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Date Posted: 23:00:48 01/23/04 Fri
Author: jim straight
Subject: Re: Have a Beck Drywasher--- would like an original hand crank
In reply to: Wishbone 's message, "Re: Have a Beck Drywasher--- would like an original hand crank" on 08:49:17 01/23/04 Fri

George you are also well known, knowlegeable, and respected. Thus you have my attention.

Sam Radding is an old friend--- I have known him for over 15-20 years as Mountain Publications once published and distributed both our books. Sam's machines are great.

Same is into guitars and also a noted small ship builder in the San Diego area. Sam has written a very excellent booklet, a must for anyone drywshings library. "Desert Gold Drywashing."

By a coincidence it was published the same time(1996)as my booklet, "Successful Drywashing." At this time (pre 1996) I happened to meet Sam a number of times in the Randsburg area. I guess we were both getting photos and information, but did not let each know of our intent. We were both admiring the Beck at Charlie's in Randsburg. We also knew the late George Carpenter-- I could go on and on about Sam--- I think of him as a friend.

I last saw Sam at Lifestyles in Hesperia several years ago.
I'm sure Mojave John carries Sam's booklets.

I cut my "baby teeth" on a bellows--- not quite true, but I actually was "helping" to drywash back in 1937 at age seven.
(Osceola) This was during tough times in eastern Nevada. The copper mines at Ely area were on a limited schedule and Osceola about 27 miles away were yielding placer. There is an article on Osceola (ICMJ Vol 68 No 2 October 1998; as well as on page 166-7 in any edition of my book Vol 3.)

Unfortunatly I will not make the AZO outing but know of a number of friends who will be there.

As far as a crank for my Beck, one can be easily made. I'm looking for an original one. Actually, I'm selling one of my Nick's Nuggets (to make room in my cluttered garage for the Beck).

I still have a 1915 Model T Ford touring in the garage. Completely original--- but with approved modifications that
were available up to 1930. It is for sale--- if anyone interested. It run/ran good; but has been in storage for about 15 years. I have started it several times but not out onto the street. I recently sold my 1914 Model T speedster/racer. It was in my oldest daughters garage until I trailered it to my garage.

I intend to use my Beck in sniping. It weighs about 35 pounds and handcranks easily. However, it can be motorized with the same belt arrangement as the Nick's if ever wish.

I worked with Nick at the tin mill at Kaiser (I worked there from Jan 1962 to July 1967). I met him under very unusual (and positive) circumstances about 1965, remember Kaiser was a big place with about 8000 employees.

We became friends and after I left Kaiser to teach I had his grandson in one of my classes at Sequoia Jr. High. I visited Nick at his home and saw how he handcrafted the Nugget--- heavy duty. It could be fed and hold up by feeding with a backhoe-- Steve Lazlow did this for several years. The Nugget heldup fine; his backhoe was always needing repair.

I never bought a Beck. Back in 1961 it sold for $180. I bought the first Nick's (about 1974) as it was financed by Bank of America and I made payments by teaching adult education (1969 through 1990's) on prospecting. Nick would let me take my adult class several times a semester to his claim in the Summit Range.

The Beck is painted red. The one I have looks newly painted on the under side. The crank was gone because it as setup for a motor.

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