How to Make a Suction Dredge

Gold prospectors who seek gold in the water will need a suction dredge. While there are many commercial dredges available, low-budget prospectors may experience sticker shock. The suction dredge works by pulling water, gravel, and gold into a sluice. The sluice expels the gravel and saves the valuable gold. After getting all the parts you need, you will connect them to create your dredge. The key component is a small engine that drives the pump. You can find the parts in a prospecting store or order them online.

Things You'll Need

• Engine
• Pump
• Pressure hose
• Intake hose
• Foot valve
• Power jet
• Sluice box
• Suction hose
• Stainless steel clamps

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Connect the pump to the engine by bolting the pump to the engine. Tighten the pump to the hole so that it will not come loose during operation.

   • 2

     Clamp the pressure hose into the pump.

   • 3

     Connect the intake hose to the bottom of the pump. Clamp the foot valve to the end of the intake hose.

   • 4

     Take the end of the pressure hose and place it inside the hole in the power jet. Place the wide end of the power jet inside the sluice box. Connect the opposite end of the power jet to the suction hose.