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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,893 |
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Valued Member
United States
257 Posts |
I'm looking to start detecting and I was wondering if anyone can give me a good list of starter equipment that's reasonably priced, but still useful.
I'm probably going to focus on coins and jewelry, as I'm in the West coast and not too much artifacts lying around this way!
Also, if it's easily converted to possibly using it on the beach or water later, that would be great.
Any suggestions?
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Valued Member
 United States
257 Posts |
No one wants to help out a newbie? =)
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Rest in Peace
United States
1729 Posts |
I'm no expert, but I'll toss in a few ideas. Obviously, the detector is first. Read through the forums to get an idea of what level of detector you want to start with. (I can heartily recommend Bigg Fredd as a source.)
Next, something to dig with. I used a Japanese earth knife and then upgraded to a Lesch tool, but any sturdy trowel with a sharpened edge will get you started. You may also need a spade to go after those deep signals - over 6 inches or so.
A small bucket, some rags, perhaps a putty knife to clean your digging tool if you are digging in really wet clay (probably not a problem where you live). Maybe a plastic bag for the trash you'll inevitably find, especially on playgrounds (if all you find is a piece of glass, you're saving some kid from injury). And don't forget a bottle or two of water so you can stay hydrated and moisten your finds so you can clean them in the field. Good luck!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
PLS gave some great advice. I'd like to recommend a few videos, do a search on line to learn how to dig a plug correctly and neat. Good luck!
When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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Pillar of the Community
United States
570 Posts |
A pin pointer would be good to have if you will be hunting mainly on grass and dirt. If you are going to beach hunt, I would recommend getting a good sand scoop. They can be expensive, but they are really worth it. If you were going to mainly beach hunt, like I do, make sure you get a detector that can go in the salt water or have a mode for it. A lot of detectors will behave erratically around salt water and give lots of false signals. These detectors generally cost more as well. If you have problems at the beach with your detector then just stay away from the waves and just hunt in the dry sand. I agree with fistfulladirt, watch a lot of videos online and learn the detector that you are going to get: tones, discrimination, target meter, etc. Good hunting!
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
Could you please explain what a pin pointer is?
I tried to look that up and that didn't go well at all.
I, too, am looking to start detecting, but mostly I want to dig around in my own back yard. I expect I will want to expand my searches some day but I don't know where else I would be allowed to dig.
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Valued Member
United States
257 Posts |
How about an Ace250 as a starter model from kellyco? Comes with a kit that includes a digger tool. Thanks for the the tips PLS!
Buddy, a pin pointer is a small wand metal detector to help you "pin point" the location of the find.
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Rest in Peace
United States
1729 Posts |
I need a pinpointer. At my advanced age, once I get down on the ground, I want to be able to do as much as I can while I'm down there. Getting up again to wave the detector to pinpoint the location of the buried object is not my knees' idea of good, clean fun.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
570 Posts |
A pinpointer is like a small handheld metal detector. They can also be called probes. It is used to pinpoint an object after you have dug a hole. It cuts down the time it takes to find the target after the first hole is dug. Here is a short youtube video of the Garrett Pro-Pointer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YQ3...ture=related, this is the one I like to use. You might even be able to get one through BiggFredd. |
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Valued Member
United States
257 Posts |
So is BiggFredd a dealer or something? If he can give me a good deal on a package, I'll love to support a fellow member.
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Rest in Peace
United States
1729 Posts |
He is. Click on "Need a New Metal Detector or Accessory?" in the "Metal Detecting Forums" topic to link to his site.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
wpd7 -- thanks! I thought that the metal detector did that but I now know that it more or less only 'sweeps' the area.
mmorgan22 -- thanks! That was a good video for me to see. Now I want one. But I will have to save up for the whole kit and kaboodle.
If I ever do get a metal detector and pin pointer I will probably end up tearing up my whole yard. Just from pulling weeds I have collected about 2 gallons of stuff -- and a few coins. I have found broken jewelry, tools, and even a little blue bottle that says Pepto Bismal on it. Mostly I find odd bits of wire, chains, bolts, and lots of glass -- oh and some little rodent skulls.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,893 |
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Posted 08/17/2011 10:27 pm
