Also called a Broad Tom , this is a modified sluice box. In its simplest form, it consists of two sections. The upper section, called a tom, is a long trough in which the dirt is placed and acts as a large hopper. At the down slope end is a grating or screen set at a 45 degree angle. The second section is a riffle box, with the upper end set under the lower end of the tom. This receives the classified dirt that passes the screen on the tom. While water is directed into the upper end of the tom, the dirt is worked with a rake to break up any lumps of clay, clean off organic matter and knock any dirt from the rocks. The fine material flows through the screen and into the riffle box. This is usually a two or three man operation. This type of equipment is little used these days, especially in the desert, and is not used by club members.
