Well now, if ya lookin’ for used sluice boxes, I reckon you’ve come to the right place. Folks like us in the gold panning business, we all know that sluice boxes are a big part of the game. Used ones, though? They’re just as good as new, sometimes even better, ‘cause they’re tried and tested. And you can find ’em cheap if ya know where to look. Let me tell ya all about where to get ‘em and why you might want one!
What’s a Sluice Box Anyway?
Now, I ain’t one for fancy talk, but I’ll tell ya, a sluice box is just a long, narrow box that helps separate gold from dirt and rocks. Water runs through it, and the heavy gold gets caught in the grooves or mats while the lighter dirt gets washed away. Simple as that! If ya’re looking to do a bit of gold panning, you’re gonna need one of these, whether it’s brand new or used.
Where Can You Find Used Sluice Boxes?
Now, the first place to check is always eBay. There’s always someone sellin’ used sluice boxes there. Some of ‘em are old but still in good shape, others are practically brand new. Prices can vary, but you can get some real good deals if ya look carefully. Just search for “used sluice boxes for sale” and see what pops up.
- On eBay, you’ll find used sluice boxes starting under $10. Yup, that’s right—under $10! Most of ’em come with all the mats and other bits, so you don’t gotta worry about buyin’ extra stuff.
- Sometimes folks sell parts separately, like sluice mats or miner moss, so if ya just need a part, you can find that too.
- And if you’re lucky, you might even find a whole set up for gold mining, like the 6-inch Keene Engineering triple sluice. That’s a nice find if you want a good, reliable sluice box.
What to Look For in a Used Sluice Box?
If you’re gonna buy a used sluice box, ya need to know what to look for. First, check the condition. If the box is all bent up or got big cracks, it ain’t worth much. But if it’s just a bit dirty, don’t let that scare ya off. A good cleanin’ will do wonders.
- Size: Sluice boxes come in different sizes. A 24-inch box is good for small gold panning, but if ya want to do more serious mining, ya might want somethin’ bigger.
- Material: Most sluice boxes are made of metal or aluminum. If ya can find one made of aluminum, that’s a good choice ‘cause they’re light and won’t rust.
- Condition: Like I said, check for wear and tear. Look at the mats too—if they’re worn down, you might need to replace ’em, but that’s easy to do.
Are Used Sluice Boxes Worth It?
You might be wonderin’ if buyin’ a used sluice box is worth it. Well, if you’re just startin’ out or don’t have a lot of money, it sure is! Used ones can do the job just as well as a new one, and they’re a lot cheaper. Plus, you ain’t gotta worry about the wear ‘n tear, ‘cause they’ve already been broken in!
And if you want somethin’ that’s still in great condition, check out places like Savona Equipment. They sell new and used sluice boxes, and you can find some good deals on them. They even got dredge sluice boxes for folks who want to do more serious gold recovery.
Tips for Using a Sluice Box
Now, if you’re new to sluicing, I’ll give ya a few tips. First, make sure you got a good angle on your sluice. Ya don’t want it too steep or too flat. Aim for about 9 to 11 degrees—that’s the sweet spot for catching gold. And don’t forget about your water flow. Too little water, and it won’t wash the dirt away; too much water, and the gold might wash out too. Keep it just right, and you’ll be good to go.
Another thing is your matting. If you’ve got miner’s moss or rubber mats, make sure they’re in good shape. If they get too worn out, they won’t catch as much gold, and that means you’re wastin’ your time.
Where Else Can You Find Used Sluice Boxes?
If eBay ain’t your thing, there’s plenty of other places to look. High Plains Prospectors is another good option for new and used sluice boxes. They’ve got a wide selection, and you can find all the accessories you need, too.
Don’t forget about local classified ads. Sometimes, folks in your area might be sellin’ their sluice boxes cheap just ‘cause they’re no longer mining. That’s a good way to find a deal if you ain’t lookin’ to shop online.
Final Thoughts
Well, there ya have it! If ya’re lookin’ for used sluice boxes, there’s plenty of places to find ‘em. Whether you’re on eBay, a mining equipment site, or just keepin’ an eye out for local deals, you can always find a good used sluice box for a decent price. Don’t be shy to ask questions and check the condition before ya buy, and remember, a little cleanin’ can go a long way. Now, go out there and start panning—there’s gold to be found!
Tags:[used sluice boxes, sluice boxes for sale, gold sluice box, buy sluice box, used gold mining equipment, eBay sluice boxes, Savona Equipment, sluicing, gold recovery, high plains prospectors]