Hello! New to the Web Site

[monkster]

Hello,
My name is Mark Ford and I am new to the web site. I go by the nickname "Monkster". I am in Gainesville, FL. A little background... My parents bought a White's Silver Eagle about 8 years ago. I think they may have used it a dozen or so times. Because it had been sitting in their garage several years, they decided to pass it along to me. I had to replace the box that holds the batteries due to corrosion. Fired it up and it seems good as new. My mom even managed to find the original owners manual and the metal sand scoop they originally purchased. I don't know what they paid for it, my mom seems to remember ~$800. The local Whites dealer, Larry Smith, who I got the battery box from said it was a really nice machine. I can't find much info on the web so I assume it has been replaced by a newer model. It has a 9" coil. You can tell I am a novice!

So before trekking off, I decided to do a little research at the public library. There seems to be an over abundance of places to prospect in and around Gainesville. I familiarized myself with the Florida Statutes regarding the use of metal detectors on State property. I have also researched the local ordinances as well. There is a LOT of fuzzy legal jargon so I guess its best to use common sense. I read the owner's manual at least 5 times. And I have been "playing" around with it in the front yard with a hand full of change and some scrap metal trying to get used to the display, sounds, etc...

This weekend I went to Home Depot and bought a cheap 6" masonry trowel and the materials to make a 12" X 18" sifter with 1/2 hardware cloth. I also managed to scare up an old ice pick (see below). My next move is to go out in the field and get my hands dirty. I am packing up my GPS as well to mark the "haul" that will be too big for me to carry back myself !

If anyone knows of a local club, please contact me or if anyone wants to hook up, I could use a strong back. I am in a WC because of a spinal cord injury that happened back in '84 when I was invincible and didn't wear seat belt. I have found a lot of places that are "accessible" so I guess I will start there. I am very independent but if anyone would like to come along, give me a shout! fordmw@bellsouth.net

[Kentfb]

Hello Mark and welcome. I've heard that name of your Whites before but I know nothing about it. Nice looking sifter. Hope your finds are many.

[Buster]

Welcome to TQ, Mark.You can get some good practice at local school yards or parks. That would be a good way to go. There are a few of us in Florida area. Check your site listing for members in Florida. There might be someone close. Any questions just ask. There are a lot of very smart people on this site and everyone is willing to help. Let us know what you find.Good luck and Happy Hunting...Buster............

[EBCIII]

Welcome to the site Mark! Glsd to have you on. Sounds like you are ready to hunt and with practice I know you will find good items. Looking foward to hearing about your finds, Beale.

[grasshopper]

good luck, make sure to show us your finds!!

[JCWhite]

Welcome to TQ Mark. Sounds like you have a good start with the right tools. Get out there and hunt a couple times and then fire away with any questions you may have. You goota be patient at first and take some time to understand what your machine is telling you. I have 3 white's detectors and love em. JC

[PAPPY]

Mark, WELCOME to the TQ FAMILY. It is GREAT to have you with us and we are looking forward to seeing your finds and reading your post's.
Click on "HOME" on your forum page and go to the "Directory of Treasure Hunters" and you may find a club or hunters in your area.Sounds like you are ready to go, SOOOO Good luck in your hunting !

[Gregory]

Welcome to the TQ family Mark. Your going to do great and you have a very good detector. This is a fun and addicting hobby so enjoy.

Greg

[Diggerbarns]

Welcome to TQ where friends are treated like family

[Steve in PR]

Hi, Mark and welcome to TQ! It sounds like you have done your homework and the fact that the machine is finding things makes it look like you will be having some finds to show us here very soon! Good luck and keep us posted!