AgAuPtRh
Well-known member
Having had a little experience in this field of Metal Detecting and being inspired by the generosity of our hosts--I've thought it would be good for those of you that haven't yet had the pleasure of detecting to hear a little about the hobby.
It's true--you can and will find some really cool stuff with a metal detector. Bottle caps by the hundreds, flip tops by the thousands, condom wrappers, ketchup,mayo and mustard. And then they are the days when you unexpectedly pop an old coin or ring out of your basket. Your first ring will have your heart pounding and it will ease all the frustration of goody bags filled with trash. That first piece of GOLD---whatever it is will keep you hunting for more. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from the hobby with the talk about trash--only trying to relate the reality of treasure hunting with a metal detector.
There are many good manufacturers of Metal Detectors. The thing to consider is what kind of hunting you will be doing. Will you be in or near the water? Will you be submerging your detector? Will you be hunting parks and playgrounds? Will you be out in the desert looking for nuggets?
It won't be hard to find a detector for your specific need and it wont be hard to find one that can adapt to different hunting styles either. Prices range from 2 to 3 hundred all the way in to the thousands.
Deciding first what you might be willing to invest would be a wise idea. Starting out small would be a good idea too. Your first detector should be one that has a known reputation, good customer service and a warranty should anything go wrong.
Once you have decided and made your purchase-------STOP---right there---Breathe a little and get your heart rate down some--Oxygen in the brain is needed at this point. Most folks run out the door while they are still putting the batteries in place---minds filled with finding GOLD GOLD GOLD. This is where we separate "the men from the boys" It's time to do some tests and get used to the machine to see how it works.
Take a few samples of what you might expect to find. Good stuff and the trash too. I have in the past used some stir sticks for paint. They are about a foot long, not metal and easy to use. What you do is glue your samples to the end of the sticks. And no---it doesn't matter which end !!!! heh heh. A penny, a dime, a quarter, some clad, some silver, a small piece
of gold, a flip top, a bottle cap etc you get the point. Now turn your detector on-- and wave your samples---up close and then slowly work away from the detector. After a short bit of time you will start to hear different tones from different metals. Some really sharp tones--POPS-- and some more eeeeeeven tones. heh heh you'll like those.
Now you can go outside and try a "test garden". Bury a few things in your yard. And try them at different depths. For things that have any value--Like a ring it might be smart to tie or glue a bit of fishing line or string --juuuuuuust in case.
Having spent a short bit of time experimenting with your new detector is well worth the effort. And for the MEN out there----READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.
Some things to consider before you go out hunting.
1. Make sure you have permission to be detecting the property you are on.
2. Always take fresh batteries for replacements. Many have ventured in to the field-found an awesome spot--only to run out of juice and have to go home.
3. Look for a local Detector Club in your area. You may find some friends to help you and teach you how to have a better success in your area.
4. Have a goody bag, trash bag, digging and sifting tools.
5. Relax--have a good time.
That should cover some basics---give those interested an overview.
I'll try sometime during the week to add some info about hunting the beaches---at the right time---with no detector---and having success. Remember---folks were finding gold 3 thousand years ago.
It's true--you can and will find some really cool stuff with a metal detector. Bottle caps by the hundreds, flip tops by the thousands, condom wrappers, ketchup,mayo and mustard. And then they are the days when you unexpectedly pop an old coin or ring out of your basket. Your first ring will have your heart pounding and it will ease all the frustration of goody bags filled with trash. That first piece of GOLD---whatever it is will keep you hunting for more. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from the hobby with the talk about trash--only trying to relate the reality of treasure hunting with a metal detector.
There are many good manufacturers of Metal Detectors. The thing to consider is what kind of hunting you will be doing. Will you be in or near the water? Will you be submerging your detector? Will you be hunting parks and playgrounds? Will you be out in the desert looking for nuggets?
It won't be hard to find a detector for your specific need and it wont be hard to find one that can adapt to different hunting styles either. Prices range from 2 to 3 hundred all the way in to the thousands.
Deciding first what you might be willing to invest would be a wise idea. Starting out small would be a good idea too. Your first detector should be one that has a known reputation, good customer service and a warranty should anything go wrong.
Once you have decided and made your purchase-------STOP---right there---Breathe a little and get your heart rate down some--Oxygen in the brain is needed at this point. Most folks run out the door while they are still putting the batteries in place---minds filled with finding GOLD GOLD GOLD. This is where we separate "the men from the boys" It's time to do some tests and get used to the machine to see how it works.
Take a few samples of what you might expect to find. Good stuff and the trash too. I have in the past used some stir sticks for paint. They are about a foot long, not metal and easy to use. What you do is glue your samples to the end of the sticks. And no---it doesn't matter which end !!!! heh heh. A penny, a dime, a quarter, some clad, some silver, a small piece
of gold, a flip top, a bottle cap etc you get the point. Now turn your detector on-- and wave your samples---up close and then slowly work away from the detector. After a short bit of time you will start to hear different tones from different metals. Some really sharp tones--POPS-- and some more eeeeeeven tones. heh heh you'll like those.
Now you can go outside and try a "test garden". Bury a few things in your yard. And try them at different depths. For things that have any value--Like a ring it might be smart to tie or glue a bit of fishing line or string --juuuuuuust in case.
Having spent a short bit of time experimenting with your new detector is well worth the effort. And for the MEN out there----READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.
Some things to consider before you go out hunting.
1. Make sure you have permission to be detecting the property you are on.
2. Always take fresh batteries for replacements. Many have ventured in to the field-found an awesome spot--only to run out of juice and have to go home.
3. Look for a local Detector Club in your area. You may find some friends to help you and teach you how to have a better success in your area.
4. Have a goody bag, trash bag, digging and sifting tools.
5. Relax--have a good time.
That should cover some basics---give those interested an overview.
I'll try sometime during the week to add some info about hunting the beaches---at the right time---with no detector---and having success. Remember---folks were finding gold 3 thousand years ago.