Advice, building my first dredge Options

[johnnybravo300]

I figured you'd strap logs underneath the ladders but pontoons will work too hehe. Looks good!
I've had the sun burned eyes a few times from welding and it sucks. The auto dimming shields get me everytime. By the time I get it adjusted it's too late!
Happy bday and the build looks heavy duty.

[jimmyrig]

I've decided to switch gears a little bit and use more of the pontoon frame just for sake of time. I may finish the custom frame down the road but this works for now. I'm also going to build a bigger sluice. The A52 just looks like a dwarf compared to the rest of the dredge. There is some debate that a longer skinnier sluice gets better collection that the fat dredge sluices. I may buy another A52 and put them together like this guy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5ec1oO2SRM

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[jimmyrig]

Got all my hoses and a crash box setup for the A52 with an extension section. Just about ready for a test. My issue now is the pump has two 3" female inlet and outlet ports and I need a 3" hose adapter for the inlet side and a 3" to 2" adapter for the outlet side. I went to an irrigation store and told the guy I needed 3" couplings and he looked at me like I was nuts for asking for something that big. Anyone know where I can get these? I also need a 3" foot valve and doesn't look like keene stocks these standard.

[jimmyrig]

Everything is pretty much ready. I just need to finish the mounts for the sluice on the frame. My wife got me a nice scuba wet suit for my birthday and I got gloves, a hood, and boots. I doubt I'll be using all that but I do want to do some deep water dredging next spring in the platte and some water falls I know. I will still need to get the compressor and hookah for that. We are getting our house appraised in a couple weeks so everything is on hold. I'm hoping to have some test cleanouts posted before fall.

[jimmyrig]

Crash box done

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[jimmyrig]

got it out on CC this week. Hauled it all the way down to the water in pieces and then realized I was missing one hose coupling. Ahhh! I'm heading back out today for its first test run.

The sluice sits too high I think but it was a last minute deal since I added the crash box instead of the jet log. For today I'm just going to high bank it. I also will be planning on lifting the pump up a few inches to get the sluice down at water level but I am also just saving up for a keene float setup. I feel my pump is also too big. It's a 10hp 3 inch monster but I think I would be better served with a powerful smaller 2 inch. I just couldn't pass up $150 for a brand new 3" pump. I'll post cleanups from today and Monday if I get decent time in.

The keene dredge sluices are outrageous. I was going to just build one because my step dad is a master soft metal welder but what are your guys thoughts on running dual side by side A52's?

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[jimmyrig]

nevermind on the dual sluices. It's not necessary. I ran a test at home today with a bag of pay dirt and everything was caught in the top vortex mat before it even got to the riffles.

[DiggingDad32]

I've really enjoyed this thread. No one has commented recently, but I've stayed close. Great work.

[jimmyrig]

So an updated and ending to this thread. I had some medium success running this setup as a high banker on CC. The pump and hoses were just too much for going up and down canyon walls so I ended up selling it for a bit of a profit. I'm missing fall season due to new baby but I will be investing in a proper Keene rig and then doing some sump modifications for fine gold. Stay tuned :)

[Denise]

A bit of a profit is pretty good! Congratulations on the new baby James, no better reason for missing the fall season.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your new rig and sump modifications. (staying tuned)

[Crusty]

Definitely tough to run a smaller high banker, 2.5" and especially a 4" on day trips. Made the trip in/out of the canyon a few times and it'll definitely wear you out! Gave that up and save it for multi-day trips where I can leave it set up!

Congrats on the new baby!

[jimmyrig]

Funny I was doing research and came across my own thread... A few years (and 2! babies) later update here. I bought an older keene 2.5" dredge yesterday. Now that I have a better job I'm building a proper setup. Being an engineer/Architect I've got some fun customizations in store, not just for the dredge but for transportation as well.

[gold_tutor]

Congrats on the two wee ones in your life, And your new job!!!

I wanted to drop by and check to see if you’re on Facebook, also. The reason for my question is that one of THE finest West Coast dredge builders and operators bar none, is a miner by the name of Reed Lukens. He’s easy to find on Facebook a cordial and knowledgeable gentleman, very experienced in both dredge building and operations. And will respond Promptly if he’s not underground working Northern California properties because the smoke situation is so bad. Yes, please use my name as a referral. Much success to you!