interrests : Prospecting; hunting; fishing
How long have you been refining gold? : First batch electronics scrap 2011
What are you looking for in our community? : Advice from experienced refiners; Common interest
How did you discovered our Forum? : Google search
Other :

I am an Engineer; with my main formal education having been in the field of historical geology. I've never worked in that field, because of the "economic realities" of the petrolium employment market. I've been a hobby gold prospector for many years, and as a habit have collected electronics gold scrap over the past 20 years or so, when I came across it for free, or at a low cost in the course of my work. My son is a young Biologist with a passion for all branches of science - and he recently convinced me that we might do better processing our own scrap, as opposed to selling it off on eBay - since we already have a pretty good "garage lab".

Ralph,

Nice to meet you! I look forward to reading what you put up. I'm still learning everything I can on how this works best. I'm still reading Hoke, but I've got some fingers bathing in AP until I'm ready to kick it up a notch.

--Chris

 

[handsoftheninja]

I apologize for being rude and not introducing myself before posting and asking questions, I am a young entrepreneur and would love to get into this fascinating and from the looks of it very fun trade skill.


Name : Jesus "Jesse" Guevara
Sex : M
Age : 24
Location : South Texas
Profession : Student / Entrepreneur
Hobbies : I am a jack of all trades.
Interests : Technology and living green
How long have you been refining gold? : Beginner
What are you looking for in our community? : I am looking for as much knowledge as I can get so I can do something I enjoy, I also look forward to passing on the information that I aquire so future members can do the same.
How did you discovered our Forum? : I discovered this forum after a long night of trying to figure out how to sell refined gold, from hours of reading I have learned much and my eyes have been slowly opened. So far I love this site and I will frequent it every day.
Other : I am Eco-friendly and would love to create a green company but that is something for future endeavors, I have many ideas and love to bounce them off of people.

 

[GoldToothBob]

Name : Bob
Sex : M
Age : 40 something
Location : Denton, TX (North of Dallas)
Profession : Computer Programmer
Hobbies : Everything
How long have you been refining gold? : Totally New
What are you looking for in our community? : To Learn
How did you discovered our Forum? : Google Search

 

[larryb61]

I would like to thank you guys for the wonderful information you have taken the time to put out here for anyone to see. Would especially like to thank lazersteve for emailing me back so quickly. I am new to the forum and have lots and lots of reading to do before I attempt any process. I am about done with Hokes book and I am planning on getting Steves DVD's very soon. There is so much information on the web that at the best will get someone killed or seriously injured. Once again, thanks so much, there is a wealth of information here. I am just fascinated with the thought of making my first button.
About Me:
Name : Larry Bradley
Sex : Male
Age : 49
Location : Springfield, IL
Profession : Substance Abuse Counselor (adolescent males)
Hobbies : Automobiles
Interrests : Automobiles, again lol
How long have you been refining gold? : Have refined none as of yet and want to know all I can before I do
What are you looking for in our community? : A place of refuse, where I can come to talk and learn
How did you discovered our Forum? : Stumbled on to it searching the web about scrap refining
Other : My wife is shaking her head, thinking what is he doing now that's going to cost her money lol

 

[husker4515]

I would like to thank you guys for the wonderful information you have taken the time to put out here for anyone to see. Would especially like to thank lazersteve for emailing me back so quickly. I am new to the forum and have lots and lots of reading to do before I attempt any process. I am about done with Hokes book and I am planning on getting Steves DVD's very soon. There is so much information on the web that at the best will get someone killed or seriously injured. Once again, thanks so much, there is a wealth of information here. I am just fascinated with the thought of making my first button.
About Me:
Name : Larry Bradley
Sex : Male
Age : 49
Location : Springfield, IL
Profession : Substance Abuse Counselor (adolescent males)
Hobbies : Automobiles
Interrests : Automobiles, again lol
How long have you been refining gold? : Have refined none as of yet and want to know all I can before I do
What are you looking for in our community? : A place of refuse, where I can come to talk and learn
How did you discovered our Forum? : Stumbled on to it searching the web about scrap refining
Other : My wife is shaking her head, thinking what is he doing now that's going to cost her money lol

Welcome Larry, just wait till you put that first gold button in her hands, she will change her mind. My wife did.

