Glossary
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It is not difficult to recognize that it is impossible to purchase an archeological dredge, or an underwater vacuum cleaner, at your local hardware store. Therefore, in 1983, the CHASQ was forced to manufacture its own version of a pumping mechanism. After an extensive amount of cutting, bending, and generally fighting with aluminum pipe it was realized that this was not a practical material for this application. In addition to being heavy it was quite awkward to work with.

In the following years standard black PVC plumping pipe became a useful alternative. Each year, in order to create a new dredging mechanism, the team cut and glued a lot of PVC pipe.

Once the homemade pump assembly was ready the upper end was attached to a floating dock that acted as a sifter. An air hose was connected to the underwater end of the PVC pipe. The air hose was then attached to an air compressor. Since this machine was very noisy it was moved to the bank of the channel.

The dredge that the CHASQ designed was simple... no extra attachments, but it performed the task it was designed to for relatively well.