Deep finds.

[johnj45586]

It looks like my work of clearing trash from the Main Beach area of Laguna is pretty much caught up. The end of tourist season has greatly reduced the number of finds near the surface (with a few exceptions).
Today 90% of the finds were at 15 inches - MEASURED. I thought the holes were getting deep, so today I measured them.
The clad I got (and pennies) was heavily corroded and deep. Of course, being near the salt water the stuff corrodes fast. Some of the coins were 2007, but looked like they had been underground a century. The heavy red stain/corrosion is the toughest to get off in the tumbler.
With a lot of digging in dry sand, down to the wet sand, I found 7 quarters, 9 dimes, 3 nickels and 18 pennies. I found one sparkly. It was a decorated hairpin missing 8 of the 14 imitation stones.
Soon after I got to the beach 2 more metal detectors showed up. I said, "Howdy", and wished them luck. I left them the main beach and I worked the two side areas. Later when it was time for me to leave I was walking back and saw one of them working a hole about 3 feet deep and 2 feet diameter. I wandered over to see what was up. It turned out he and his buddy were from Florida (This is in Laguna Beach, California). All he had to show for a few hours of detecting was a pop tab.
He said he had gotten several responses like what he was dealing with, but making no finds. I checked out the hole and tailings around the top and read nothing with my ACE 250.
I asked if he had manual ground balance and he did, but didn't know how to adjust it. He had set the settings he used at the beach in Florida for sensitivity, discrimination and ground balance. I have never used a manual ground balance so I couldn't help him.
But I was able to advise him that the Tide had been at a maxima overnight and the black sand was banded on that part of the beach. Since it was mostly dry now it didn't affect the ACE 250 that much. But a little lower where the sand was still wet the ACE gives a false alarm when swung fast or changing direction of swing.
Hopefully he will review his manual and learn ground balancing before the next trip to a strange environment.
I need to read more of the forums to get some new ideas for detecting.

[julieburger]

John you are such a good ambassador to the hobby. Glad to know you.

[MinelabMan]

What Julie said!

And here's a link to metal detector manuals in case you run into them again you can bone up on the ground balance for them: Metal Detector Manuals - Kellyco Metal Detectors#

Also, you're still getting alot of finds, just working harder for them

[EBCIII]

You did well for non tourist season. I am aslo glad that you tried to help another MD'er. I know I would have been thankful in their shoes, good job, Beale.

[JCWhite]

If you get out my way you can help me hunt some of the old houses I am getting permission for. At least you tried to help him and thats a good thing. HH

[slack768]

hey good story....sounds like a good spot for hunting, post some pics.

[EPC Guy]

Originally Posted by julieburger

John you are such a good ambassador to the hobby. Glad to know you.

Ditto!

[pris]

Just when I think I'm on the verge of figuring this whole thing out, you go and post something that blows my mind!! I really need to keep practicing at learning how to fine tune to certain environments. I have a feeling that when Shawn and I meet up this weekend, he's gonna kick my bootay. I'm horrible at hunting on the sand. I'm much better at a park.

Thanks so much for the tips, John!!! You're really awesome.

[EPC Guy]

Originally Posted by pris

Just when I think I'm on the verge of figuring this whole thing out, you go and post something that blows my mind!! I really need to keep practicing at learning how to fine tune to certain environments. I have a feeling that when Shawn and I meet up this weekend, he's gonna kick my bootay. I'm horrible at hunting on the sand. I'm much better at a park.

Thanks so much for the tips, John!!! You're really awesome.

My machine is pretty much of a "no-brainer" - just turn it on, adjust the discrimination and sensitivity - and rock and roll. As for kicking your bootay - I don't know...let's just say that whoever has the best find (judged by Noelle and Peg)...the other person buys HIM a beer!

[pris]

Originally Posted by EPC Guy

My machine is pretty much of a "no-brainer" - just turn it on, adjust the discrimination and sensitivity - and rock and roll. As for kicking your bootay - I don't know...let's just say that whoever has the best find (judged by Noelle and Peg)...the other person buys HIM a beer!

I think my machine is a no brainer, until I see John's posts and he's so in tune with his Ace250. I've had mine since Feb, but just scratching the surface of understanding stuff. I tend to just leave it on the same setting, unless it starts to act up, then I lower the sensitivity.

Anyway, I say that the ladies will agree that MY finds will be much bettah. The game is ON. hehe