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Posted by: jimmyrig Jul 25 2017, 07:28 PM

Hello all,

Need a little input. I'm building my first dredge. I have a 10hp 3" trash pump, A52 sluice, 2 inflatable pontoons from a large one man fishing pontoon, I'm building a frame, I have a suction nozzle and hoses. help I need: What do I use or where do I get the flare, dampener flap, and do I need a jet nozzle on the flare since I have a suction nozzle already? What else am I missing...

Posted by: jimmyrig Jul 25 2017, 09:34 PM

After doing a bit more research (great guide http://www.detectorprospector.com/gold-prospecting-guides/steves-guide-gold-suction-dredges.htm) I realize that I will use the suction nozzle for shallow water and down the road get the jet for deeper water. Since I will be starting out in clear creek the suction nozzle will do for now I think. I have a traffic cone out back that I am going to use for the flare for now. I'm going to go purchase the foot valve from gold n detectors. Still working on the dampener... I will plan for room for a compressor and Hookah but that will be a down the road addon. Even though I'm talking to myself I'm sure this info will be helpful to others down the road :)

Posted by: CP Jul 25 2017, 10:45 PM

Hey Jimmyrig,

I'd stick with the suction nozzle you've already got for now.....and maybe even stick with a stand (highbanker) set up instead of floats for now too. A floating set up using a flare must only float and the flare must be at water level to work....where as the suction nozzle can be used from the stand and then move the nozzle around the work zone under water. Draw back is you have the extra hose (feed) on the working nozzle end. With the float set up all you have underwater is the suction nozzle and feed goes right to flare.

Highbanker is more versatile for around here I think....Just my opinion on that though.

For dampener flap....that's normally just a piece of rubber flap/belting that knocks down the water in feed with material when using the flare nozzle and floats....with highbankers that is usually done with a header and grizzly box set up. Then water/material feeds to sluice.

Good luck with the build project too, love to see some pics along the way and in testing phases for field trips too. Hopefully it all works out well for ya'! BTW....that link didn't work for me.

Posted by: CP Jul 25 2017, 10:49 PM

found the link snafu and fixed it....now it works

Posted by: jimmyrig Jul 26 2017, 05:29 AM

I was reading that the flap setup provided a little better recovery than the grizzly box/header setup. I'm guessing the only difference is the water flow and classifier difference. Would you find this to be true or not so much since our gold is finer around here?

Posted by: EMac Jul 26 2017, 08:35 AM

Keep going; good discussion. Trommels have been on my mind lately after working Chris' claim's clay if you want to discuss the merits thereof as well.

Posted by: jimmyrig Jul 28 2017, 10:07 AM

I have been working on a trommel setup for a long time. Personally, the efficiency and ease of use of a trommel far outweighs a crash box type high banker setup. That being said, a floating dredge in the right setting is the ultimate in personal material movement. It would be cool if nothing else to have a floating trommel :)

Since my A52 already has a stand I am going to start this setup as a high banker to make sure this pump can move material properly. Also another question came up in my research. Keen says the A52 with dredge riffles can handle up to a 2.5" dredge. I have a 2" nozzle but my pump is a 3". Needless to say none of my scrapped up pieces match. Should I just go with a full 2" setup and scale down the pump outlets, or should I get 3" hoses and a new nozzle and use the A52 for now? I can't financially get a bigger sluice and buy a new nozzle and hoses. My 2" nozzle I purchased from gold n detectors and have never used it so maybe he will let me trade up.

Posted by: johnnybravo300 Jul 28 2017, 04:30 PM

A floating trommel sounds totally awesome but a crash box would still be a good addition.
I would think that choking a three inch pump down into a smaller hose would just increase the pressure but the pump may not have to work as hard to feed the water that's needed, and that's a good thing IMO.
Also any modifications to the nozzle or anything else that can help things run smoothly are always good. If you have perfectly smooth round rocks traveling through the hose that's one thing, but suck up some banana or pizza pie shaped rocks and you'll be having issues in no time. I'm not sure where you dredge but something to think about. A clog with sharp edged rocks can take alot of time out of the day and adds alot of frustration.

Posted by: jimmyrig Jul 28 2017, 10:18 PM

I plan on using a classifier nozzle guard so hopefully the clogs will be non existent or at a minimum. I rounded up all my materials today for the frame and everything but the pump. I had some old ladders out back that I don't trust to stand on anymore but they will make great frame fodder. Going to cut them and weld them and also had some extra window well ladders with some great ribbon steel. Had a couple traffic cones out back so grabbed the nicest one. Picking up the new pump tomorrow morning then will be building the dredge this week. I'm also adding on a jet holder that can be steered so I can drive myself up river when needed. My idea is that I can take the exit hose off the nozzle or jet and hook it here and use it for propulsion like a jet ski.

Posted by: jimmyrig Jul 29 2017, 01:03 PM

Pump

Posted by: jimmyrig Jul 29 2017, 01:28 PM

I've decided I'm gonna try to exchange my nozzle and go with a full 3" pump setup. I'm going to weld on some extra sections to extend the sluice.

Posted by: CP Jul 29 2017, 01:41 PM

Not sure on the cone/flare idea part if I'm understanding the idea right as described in my head.....you'll find out if it works well or not but I'm afraid the gravels may be a bit too abrasive over a short time and you may wear a hole in the flare cone ...hope not though.

On our 3" highbanker the pump outlet or feed to the unit was a 1.5" layflat hose even though the pumps intake was 3". I would think that would work for the 2" as well just may not need to run as high on the throttle to feed it. I think you'd much rather have a 3" suction nozzle though so hope it works out well, I'd even bet the sluice won't need extending but you can always add on a short section later too! Looking good so far and nice work on recycling the ladders for the build....love it! Keep the pics coming.

Posted by: swizz Jul 29 2017, 07:10 PM

I also love it and have been staying tuned! Keep the pics coming please.

Posted by: jimmyrig Jul 30 2017, 09:17 AM

Got the ladders cut and welded last night. Doing braces and frame today. On a side note, I got a sun burn from welding all night with just goggles on.

Posted by: jimmyrig Jul 30 2017, 04:20 PM

My buddy gave me these pontoons and frame for a bday present and some gold I had.

Posted by: johnnybravo300 Jul 30 2017, 06:40 PM

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.

Posted by: jimmyrig Jul 30 2017, 11:56 PM

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

Posted by: jimmyrig Aug 7 2017, 11:45 AM

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.

Posted by: jimmyrig Aug 10 2017, 08:18 PM

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.

Posted by: jimmyrig Aug 18 2017, 10:27 PM

Crash box done

Posted by: jimmyrig Aug 25 2017, 06:16 AM

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?

Posted by: jimmyrig Aug 26 2017, 04:07 PM

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.

Posted by: DiggingDad32 Aug 28 2017, 02:27 PM

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

Posted by: jimmyrig Oct 30 2017, 09:51 AM

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 :)

Posted by: Denise Oct 30 2017, 10:41 AM

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)

Posted by: Crusty Oct 30 2017, 12:37 PM

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!

Posted by: jimmyrig Aug 5 2020, 09:30 AM

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.

Posted by: gold_tutor Sep 13 2020, 11:51 AM

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!