Metal Detector

JohnnyFlake · 12-08-2008, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gettysburgfreak

Anyone have one? I want to get one for xmas in the event I someday land a job near a Civil War site and I can look for relics. I was interested in the Garret Ace 150 or 250. The 250 has a setting for relics but the 150 doesnt. Would the setting on the 150 have to be on all metals in order to find relics?

I have been metal detecting for over 30 years, although, I have not gone out much over the last five years. I've had at least 15 different metal detectors, and after many trials, I have come to like Tesoro the best for use on dry land and Minelab, the best, for beach and in the water use!

Yes, the all metals mode will be best, under your circumstances, for relic hunting. However, if you have a choice in the metal detectors you can afford, go for one with the lower kHz frequency. The lower frequencies (4.0 / 7.0) work best for larger items, belt buckles, sword's, horse shoes, cannon balls, etc. The higher frequencies are best for coins, rings, charms (7.0 / 12.0), and even higher for smaller items, such as gold nuggets, chains and so on (13.0 / 19.0 +)! Metal detecting is a very contagious disease, be careful or it can consume you!

shilala · 12-08-2008, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlake

Metal detecting is a very contagious disease, be careful or it can consume you!

I pulled an 1836 silver religious medallion out of 8 inches of dirt one time and I almost fainted.
I live about three blocks from the spot where I found my first cache.
I pulled about 30 mercury dimes out of a ditch depression in a yard and had to leave in mid dig to go to a dinner date or something.
When I went back the next day the owner's son (who's mother had given me permission) ran me off saying it "looked bad" for me to be working the yard with the metal detector while they were trying to sell it.
That was 20 years ago and I still haven't made it back there.
They're going to tear that area up to make a new road into the hospital starting this spring. I'll hit it before the opportunity expires.