:: :: Over and Under Dredge Sluice Modifications for Fine Gold Recovery

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Over and Under Dredge Sluice Modifications for Fine Gold Recovery ( 22:51:37 WedDec 21 2011 )

Currently I am redoing my over and under sluice box. The box was originally a Keene 3 Stage box. It measures: 20 inches wide and is presently 10 feet long. The scalper has Vortex matting (Rough Conveyor Belt) with raised expanded metal. It has a 3/8 wire mesh screen classifying the material as it comes off the flare. The lower level riffle section has a 1/8th inch mesh screen for approximately 16 inches which the material goes through prior to going over some low profile Latrap like composite riffles. The upper level or set of riffles will be screened by the 3/8th inch wire mesh. The riffle system will be composed of Vortex matting and raised (approx. 1/2 inch) expland metal approximately 6 lb. material. The end of the upper level has Hungarian riffles which are not screened to allow for a nugget trap. My primary goal is to catch as fine of gold as possible with a 6 inch dredge. My question is how much distance should there be between the 3/8th inch wire mesh material and the top of the raised expanded metal to allow a good flow and prevent packing. I know there is not a precise measurement since it depends on the type of material in any given area that is being dredged. Any suggestions from experienced dredgers/miners would be most welcome. Merry Christmas JAB

RUSTY_HAPPY_CAM

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Re: Over and Under Dredge Sluice Modifications for Fine Gold Recovery ( 05:03:56 ThuDec 22 2011 )

If you are thinking of working areas like the Rogue be prepared for a large amount of sand. In most places it is close to working on a sand beach. Moving maximum amounts of that stuff will plug most fine gold systems in a matter of minutes. I would recommend that you make your box modular so you can quickly change your recovery system as needed.As to space under your classifying screens more is better. I would say at least 1.5" to start with if you have the room.

JABsWorld

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Re: Over and Under Dredge Sluice Modifications for Fine Gold Recovery ( 05:32:28 ThuDec 22 2011 )

Thanks Rusty! I dredged on the Rogue River last Summer and definately found some of the conditions you described. The lower level sluice worked very well, its the upper level which I am modifying. Thanks again Rusty and give Montine a belated Happy Birthday wish for me. Merry Christmas Jim

Tobin1

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Re: Over and Under Dredge Sluice Modifications for Fine Gold Recovery ( 16:29:34 ThuDec 22 2011 )

Frankly I found that 3/8 punch plate from the flare over the first 2 riffles with about a 1/2" space underneath and 1/2 " woven wire above that that goes to the 4th riffle with about 1 1/4" in between works excellent!! A very simple mod. Also a rinse out of the box and into a bucket with an extra set of fresh moss to put in the box and right back to dredging every 3 hours works great!!! Simply doing those two things doubled my take home per day!!!! [1 edits; Last edit by Tobin1 at 16:30:59 Thu Dec 22 2011]

JABsWorld

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Re: Over and Under Dredge Sluice Modifications for Fine Gold Recovery ( 02:55:35 FriDec 23 2011 )

Thanks Tobin1 for your input. Appreciate it! JAB

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