a little diy dredge help

[KiddoTheMiner]

sometime in the future I would like to build a dredge capable of moving 2 yards an hour
so what size nozzle would I need for that
and what kind of pump as far as gph would I need
and what size sluice
any help is appreciated

 

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[Armchair prospector]

2 to 2 1/2 inch dredge. The Keene model says 1 1/2 yds. per hour for the 2". 3 HP.

 

[omnicron]

Keene numbers are all under "ideal" conditions moving just sand. Your going to need a 5 or 6" dredge to move that kind of material. But kido I'm going to tell you the same thing I tell everyone else who wants to build their first dredge...buy a used one off craigslist. Sure it may seem like you can save money building one BUT in the long run it will cost you much more. Consider your time, lost gold if your not working right, your gas out testing and back and forth, reconfiging things to fix problems...the list goes on and on.

Buy a used one, learn how they work and only then consider building one.
Here is the benefit of buying a used one...wait for it...
It will have actual pontoons!
While it may not seem like a big deal, trust me, it's major.
To buy a set of 'toons you'll drop $1000
Sure you can use barrels like I did but I'll tell you, I F'N hate the barrels. They take up so much space in my trailer, are not that easy to work with and oh did I mention they take up so much space in my trailer! LOL
Seriously consider my words. Other will soon chime in...
If you dead set on it, then look at keene or proline and use their specs as a blue print. They just didn't slap spare parts together, they put lots of R&D into their dredges.

 

[rebelstate]

Buy a used one, don't waste ur time and money trying to build a dredge less than 8 inches it ain't worth the headache !

 

[Hoser John]

Buy a used but not abused dredge and you save much $$$,time and pain. 4-5" will work just fine as long as you have a righteous blaster nozzle to pave the way-John

 

[KiddoTheMiner]

5 or 6 inch is a problem because I don't have access to a car where we can use a trailer
what kind of material can a 2.5 inch move

 

[omnicron]

Maybe 2 yards in a day...give or take.

 

[KiddoTheMiner]

Maybe 2 yards in a day...give or take.

couldn't I move more than that highbanking?

 

[rodoconnor]

Yes you could. A 2.5" should be thought of as a sniping tool IMHO. They have their place. Area of a circle is pi r squared. In theory you can move 4 times as much material with a 4". G/L Kiddo

 

[KiddoTheMiner]

Yes you could. A 2.5" should be thought of as a sniping tool IMHO. They have their place. Area of a circle is pi r squared. In theory you can move 4 times as much material with a 4". G/L Kiddo

at this point im thinking im jus going to build a highbanker with maybe a 2-3 inch dredge attachment for sniping or warm weather

 

[Hoser John]

Go to Proline website and copy their setup and save a fortune,do it right or not at all-NO INSIPID GRIZZLY BARS TO DREDGE-John