Punch Plates Options

[tlcarrig]

Can anyone here give me a definative reason for the use of a punch plate in a sluice or rocker box. I can see using one in a highbanker or dredge but i don't see the need for one in a sluice. Am I off base here or am I thinking streight?

[CP]

I agree with the classification being needed for sure.......but I disagree with putting it in the sluice itself.
We classify before the sluice (in the bucket) and thus we do not interfere with the delicate flow set up in the sluice. Sluice boxes are designed to run a size of material......dredges and highbanker are as well but designed differently than a sluice design. Highbankers use the grizzly/crash area and dredges are designed to the hose size vs. flow and also have a crash/header area.
The idea when sluicing is the same yes but using natural creek flow you want to keep the controlled area (sluice box) as constant as possible for maximum recovery.......putting a punch plate in the box itself and then adding material has always proven to be disruptive in the sluice flow to us with just the natural flow in the creek set ups.
On the up side to classifying in the bucket........You get more useable/paydirt material to the box.....and you carry less of the rock weight.

CP