framing-table

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In mining, an inclined table over one end of which is spread slime from the trunk. A current of water let in upon that end washes the poorer portions and impurities downward, toward or out of the lower end, the heavier and richer portions of the ore remaining at the top. When the slime is thus cleansed and distributed, the table is revolved on its supporting axles, and the contents are dumped into assorting-boxes beneath, from which the ore is taken to be submitted to other operations suited to its character. This operation of sorting is called framing or ragging, and there were formerly various modifications of the process in use in Cornwall, England, where, however, the simplest form of ore-dressing has been nearly superseded by improved methods and machinery. See buddle and percussion-table.