Keene's new HP160 pump...Miracle Mat

[tcfifer]

Was looking at Keene's new HP160 pumps? Am curious for any feedback. Is this replacing the P100?

Also, am curious about their new Miracle Mat. Has anyone thought about replacing their dredge's standard ribbed matting with this stuff?

TC

[russau]

Tim after looking/reading about this new matting, i dont want anything todo with it! to costly and has some problems with small air bubbels attaching to it. these bubbels need tobe brushed off periodically. sounds like to much to bother with!im getting ready to replace my ole miners moss with some carpet John "Hoser" Oates showed me. its made by Shaw and the name of the AG carpet (outdoor) is called "Veranda" and the number is #54163 and its ava. through any carpet store. its a unbacked tight diamond shaped patteren and its between 1/4-3/8 of a inch thick.anyway thats what im going to use for 2011 up in DC Wyoming.

[tcfifer]

Russ, Haven't heard about the air bubbles. If they have to be brushed off, then that doesn't sound like a good prospect for an undersluice mat. Maybe too high maintenance. The cost is up there, but if it was as good as Keene's hype, it would end up paying for itself. So, are the bubbles showing up in a cleanup concentrator, or in higher volumes of water, i.e., dredge or sluice?

I saw John's post on another forum regarding the Veranda carpet and did a google search on it, came up with next to nada.

As for the pump, I've got a 4 h Honda that I'm going to add a pump to. Was looking at the P100 in an older catalog, but the new catalog and price list doesn't mention it anymore.

I have intentions of coming up to DC this year, if for no other reason than to attend Gene's memorial service and to toss back a few with old friends. Money's still a big issue though, so no plans etched in stone yet.

TC

[russau]

Tim goto any carpet company and ask for Shaws "Veranda" AG (outdoor) carpet #54163 its availiable at these stores. i went in to one by my home and they had small samples of it and would have to order it for me.

[libertydave]

When Keene's "miracle mat" first came out we had it installed in several of the dredges we sold, primarily because the customers asked for it.

Last summer had several positive responses from those using the M-M. We also installed it in our 4" demo dredge and used it for a week in SW Oregon. The issue with the small 'bubbles' appears to be some rubber parting agent that dissolved after we cleaned and rinse the mat. Frankly, it worked very well for us, better than the ribbed-rubber matting. I also saw a six inch dredge with M-M and the owner raved about its gold retention. Just an observation.

Liberty Dave

[russau]

good point on the mat Dave! thanks

[tcfifer]

Good info Dave. The positive feedback speaks volumes.

TC

[CalGoldDredger]

What's the cost per inch for that miracle mat????

[libertydave]

I am awaiting Keene's new retail price list so I suggest calling them directly at 800-392-4653 and ask for the current price. I have been buying it in sheets and currently have four in stock. Sheets are 3'x3' and we've been cutting them to suit the application. It is pricey but worth it if it helps catch and retain the gold. As we said earlier it has worked for us. Rinse it well with soap and water and we used some OOOO steel wool VERY lightly on the surface. Good luck and good mining.

FYI, Washington State Gold Show this weekend, Feb 26-27 at Monroe WA Evergreen Fairgrounds. If you are around stop by our booth and say hello. We are Liberty Resources Company.

Regards, Liberty Dave

[tcfifer]

My 2010 Keene price list says its $8.00 per linear inch. So a 16" x 36" piece to go in my under sluice would cost me $128.00 + S&H.

TC