Started originally to investigate a Vortxrex dry land dredge nozzle, apparently someone else also did the same. While I got sort of excited over the prospect of suctioning dirt/slurry with less effort than most methods, I overlooked the truckload of hoses, pumps, supports, poles, guy wires, and probably a trailer, truck, ATV, etc. Mind you, this is a great device, but not suitable for one or two people to comfortably handle with all of the ancillary devices attached to it. Unless time is not an issue.
But I did build a modified Couple/Infinity Jet from PVC. Granted, equipment helps. I used a CNC machine to create parts in short order with little or no real effort. The total cost was under $45, after buying some parts at Habitat Re-Use Store in Raleigh, NC. I aim to place the jet between the power log and the sluice as a "booster" to increase suction and throughput. The rig is a 6.5 HP engine driving a Keene P-195, attached to a four inch power log. I did set the gap at 1/8" to start, can adjust later. The case is a 6 inch PVC pipe with 4 inch throughput. I could not have attempted this without the resources of TN.
Here are some images of the nozzle parts and assembly -
Input end
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Six inch end cap machined for a press fit of the four inch throughput pipe
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With a six inch cavity, I saw no reason to angle the input. Added two layers of pipe
to thicken and support the water input. Bolted and glued, PVC.
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Both nozzle parts were cut to 11 - 13 degrees.
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Assembled unit. I never could get neat with the purple solvent.
To adjust the gap I simply move the output end cap, which moves
the internal parts. Apply a few screws to the end cap to secure the
position, and you're done. Weighs in at about 7 pounds.
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