12V crack vac

[G-bone]

Yodels all!
I think it may start cooling off here a little and Im getting my Drywasher set-up ready to rock.
I'm keeping powered items at 12V power, multiple batteries w/ solar charge set-up etc.
So I'm looking at 12V portable vacuums for crack-vaccing.

I have a few I'm considering.
But I thought I would check here to see if anyone has already gone through the trials and tribulations and can pass on their lessons learned?

I did a search here, but all vac related posts seem to be more gas powered blowers.
I'll keep digging though.

cheers

G

 

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[rodoconnor]

I've always had an Echo 2 cycle unit.However, I did see a guy using a 12 V. Dewalt vacuum and it worked really well.

 

[Hard Prospector]

G,
I think you and I are much alike when it comes to trying to build a lite weight prospecting program around our Thompson. That being said, I bought a 12v/ auto vac. that was made for vacuuming the inside of a car and plugs into a D/C outlet with about 6' of cord for around $25. I bought it mainly to vac the first few riffles of the box for quick sampling. The suction power for this machine isn't the best but for this purpose has proven more than adequate...... and its very lite weight. I have yet to try it on bedrock but my hope is that using it in conjunction with wisk broom, crack hammer and digging tool, it will work good enough to be able to leave my Keene crack vac in the truck. The one I bought is made by;

Fine Auto Products
Portable Wet & Dry Auto Vacuum Cleaner

Having a difficult time finding one anyplace else, I ordered this one from American Prospector/Treasure Seeker
Stock #J-5173 for $21.95 and its worked so well (and cheap) that I bought a back-up

BTW, I've switched over to using 12v yard and tractor battery (Walmart), this allows me to run the Thompson and vac with plenty of power for a day and not drag out a solar panel

 

[Goldwasher]

all commercial ones are 18v ie. (dewalt) I just got the cheapo 12v wet/dry car one. works great. you can cut the inflation nozzle and slip a flexible extension tube in it

 

[G-bone]

Thanks guys.
I have a couple units I'm looking at on Ebay.
I was thinking of making a Cyclonic attachment to reduce motor stress.
The Vac I'm looking at might be able to have it built into the lower chamber vs. an external attachment.



Right now I've been using Li Motorcycle batteries.
They are super light and I take two.
But I do need to find alt Batteries.

HP, how much does that battery weigh?

 

[Hard Prospector]

Thanks guys.
I have a couple units I'm looking at on Ebay.
I was thinking of making a Cyclonic attachment to reduce motor stress.
The Vac I'm looking at might be able to have it built into the lower chamber vs. an external attachment.
View attachment 1358732


Right now I've been using Li Motorcycle batteries.
They are super light and I take two.
But I do need to find alt Batteries.

HP, how much does that battery weigh?

The Walmart yard tractor battery that I use weighs around 10lbs, a bit on the heavy side but cheap and it will run both of my Thompsons all day.

Let me know how any mods. you make on the 12v vacuum work out

 

[G-bone]

Let me know how any mods. you make on the 12v vacuum work out

Copy that.


This model is also catching my attention.

With cyclonic action built in.
I think this unit can be "down sized" as well - removing unnecessary clips that hold the hose etc.
but a little more money....

Anyone use one of these before? even for a car or at home?

 

[Hard Prospector]

Copy that.


This model is also catching my attention.
View attachment 1359296
With cyclonic action built in.
I think this unit can be "down sized" as well - removing unnecessary clips that hold the hose etc.
but a little more money....

Anyone use one of these before? even for a car or at home?

G,
I should have known if there was a better 12v vac out there you'd be the one to find it.

 

[Rob in KS]

Copy that.


This model is also catching my attention.
View attachment 1359296
With cyclonic action built in.
I think this unit can be "down sized" as well - removing unnecessary clips that hold the hose etc.
but a little more money....

Anyone use one of these before? even for a car or at home?

Chrome wheels, fuel injected and steppin out over the line