 

[Militoy]

Thanks to the established members who have already given over several pearls of knowledge, while responding to my questions.

Name : Ralph
Sex : M
Age : 56
Location : Mojave Desert, California, USA
Profession : Electromagnetics Engineer
Hobbies : Geology; fossil, meteorite collecting; Military vehicle collecting
Interrests : Prospecting; hunting; fishing
How long have you been refining gold? : First batch electronics scrap 2011
What are you looking for in our community? : Advice from experienced refiners; Common interest
How did you discovered our Forum? : Google search
Other :

I am an Engineer; with my main formal education having been in the field of historical geology. I've never worked in that field, because of the "economic realities" of the petrolium employment market. I've been a hobby gold prospector for many years, and as a habit have collected electronics gold scrap over the past 20 years or so, when I came across it for free, or at a low cost in the course of my work. My son is a young Biologist with a passion for all branches of science - and he recently convinced me that we might do better processing our own scrap, as opposed to selling it off on eBay - since we already have a pretty good "garage lab".

Ralph,

Nice to meet you! I look forward to reading what you put up. I'm still learning everything I can on how this works best. I'm still reading Hoke, but I've got some fingers bathing in AP until I'm ready to kick it up a notch.

--Chris

Thanks, Chris! I downloaded a copy of Hoke - since I couldn't admiss the prices I've found on an original. I will pick up an original copy when I come across one that is more reasonably priced though. Our scrap materials are of various types - so we're working on improving our methods on fingers and PCB traces, pins and Pogo contacts, CPUs, gold-bonded ICs, and various other military scrap as well as some civvie jewelry and gold-plated chatchkas. I think that "learning" is the whole reason us newbies are here!

 

[gemgenius]

I look forward to chatting with everyone! I'm really love jewelry and hope to provide some knowledge!

 

[Neolithic]

Name :James
Sex :M
Age :32
Location :Stuck in Lodi
Profession :Retail now unemployed
Hobbies :History,Science, now Chemistry
Interests :Knowledge :idea:
How long have you been refining gold? : Need to learn first.
What are you looking for in our community? : How to extract and purify the important elements safely.
How did you discovered our Forum? :Ran a search and you guys popped right up.
Other : I look forward to learning what I can from all of and appreciate those who are sharing there wealth of knowledge.

 

[SasaK]

Hello everybody,

I was reading the forum for some time so before posting I would like to say "Hi" and interduce my self...

Name : Sasa
Sex : male
Age : 35
Location : Europe
Profession : Engineeir
Hobbies : gold
Interrests : Computers, gold, nature
How long have you been refining gold? : never did, trying to start
What are you looking for in our community? : advice
How did you discovered our Forum? : on Youtube, recommended by a forum member

0/
All the best
Sasa

 

[wazaiken]

Hi Everybody,
Just have to applaude the moderators for the community they have developed on this site. Its truly remarkable and im sure they are all very proud of what they have created. Ive been reading furiously and I'm amazed at the wealth of knowledge available. I really look forward to contributing wherever I can. I especially enjoy reading Harold_V's no nonsense, old school posts. If all parents shared his attitude, no doubt the world would be a better place.

Name : Warren (Waz)
Sex : M
Age : 27
Location : NSW, Australia
Profession : Process Engineer, (Electrician trade background)
Hobbies : Fishing, camping, family, boating and now precious metals
Interests : Pt, Au, Ag...In that order.
How long have you been refining gold? : A few days...
What are you looking for in our community? : At first, just information but now being a valuable member of the team.
How did you discovered our Forum? : Search for information and was pointed here on several different searches

 

[RoboSteveo]

Hello Everyone,
Just thought I'd introduce myself.
Im Steve(I'll go by Robosteveo or Steveo on here)

I've been reading the forums on here for the last few months, and just finally joined up. Absolutely love all the info/links provided on this site.
I also like how much everyone helps each other out.

