Estwing 12-12 Steel Gold Pan 12"

I was talking to my uncle one day and he said that he panned for gold while he was in Alaska, and it was fun and he would like to pan for gold some more, but in New England where he lives. I ordered this for him, and the lack of news about it means he either found nothing, or has become incredibly wealthy because he struck gold in his yard over next to the shed. The pan gets five stars though because he never called me to yell about it being a piece of trash, and Estwing makes great hammers.

rusted up but catches gold flake better

This product arrive covered in oil and scratched with an odd brown substance on it. It had a price tag attached that looked like it had been there for many years. You can see it had already rusted in the pictures. Update: The pan was covered in mechanical oil to prevent rusting. A new pan should not have to be oiled for transit. These were old pans. I've haven't had time to prime the pan and in only two weeks, the pan was completely rusted from just sitting on my cabinet. I have never had one turn that quickly. I included a fourth picture to show the rust. Update: If you don't see my response to the comment that said I was 'clueless' because he thinks a gold pan must be rusty to be effective, read below: Google gold+pan+rust. The only time a rusty gold pan is effective is when you find one that someone has left behind in their tailings. The rust is porous and uneven. It will cling to and absorb gold flakes that you can't see. Also, when you use the pan, the rust bleeds off into the water. Public and private mines will sometimes ask you not to use rusty gold pans. The rust is extremely toxic to aquatic animals and plants. Not to mention your hands become a red rusty mess when you try to use one. This is why many gold pans are advertised as 'rust resistant'. My only cluelessness in this transaction was not verifying it said that in the description. Well, that and not initially realizing that's why the pans were oily......to resist the rust until I had time to treat the metal.

Its a sturdy but light product that appears durable. Mine, however, arrived completely slathered in some oil product that was literally dripping through the wrappings and onto the shipping box. It was nearly impossible to clean off using mineral spirits, laquer thinner, 409, dish soap or dishwasher soap. After trying all those things, I finally resorted to soaking it in bleach and water which seems to have gotten the last of the oil residue to let go!

Great pan, sturdy, very happy with it. Reminds me of one that I had years ago. I definitely recommend this pan, 5 stars all the way!!!

I have three grandchildren and ordered one for each. We go to the mountains every summer and they love to pan for gold. In the past they had to share a pan that my father had in the 50's. I measured his and this was the exact size. They love it. Can't wait to go,

Wanted a steel gold pan to heat and dry gold in. Steel pans are getting hard to find. Ordered the 10" steel Estwing pan even though rather expensive. It arrived halfway inside the original plastic bag inside another plastic bag, and when I got it out I saw it had a small but fairly deep dent as if it had been dropped or something dropped on it. This did not happen during shipping to me, which means seller sent it to me with a dent. I would return it except I need it right away.

My only real complaint is that is rusts almost immediately and without use.

The rim is wider than my Garrett Super Sluice. I like the riffle design. Plastic pans snap. Estwing steel pans take a beating and don't break. Photo: Garrett Super Sluice at left, Estwing 16-16 at right.

Couldn't ask for anything more. Price is perfect and the pan is very nice. Thank you!

Great quality, great price. The new plastic pans are lighter and great to learn on, but nothing beats a traditional metal pan like this. I've read other reviews complaining that these rust, that's the best part. The rustier the better. The roughness of the rust is the original "riffle" system. Will probably order a few more in other sizes.

Arrived in two days. Nice product. Wash the oils off the pan before using. Good luck

good steel product as describe.