Jack Hamilton
Full Member
I have had this idea kicking around in my head for some time. I started in to the project this evening and realized why nobody has done it yet. It is easier said than done. I have a bucket head vacuum. I thought, naively that I could just core a hole in the bottom of the bucket and, in the right position I could vacuum dirt up, and it would drain through the hole I cut in the bottom of my bucket straight into the hopper on my drywasher. The problem exists in the design of the vac. It uses the seal of the bucket itself to create suction. With that said, when I cut the hole I lost 95% of the suction through the hose. This is a major dilema. I need to do some research on vacuum's, their construction and design and see if I cant find a model that doesn't use the catch basin for pressure. Or maybe even possibly consider using a dredge type redirection nozzle. I'm not sure that would generate enough suction, although it wouldn't hurt to try it.
I am all ears to any and all ideas.
Why would I want this machine?
Anyone who drywashes, or even sluices and prospects knows the back breaking labor that goes into this hobby. But, where I feel this would really shine, and save "some" back ache....is when you are digging in one of those holes that somehow ends up below your knee level. You are trying to shovel dirt with your arms extended below you. Trying to pull up that half shovel of dirt to put in your bucket to classify. Imagine only needing to vac the dirt off the big rocks, with hardware cloth on the tip of your nozzle, classifying to a desired size before any dirt goes into a hose directly to your drywasher. That is my goal. Not sure if its possible. I am looking into it. Again, any and all ideas are welcome. I'd like to see this a reality. I called Keene today to present my idea. Nobody in product developement was able to talk to me. Left a message and never heard back. I am not looking to pattend the idea. I dont have money for all of that. Nor do I want royalties or any kind of recognition. I just want to see it come into existence. It sure would be handy in my mind.....a waterless dry dredge.
I am all ears to any and all ideas.
Why would I want this machine?
Anyone who drywashes, or even sluices and prospects knows the back breaking labor that goes into this hobby. But, where I feel this would really shine, and save "some" back ache....is when you are digging in one of those holes that somehow ends up below your knee level. You are trying to shovel dirt with your arms extended below you. Trying to pull up that half shovel of dirt to put in your bucket to classify. Imagine only needing to vac the dirt off the big rocks, with hardware cloth on the tip of your nozzle, classifying to a desired size before any dirt goes into a hose directly to your drywasher. That is my goal. Not sure if its possible. I am looking into it. Again, any and all ideas are welcome. I'd like to see this a reality. I called Keene today to present my idea. Nobody in product developement was able to talk to me. Left a message and never heard back. I am not looking to pattend the idea. I dont have money for all of that. Nor do I want royalties or any kind of recognition. I just want to see it come into existence. It sure would be handy in my mind.....a waterless dry dredge.
