Build your own dredging hand pump

[williamsingr]

Here is a look at the one I built using PVC for about $100 no glue needed I used marine grease works great.
I use a corrugated hose I can take on and off to suck up gravel and gold from behind boulders in streams and then pump it into a 5 gal bucket to be cleaned. The gate valve are inside the chamber ends and were also built easily.

 

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[roscoerossie]

Very good thread thank you. If i have any questions do you mind if i ask them thanks from PA.

 

[ohiochris]

Im thinking of making one like this. Any way you could explain how to make the gate valves ? Thanks

 

[Maitland]

Looks like an interesting idea, have you had a chance to try it out yet, and if so does it work well?

 

[williamsingr]

I have some more pics I will put up as soon as I can figure out where they downloaded to my computer. Ask any questions you want this was rather easy to make once i figured it out,,I probably spent about 5 hours at the store that day. And yes it works extremely well with large chamber and gate valves the suction is powerful enough to clean up a gravel area fast.

 

[hunter_46356]

Need to understand the gate valves and how you made them/ bought them or what ever. I've made a hand pump to pump into a 5gal. bkt. but haven't got it wet yet. I used typical check valves bought at home depot. I've also got a 1/4" classifier screen on the suction tip to cut down on gravel plug up problems with the valves. Do you have to manually open and close the gaet style valve. some poc's would be great to understand what you've done.

 

[russau]

the check valve/gate valve is a rubber cap (pressure check cap)thats used to pressure check a plumbing system.its found in with the plumbing suppies. you slip this over a PVC pipe and tighten it down with a hose clamp and then slit the upper edge of it with a knife about 300 degrees around it and place it in the system so when you draw back on the suction rod it opens the check allowing material to enter the tube and at the same time closes the other check to prevent any material to backup in your device. these check valves work just the opposite direction each time the handel is pullled/pushed.