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So, I am building primarily a 48" beach sluice box to use on our wonderful gold laden beaches here in Oregon. I have added pictures as to the process. I basically found a flare left over after selling a small 6" wide sluice box that I had originally had the flare on but added a header box. I sold that and well I found the flare when going through stuff. I cannot let that go to waste so I figured a beach specific box would be great. 

So, I bought a 12" x 48" 0.063" Aluminum Sheet 5052-H32, bent that, drilled a few holes, and attached flare. Found a piece of small, ribbed indicator matting and used E-6000 to glue to flare. I ordered a 6" x 48" Gold Stop Matting from Martins Prospecting as the main catch mat. This is not the vortex matting it is similar though. I originally was going to just E-6000 the Gold Stop Matting to the sluice but then decided I want to be able to change different mats for other prospecting scenarios. I also wanted to be able to pull the Gold Stop Matting out of the box so to clean off between runs. I will attach two 1/2 x 1/2 Aluminum angle iron down  both edges to hold the mat down. I will be able to lift these from the bottom and slide the matt out for cleaning.   

I am still waiting for a few parts to complete the project. In the pictures nothing had been secured down. It is just roughed in now. I will add pictures as it develops into a final finished product. I will add two cross braces, a lower leg bracket set to have legs on the bottom only, and I will add a handle to carry once I figure out the balance point.   

The primary beach function of this sluice will have the indicator mat, the Gold Stop Mat, and expanded metal ( ~ 2 feet) over that. The idea for the extra length being at 48" is so I can minimize classifying. I hope I can just shovel in gravel and most if not all roll down the Gold Stop Mat/expanded metal ( ~2 ft) with black sands and gold working its way down into the mat during the process. I want to run the water faster than most people run beach sands. The extra length should allow for valuables to fall out. Worse case I classify.

Now all that being said changing the mat profiles for other gold prospecting scenarios is something you can comment on if interested. I will be able to secure three sections over the 48" length as is. Any thoughts on this "potential" set up are welcome. Any comments on the current "beach" set up welcome.  

Cost so far:

Aluminum Sheet: $19.00

Gold Stop Mat: $28.00

Aluminum rails: $9.00

E-6000 tube: $5.00

To be continued...