Wood sluice questions

[Caminochaos]

I am planning on making a wooden fluid bed sluice. I was wondering what is the best sealant/waterproofing stain to use? Also what joint caulking is best? Any other tips would be great as well.

Here are the preliminary plans.

 

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[Caminochaos]

Here's a better pic

 

[afreakofnature]

I do not have an answer to your question, but I just wanted to say that it sounds like a fun and cool project. Good luck on your build.

 

[UTAvalanche]

I have found that Helmsman Spar Varnish is a hard one to beat with clear silicone calking. Usually 3 coats will do it. I used to make wooden canoes in the 60's and we only had to refinish about every 10 years. So the Helmsman is some tough stuff.

I have made about 7 sluices so far and used that combination on them and they work well. I think you will enjoy building your own sluice and when you find out how easy it is, it probably won't be the last. I just finished up a small recirculating fluid bed sluice my self and it's surprising how much material you can run through these things before you have to clean out.