Dredging/Highbanking

[(SilverPirate)]

Can anyone help me ? I just built a high banker/dredge that I'm going to make into a 2-1/2'' dredge , i have a 2'' pump should i run 2'' pressure hose to the nozzle and reduce to the required 1-1/2 '' right at the nozzle -OR- just reduce down at the pump and run 1-1/2'' ? also has anyone used VARCO blue water hose for there dredge

 

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[russau]

Run the 2 inch to the nozzle.

 

[(SilverPirate)]

Ok what about the nozzle i see some 2-1/2 nozzles the are powered with 1-1/2'' and some that are 1-1/4'' which is better for the 2-1/2'' nozzle?

 

[russau]

1 1/2 would get more water pressure due to line restrictions. but either will work. run what you've brung!

 

[(SilverPirate)]

Thank you for all your info just ordered nozzle. now onto the hoses . This company Varco Pumper Supplies | Jetter Hose | Suction Hose | Brass Valves | Septic Supplies has 2-1/2 blue water hose at a great price has anyone used this hose for there dredge??

 

[specksandflecks]

Blue layflat hose works for pressure and is easy to roll up and carry. Think I can get 50' or so into a 5 gal bucket. Consider using 10-15' of ribbed hose for pressure where it connects to the suction nozzle since it doesn't kink.

I used a threaded a PVC valve big enough to maintain pressure hose ID with a wye for blaster nozzle attached to the suction nozzle. Makes it easier to cut pressure to clear jams when you get them.

I can't run the blaster nozzle while using the suction nozzle since I wasn't born with 3 hands, and it takes 2 hands to run the suction nozzle to keep from getting jams since I dredge by feel in shallow muddy puddles and will never ever use one of those stupid nozzle screens.

Also consider a flare and keep it low for better suction and no grizzly bars to mess with.

 

[(SilverPirate)]

OK getting some great info … What should the length of my 2-1/2'' hose be ? from info i see it looks like anywhere from 16-20', Also i know a 2'' trash pump isn't the best and you want a pump with at least 90psi but can you get away with using 2'' a trash pump with a 2-1/2'' nozzle?? has anyone tried it?

 

[QNCrazy]

I am a miner on a budget so this is my setup for dredge/highbanker. I run a 2" Harbor Freight clear water pump rated for 50+ PSI. I made a 6" adapter coming off the pump to reduce from 2" to 1 1/2". Here is where my budget comes into play. I purchased a 30' length of 1 1/2" pool hose and adapted that for use as my supply line. The connection on my 2 1/2" suction nozzle is 1 1/4" so I had to adapt the other end of the pool hose to fit that. I will be adding some camlock quick connectors soon. My 2 1/2" hose off the suction nozzle is 14-15'. I have another 14-15' length of hose I can add on if necessary but I have to make sure I have a tight seal at the joint and add a reducer on the tip of the nozzle to avoid plug ups. At half throttle, I get plenty of suction to work with. At full throttle, well, it really moves the material.

 

[(SilverPirate)]

Thanks for your info i was planning on using the pool hose as well.I can't use that trash pump from harbor freight because I'm limited to 5hp, but I've found a clone online. this is my first ''build ''dredge high banker and I'm so looking forward to getting out there and trying it out. just trying to get this right the first time , its a 4 hour drive to get to that gold .

 

[SierraMadre]

1 1/2" or 2" hose will both work. 1 1/2" a little handier to use. The lay-flat hose can be a pain in the neck because of kinking unless you can keep it stretched out straight but it does roll up compact. 20' is usually plenty. If its lays-flat the longer it is the harder it is to keep it from kinking. You can try the thing out at home before you make the 4 hour drive. Fill up the bathtub and see how well it sucks the water out of it

 

[(SilverPirate)]

Can any one tell me what angle should i be at on my high banker /dredge running as a dredge i have a 2-1/2 nozzle 6ft x 12'' box ??

 

[GoldpannerDave]

Sorry, can't help it. I suspect it is a typo, but while I am not sure which "angel" should be on your dredge, Saint Barbara is the patron saint of miners.

 

[winners58]

1 inch drop per foot of sluice so the end of a 6 foot sluice should be 6 inch's lower than the top
for a dredge with a jet flair that push's the water that should have very little slope to it
for me the layflat hose lasted longer than that Blue hose because it is not tolerant of heat or cold
the stuff I had after a few weeks just a scuff and it would split. it easy to fix though with
gray ABS connectors, hose clamps and a pan of boiling water to make the hose soft

 

[(SilverPirate)]

thanks Winner58 you been very helpful.

 

[(SilverPirate)]

Well yesterday was the first time out with my 2-1/2" dredge. I'm running a GX160 Honda motor with a North Star 90 psi pump. Well to all those out there trying to do your project on a budget don't waste your money or time using 1-1/2'' pool hose it will just stretch and blow out and the ''lay flat'' hose will blow too unless its straight all the time which is damn near impossible. Your dealing with high pressure so use the right hose. (live and learn) The motor ran great, I did have to run it at 3/4 throttle in order to get enough suction on the nozzle. I hope by me running smooth hose and only about 20 ft vs the 35 ft of pool hose I can get the engine down to 1/2 throttle. I can't tell you how much less work it is to dredge. Besides the set up and hauling of the equipment it beats a shovel any-day. Theres no going back once you have used a dredge. As for gold, a few colors. Not much because of the learning curve involved with dredging and hose issues . Next time I'll get her done.