Anchor Points

Anchor points are normally set by the terrain that is surrounding the stream and its banks. The simplest way out is to choose one or more rocks that will serve like a firm wedge on the downstream position holding the dredge firmly and permits discharge between them. This would definitely be the ideal situation but since nature is nature, it cannot always be relied on and this is why it is a ground rule to always anchor the dredge.

Another ideal solution is to anchor the dredge with two ropes on either side of the stream. You can use trees or boulders if they are located (which they often are) on both sides of the stream so that the rope can be strongly and safely tied onto them.

Another good idea (if the situation grants it) is to put your vehicle close by and use it as an anchor point. There are occasions in which a big boulder can be rolled down into the area and this can be utilized however, it requires a great deal of work and is usually not worth it.

Another thing that can be done is to drive a stake in the ground or posts can be sunk into the bank however we strongly advice against it because it is risky and due to the fact that in most cases streams are made up of sand that does not have a strong foundation for holding a stake or pole. If you are not able to find firm anchors on the sides of the stream, you will normally need to go for stream anchors.

When a shore anchor point is chosen make sure it is firm enough so that it resists all the pressures anticipated before working. And when you are attaching the rope or line etc to the anchor point, make sure it is firm. One of the best anchor points consists of a very rooted tree that has eight or more inches in thickness. 

All right, so how exactly are you supposed to tie the rope to the tree for it to be safe? Simply wrap the rope around the tree one time and tie it with a square knot. Obviously, learn how to tie a square knot before hand. Then wrap the rope around the tree four or five times and then stretch the rope out to the dredge. If you take the extra wraps and tie the knot at the end the force extended on the knot will be of one hundred pounds per one hundred pounds of force on the rope. However if you do it the way we mentioned which is to tie the knot first and wrap it four to five times around the tree the pressure of the knot will be around one pound for every one hundred pounds of force. In other words you will be relying on the holding power of the anchor line to the breaking strength of the rope and not on how well you are able to tie knots. This also means that the knot will not be super tight and it will be easy to untie once you have finished.

The same idea is true when the rope needs to be attached to a rock. Using a rock as an anchor is a bit difficult and a lot has to do with the general shape of the rock. If it has a tendency of allowing the rope to slip, the anchor line can become loose and will not work. Make sure you choose a rock that is very elevated above the stream surface and not one that allows the anchor line to run more or less even to the surface.

When you are going to attach your anchor lines to your dredge make sure they are attached to the frame proper and not the supporting bars. Attach them up as high as you can because this will reduce the turning around of the center of gravity for the obvious fact that there will be more weight to lift at the fulcrum.