The amount of material a 3 inch hand sucker will move

[deserdog]

I did a test to see how much material a 3 inch would move. This is material right from the creek, after loosening it up with my digging bar. Each pan is one suction stroke. First picture is all of thematerial in a 14 inch gold pan, then the oversize in a 1/2" classifier.

 

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[bcfromfl]

I've searched and searched for the right kind of 3" expansion plug...which is really the heart of this system. There appear to be a couple of different designs available, but I can't find the one that would be appropriate for this project. Anyone with a link or product number?

Thanks!

 

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[Jeff95531]

You may have to fabricate. I intend to do the same thing to mine and upgrade to a leather cup.

 

[deserdog]

Here is what I use, a 3" plumbers test plug.

 

[Oregon Viking]

I like the "move a lot of material" aspect of this beast. If you could get these valves, Gold Prospecting Equipment by Gold-N-Sand shown here in the valve upgrade kit, in 3 inch.... That would make the Gold-N-Sand much more efficient. You can get the gamma lids for 5 gallon buckets also.

 

[bcfromfl]

Here is what I use, a 3" plumbers test plug.

Where do you get them from?

 

[arizau]

Where do you get them from?

Local hardware stores, home depot, etc.

 

[russau]

I made my own plug using a circular gasket cutter and some large stainless steel washers and I cut out some round butyl rubber washers that were a slightly tight fit into the PVC tube. I probly had 6 of these butyl rubber disks with the S.S. washers inbetween them . EZ to make and I ended up giving it away and made another, gave it away also.....Then I won a Chucks Gold Sucker at a rally in Idaho Springs Colorado in 06 or 07.

 

[Jimmydolittle]

Got mine at Rural King.

Where do you get them from?

 

[bcfromfl]

Thanks!

 

[wildminer]

Here is what I use, a 3" plumbers test plug.
View attachment 1388393

This is also what I used to make my 3"x5'. Works great. If I make another I may try leather. I have an 1/8 bend with a few inches of abs on the intake end. Reed Lukens has a great video on how to if you can find that.

 

[Jeff95531]

This one wildminer?

 

[bcfromfl]

I'm always struck when I watch all the videos of guys using sluices how slow the water is set up. Doc's stream sluice really steps up the production!

 

[BMOLLMAN]

I've used something similar to this to keep the material from flowing back out.

 

[wildminer]

I'm always struck when I watch all the videos of guys using sluices how slow the water is set up. Doc's stream sluice really steps up the production!

Reed's working as hard as I want to work and I would be satisfied with his take anytime.

 

[bcfromfl]

Just an equipment observation -- didn't mean to offend anyone...

 

[wildminer]

 

[bcfromfl]

OK -- so I finally found the right 3" expansion plug...Home Depot and Lowe's around here carry a different design that won't work. I've been turning this thing over and over in my hands the past few days, and taking it apart and putting back together. What method would be the best to trim the top washer so it fits inside the 3" PVC barrel? This thing is no joke -- it's made from heavy gauge steel, I think. I'm almost considering taking it to a machine shop somewhere, but would rather do it myself. Haven't tried a hacksaw yet, but I have a feeling it's just going to polish the edge instead of cut. And cutting a round 2-3/4" circle with a hacksaw sounds like an exercise in futility.

I do have a file set so I can clean the edge when I'm done, but I'd rather it stays reasonably round and not jagged. Hope someone here has a great idea so I won't bang up my knuckles and cut my fingers!

 

[Jeff95531]

I have done it with a pair of vice grips, patience and a bench grinder but hopefully you'll get a better idea from someone else. Good luck. Soon as I settle on some leather for the existing foam piston I have, I'll be mcgiverin myself. The foam piston is cinched down with the wing nut as tight as it will go...good for now but even I know better to work the edge of fail when prospecting. .

 

[deserdog]

what type of plug are you using? One like I showed in a picture awhile back?

 

[Oregon Viking]

OK -- so I finally found the right 3" expansion plug...Home Depot and Lowe's around here carry a different design that won't work. I've been turning this thing over and over in my hands the past few days, and taking it apart and putting back together. What method would be the best to trim the top washer so it fits inside the 3" PVC barrel? This thing is no joke -- it's made from heavy gauge steel, I think. I'm almost considering taking it to a machine shop somewhere, but would rather do it myself. Haven't tried a hacksaw yet, but I have a feeling it's just going to polish the edge instead of cut. And cutting a round 2-3/4" circle with a hacksaw sounds like an exercise in futility.

I do have a file set so I can clean the edge when I'm done, but I'd rather it stays reasonably round and not jagged. Hope someone here has a great idea so I won't bang up my knuckles and cut my fingers!

You said you wanted to trim the top washer. Is it removable? Can you just make a new washer? Find one the size you need, or, get a hole saw and some sheets of stainless, aluminum what ever you want.... Then your set! How about a pic ?