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How to Convert a Sluice Box to a Power Sluice

The next gold rush will see a different kind of mining, not just a different set of prospectors. Today there are power tools to help mine for gold. The old 49ers didn't have access to power tools and equipment like prospectors do today. These new power tools can help miners convert a manual sluice box to a power sluice. Simply put, adding new technology to a sluice box may yield more gold per hour than without.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape
Sluice
Water pump
PVC piping
Glue
Drill
Hose clamps
Screws
Screwdriver
Aluminum can
Y-connector
Hose adapter
Hose
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width of the sluice box at its top and middle. Cut a length of 1 1/2-inch PVC tubing as long as the sluice is wide. Leave enough room to add an end cap to the PVC and allow for mounting of the tube onto the sluice box.
- 2
  Drill holes in one side of the PVC pipes and place an end cap on one end and glue securely in place. Attach a length of hose to the other end of the PVC pipes with a hose clamp to hold the water hose in place where the water will enter the power washer.
- 3
  Attach the PVC tubes to the sluice using screws, a screwdriver and aluminum can bracket to hold them in place. Run the PVC through the hole cut into the aluminum and then screw the aluminum bracket into the sluice box with screws to hold the power washer in place.
- 4
  Place a pump near a water supply and place the inlet tube in water. Connect the water pump to the power washer using a garden hose Y-connector. Turn on the pump and run water to the two hoses of the PVC power washer.
- 5
  Set the valves of the Y-connector so that the pressure from the pump is just right for separating gold using a sluice box. When the pressure is set and the sluice is at the right angle, begin to run gold ore through the new power sluice to separate the gold from the gold ore debris.

Rocks & Minerals