Metal detectors?

[Monofletch]

It’s been a huge learning curve so far. I am having fun though.

 

[R2BFR2]

Great hobby, but there is quite a learning curve before it becomes enjoyable. One major element to becoming both efficient and satisfied with metal detecting is to get to know your detector's features AND capabilities. There are different detectors for different environments based on what you have in mind and hope to find! You must learn to be patient or you will become frustrated early and give up!

Gear:
- strong and solid digging tools (detecting hand trowel (not a run of the mill garden trowel - IT WILL QUICKLY BREAK)), thick yard knife or dull bayonet
- thick glove for the non-digging hand as you will see why very quickly when digging in firm dirt
- waist apron with pockets to hold items you find (junk on one side, coins on the other
- solid dependable boots
- hand-held mini-detector to help you locate your find in the hole so you do not dig little pits every time!
- good quality headphones with adjustable volume on each ear
- supply of back-up batteries or charging method
- secondary detecting head (smaller or larger based on what came with your detector), this will allow you to adjust to both the coverage and density settings, not necessary in the beginning!!!
- knee pads if you really like the hobby or have trouble kneeling on the ground

Tips:
- learn what to expect in places like school yards, parks and campsites, old neighborhoods, farms owned by family or friends
- learn AND OBEY all rules and postings regarding the use of a metal detector, when in doubt DO NOT risk having it confiscated and getting fined
- always ask permission on private land and take no chances
- you CANNOT detect on Federal lands or in National Parks/Sites (do not risk it!!)

Land hunting:

Water hunting (salt and fresh are entirely different too!): special detectors for this, your land one will most likely incur mineral interference once you get near water and that kills the trip, it will NOT be waterproof either!!!

Hope to find:
- coins
- jewelry
- relics/artifacts
- Civil war items
- other

Hints:
Most better than average detectors have built-in discriminators that allow you to adjust them for the type of items you are seeking.
1) Gold and aluminum often discriminate on the same frequencies, so unless you want to dig up 1000 beer/soda/pop tabs/caps, make gold your last quest!
2) Once you get to know your detector, you can fine tune it to avoid a ton of junk and focus on good things like silver/copper
3) All detectors should have the ability to ignore iron with a simple adjustment. If not, you will become frustrated and give up!

LEARN PATIENCE and it WILL pay off

 

[Monofletch]

Great hobby, but there is quite a learning curve before it becomes enjoyable. One major element to becoming both efficient and satisfied with metal detecting is to get to know your detector's features AND capabilities. There are different detectors for different environments based on what you have in mind and hope to find! You must learn to be patient or you will become frustrated early and give up!

Gear:
- strong and solid digging tools (detecting hand trowel (not a run of the mill garden trowel - IT WILL QUICKLY BREAK)), thick yard knife or dull bayonet
- thick glove for the non-digging hand as you will see why very quickly when digging in firm dirt
- waist apron with pockets to hold items you find (junk on one side, coins on the other
- solid dependable boots
- hand-held mini-detector to help you locate your find in the hole so you do not dig little pits every time!
- good quality headphones with adjustable volume on each ear
- supply of back-up batteries or charging method
- secondary detecting head (smaller or larger based on what came with your detector), this will allow you to adjust to both the coverage and density settings, not necessary in the beginning!!!
- knee pads if you really like the hobby or have trouble kneeling on the ground

Tips:
- learn what to expect in places like school yards, parks and campsites, old neighborhoods, farms owned by family or friends
- learn AND OBEY all rules and postings regarding the use of a metal detector, when in doubt DO NOT risk having it confiscated and getting fined
- always ask permission on private land and take no chances
- you CANNOT detect on Federal lands or in National Parks/Sites (do not risk it!!)

Land hunting:

Water hunting (salt and fresh are entirely different too!): special detectors for this, your land one will most likely incur mineral interference once you get near water and that kills the trip, it will NOT be waterproof either!!!

Hope to find:
- coins
- jewelry
- relics/artifacts
- Civil war items
- other

Hints:
Most better than average detectors have built-in discriminators that allow you to adjust them for the type of items you are seeking.
1) Gold and aluminum often discriminate on the same frequencies, so unless you want to dig up 1000 beer/soda/pop tabs/caps, make gold your last quest!
2) Once you get to know your detector, you can fine tune it to avoid a ton of junk and focus on good things like silver/copper
3) All detectors should have the ability to ignore iron with a simple adjustment. If not, you will become frustrated and give up!

LEARN PATIENCE and it WILL pay off

Such a great post! I wish you would have said this a lot earlier. I had to learn most of this stuff by trial and error. I did watch a few videos, but like you said- every detector is different.
Luckily my Mine Labs Vanquish 560 has presets that adjust ground balance and multi frequency as you use it. However the sensitivity was maxed. Multiple returns on every swing.
Now I have it dialed in pretty good. I am finding all kinds of goodies.

 

[Monofletch]

I’ve found a few cool things, however, I only have 1 small property to hunt.

 

[R2BFR2]

Probably the best place to start as compared to a park which was my first site. I was quite discouraged in the beginning as I was only finding junk. Once I got used to the “tones” of different metals AND the mixed signals when a coin is located right next to a beer cap, things improved!
I recommend setting your discriminating at a high level so you only hit on copper/silver items. THEN work your way back down. Builds confidence and improves your skill.

Also, set your sensitivity low so you begin on shallow objects and you don’t dig a 10” hole for Coke can.

Keep at it.