How to Build a Sluice Box

A sluice box is a piece of mining equipment used by prospectors to separate gold from river gravel. A sluice box can be made of wood, plastic or metal, and is lined with "riffles" that trap the heavier gravels containing the gold while allowing the river water and lighter rocks to be carried away. Once the riffles catch a large quantity of black sand, the box is cleaned and the collected material is sorted through by hand. If you're thinking of taking up gold prospecting as a hobby, sluicing is an easy way to begin. Learn how to construct a sluice that is inexpensive, lightweight and simple to build and operate.

Things You'll Need

• 1 nonperforated, 5-foot-long plastic sewer pipe 11x4x5 board 4 drywall screws Utility knife Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Straighten the pipe and lay it on a flat surface. Find the seam on the length of the pipe. Using a utility knife, cut the pipe down the length of the seam. Once you have reached the end of the pipe, turn it over and cut down the other seam. When you have finished this, the pipe will be cut in half lengthwise.

2. Check the size of your board against the size of your pipe half. Turn your pipe over so the cut side is face down. Place the board on top of the pipe. The board should span the entire length of the pipe and should be approximately as wide.

3. Remove the board and place it on a flat surface. Turn the pipe so the cut side is face up and place it on the board. Align the pipe with the board.

4. Place the first screw 2 inches from the end of the pipe. Use the screwdriver to attach the pipe to the board. Be careful not to attach the board to your work surface.

5. Place the second screw 16 inches down from the first. Place the third screw 16 inches from the second, and the fourth screw 2 inches from the other end. Smooth the pipe and pull it tight between screws so there is no slack in the pipe.

6. To use your sewer pipe sluice box, prop one end up and place one end in a collecting bucket. Attach a small hose to the top and start the water running slowly and evenly across the riffles, then add your material.

Tips & Warnings

• Prop your sluice at a 15- to 20-degree angle. Once your have your water flowing, adjust the angle to keep the water running slowly but steadily through the sluice. Add your gravel one scoop at a time. Wait until the first scoop has completely made its way down the sluice before adding another one.

• Make sure it's legal to use a gold sluice in your area.

Resources

• How Sluice Boxes Work
• Learn Gold Prospecting