1000 Questions on Metal Detecting (okay, maybe not THAT many...)

[shakakka]

Hi all -

My metal detecting career is about 4 total hours old, and so far has been limited to my backyard. Still, as I'm sure most of you must know by now, that's all it can take to be totally hooked.

I've been reading this board for the last two days and it seems filled with good ideas and great people who are willing to help each other out and offer all kinds of encouragement. I think it's really cool, and I've really enjoyed the photos of all the fantastic stuff you've found. Coins are great, but the historical artifacts are just as interesting.

Hopefully some of you will indulge me with the endless myriad of newbie questions buzzing around in my brain. So without further ado, here goes...

* What is the proper method for digging plugs? I have a feeling I've been digging them a little too wide (approx 8 inch diameter). Do you pull away the surface piece and set it aside then rescan the hole?

* What are you all using to dig with? I'm sure this depends on the rigidity of the soil, etc... but do you use garden trowels? I've been using a standard spade shovel, which I'm sure is probably wrong.

* What's a sifter? Where do I get one? I've been sorting the dirt on the ground beside my hole with the tip of my shovel. Rookie stuff, I'm sure.

* Any suggestions as to a good metal detector? Right now I'm using my son's BH Discovery 1100 that we got him for Christmas... from what I've read it's a nice starter machine but I'm a little jealous of all the posts where people mention having machines that differentiate between 25 cent and 50 cent pieces. At any rate I'll probably get more serious about this in the spring and will continue my research.

* Any suggestions as to where I should go MDing? I live on Long Island NY, which gives me access to numerous beaches. Still, if anyone else lives around here and has any good historic or ghost town-ish sites they'd like to divulge, please feel free. Another cool bonus is I just recently got my pilot's license, which would kinda allow me some access to places in upstate NY, NJ, CT, PA, MA, etc...

* How do I clean the stuff I get, aside from the baking soda method? I've read about the elec. machines, but is there anything in between?

* If I find an object (for example, I found the head of a spoon about six-inches deep yesterday) how can I tell if it's silver, gold, etc? In this case I'm pretty sure the spoon is stainless steel, but I'm thinking more along the lines of future finds.

I'll add more questions as I think of them (and believe me I will ). Thanks in advance for all the help, and happy hunting -

-Shakakka

[JoAnne]

Hi Shakakka - First let me say that I am by no means an experienced detector. I just started this past summer so I am very limited in my knowledge. I can only tell you what I know from my own experiences.

When I dig a plug I actually dig a three sided flap. I usually make 3 cuts the width of my cutting blade. After making the three cuts I fold back the flap leaving it attached on the 4th side. I then scan the flap to see if the item is in the flap or the hole. If it is in the hole then I continue to dig deeper removing the dirt and putting it on a piece of plastic (one large enough so that I can also kneel on it) Once I have removed the item I but the dirt back into the whole, flip over the flap and then step on the flap. This helps to hide the hole and also gives the grass a chance to reestablish itself.

I am using a digging tool that came with my detector. It is shaped like a garden hand trowel but it is much sturdier. Some people use digging tools that have a sereated edge for cutting roots. Mine does not have this.

I think sifters are used on the beach or where there is very loose sand. I sort my small pile of dirt with my fingers after locating my target with my vibra probe. Most of the sponsors on this forum carry sifters.

The Garrat Ace 250 is a great little machine (a little over $200). I think it shows wether you have a quarter or a fifty cent piece but not sure because I do not own one. However I have heard nothing but good things about it for the money. I have a White's Prizm V ($500) and it differentiates between the two.

Congratulations on being a pilot. That leaves you wide open as to where you can go. Check school yards, parks, old churches, places where they hold fairs, Jones Beach would be a good place, any where where large amounts of people gather.

I have not found all that many items besides clad. The items I have found I have soaked in vinegar and also tried olive oil. You have to be careful because you can destroy the value of an item if you clean it the wrong way. I am sure others on here can guide you on this and also how to tell different metals. If you think an item may be valuable or you hav eno clue what it is ask this forum FIRST then find out how to clean it. Better to leave it in its natural state until you find out. Pappy is good at identifying items.

These are just my opinions of what I do. Others may have their ways. From one NYer to another, Good luck. If I can answer any other questions let me know. JoAnne

[shakakka]

Thanks, my fellow NY'er

That piece of plastic idea (especially to kneel on) is a great one. I'm going to implement it right away.

What's a vibra probe? Is it a smaller hand-detector? Because I find it's tough to work the detector from my knees on the dirt pile after I've dug and knelt on the ground.

Thanks!

[JoAnne]

Yes a vibra probe is a pin pointer. When you dig the hole you then turn on the vibra probe and touch different spots in the hole or the plug to see where the target is located. It is battery operated and when it gets to within an inch of a metal object it vibrates. I just got mine and used it a couple of times. It certainly helps to keep those holes much smaller since you can find right where to dig. I recommend it. It stops from having to lift the big detector and sweep the hole. If you go to one of the dealers on this forum you can see a picture of the vibra probe. Well worth the money.

[JoAnne]

Can one of the dealers on the forum post a picture of a vibra probe for me so shakakka can see what it looks like? Thanks.

[bill(de)]

not a dealer but here's a picture of the Vibra Probe and is a must for most of us.

[John's Detectors]

Yes the Vibraprobe is a great tool to have. It is a true pinpointer and you have to be almost on top of the target before it vibrates giving you an indication your almost touching the object. I also use the Wilcox stainless steel digger. It has a depth scale etched on the blade and are very very tough. As far as metal detectors go the Garrett Ace 250 is a great starter machine and the price is right. Also Minelab has the Xterra series of detectors which are really nice. As far as digging a plug goes, that is somewhat difficult for me to do. It is so dry here that the dirt is like powder but I make sure I have the target located as exactly as possible and then I will dig out about 3 to 4 inches from where the target is located. Don't cut a complete circle if your in an area where it maybe a manicured type lawn. It might kill the grass if you don't leave some roots connected. Ok I hope this helps for starters and always ask and ye shall receive. Take care.

John Tomlinson,CET
John's Detectors
Blackwell,Tx.

[JoAnne]

Bill (de) thanks for the picture. ]

John thanks for your advice. I know mine was just my opinion. Good to have many points of view.


Boobie - thank you - you are making me blush

[Harry(PA)]

Hi Shakakka

I sent you my email address, please send me a reply.

I am trying to locate a metal detecting club on Long Island for you.

With all your questions I believe you should join a club, attend a few meetings and get some local advice.

We have some crazy laws to obey in this hobby and Long Island may have some real strict ones. ( not sure,I do not hunt there ).

harry(PA)

PS:
Instead of a kneeling pad, Go to Sears and purchase a good set of knee pads. Around $19.00 and they last for many years.

You do not need to have something extra to carry along.

[Harry(PA)]

I just sent you an email concerning clubs on Long Island, N.Y.

harry(PA)