Originally I planned to make a small statue out of pure gold, after see how much 10 rings melted into, I quickly changed my mind.lol
Now it's more about building up my knowledge on refining and saving for my retirement. Not trying to get rich quick or any of that silliness.

My education is in Jewelry and mould making/tool & die. So I understand the basic of metal formations and alloys. Still so much to learn about pm's though.

I've checked out some other forums and they seemed to be more about arguing than sharing ideas/info. So again great job to Noxx and all the moderators on this site.

 

[CAB]

This is fun. Great instructions, though I think a lot of people don't read things carefully and extensively enough on their first try. This is 10.4 grams from Rohm fingers, photographed in sunlight. I'll remelt it when I can find some ceramic wool:



It's clear that close to half the boards have gold plate under solder mask. Not sure what to do about that. And I'm gonna have a lot of gold plated pins and headers in plastic, etc.

I want to make a decent electrowinning gadget for pulling the copper out while plating. I think that would allow a better process.

 

[METLMASHER]

Nice! Welcome everyone.

Name :Jesse
Sex :Male
Age :41
Location ortland, OR
Profession :Knifemaker
Hobbies :rockhounding, fishing, camping, panning/prospecting
Interests :rocks, minerals, ehem..gold :lol:
How long have you been refining gold? : I haven't yet but am using a new kind of silver leach that shows promise.
What are you looking for in our community? :Instruction and friends.
How did you discovered our Forum? :watching gold videos on youtoob, been learning since.
Other http://langeknivesandgifts.weebly.com/index.html

 

[MMFJ]

Name : Steve
Sex : Male
Age : 50
Location : Las Vegas, NV
Profession : JUNK 'Engineer', educator
Hobbies : software/websites, writing 'how-to' books, real estate
Interests : music, cool industrial machines I gather, play with a bit (like cryo coolers, hydrogen generators, etc.), then sell online
How long have you been refining gold? : interest started about two weeks ago!
What are you looking for in our community? : knowledge, both for recovery and for safety
How did you discovered our Forum? : Google search
Other : We've been Making Money From JUNK (ergo, the tag name, and, yes, an e-book on the subject is out there as well... for a long time (mostly industrial/gov't surplus/excess, I try to stay more in the lab and technical test gear than computers, though have a buddy that likes them), but never got into the money from the bits/scrap, etc. other than a few runs to the yard with a truckload of computers, old electronics and any/all parts, including cards, pins, connectors and more!

Most of the time, we simply called up a local guy with a truck and gave them ALL our 'discards' (including one box of what we now know to be 'heavy gold' pins - had to be 40 pounds...). Since reading this forum for awhile, we now believe this is not the most profitable thing to do!

Recently bought a load that included lots of pins and such and have already found someone on this forum to do the processing for us. Considering doing a small run for silver (various spoons, old coins and such collected), but working with anything that says 'acid' (or combines as such) tends to steer me away quickly! For the moment, I'm gathering more and more parts (thanks to the link on this forum with "List Of Items That Contain Precious Metals"). Once we see how much comes from the pins, we'll decide to stick with the current plan or perhaps do some recovery on our own.

For now, though, reading the forum, Hoke and laserSteve's site and breaking down all my 'scrap' (problem is, it seems that I want to FIRST see what is in there, before testing it and trying to sell it for value! is that called 'gold fever' - even when you are just doing it for fun??) - that takes up about all the spare time I have at the moment!

I do want to say that this is the best forum I have ever found. Generally, you find too much drama and such. Even though there are bits of it strewn here/there, this forum keeps it pretty well weeded out, and the knowledge and open sharing of content more than outweighs those 'straggler' comments.

Lots to learn, more to do - gotta run!

 

[maxxgold]

Name is Dave
Age 58
I live in Minnesota
My occupation is Gold Refiner
I have been refining for 31 years and the last 21 years of that as self employed
I came here looking for some links of companies that sell refining supplies (tongs, crucibles, conical molds etc)
Great site full of useful information

Some gold I refined back in 1981