Metal detecting is an exciting hobby that combines the thrill of treasure hunting with the enjoyment of spending time outdoors. With the right equipment and a little bit of know-how, anyone can learn to use a metal detector and start exploring the hidden treasures beneath the surface. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of using a metal detector, from choosing the right detector to digging up your finds.
Choosing the Right Metal Detector
The first step in learning how to use a metal detector is to choose the right one for your needs. Metal detectors come in a wide range of prices and features, so it’s important to consider what you’ll be using it for and how much you’re willing to spend. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a metal detector:
- Type of metal detecting: Are you interested in coin shooting, relic hunting, or gold prospecting? Different types of metal detecting require different features and capabilities in a detector.
- Budget: Metal detectors can range in price from around $100 to over $1,000. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your new hobby before you start shopping.
- Detector type: There are two main types of metal detectors: concentric and search coil. Concentric detectors are better for coin shooting and relic hunting, while search coil detectors are more suited to gold prospecting.
- Features: Consider what features are important to you, such as depth detection, discrimination settings, ground balance, and weight.
Assembling and Adjusting Your Metal Detector
Once you’ve chosen the right metal detector for your needs, it’s time to assemble it and make any necessary adjustments. Here’s how:
- Unpack your detector: Carefully unpack your metal detector from its box, and lay out all the components. This will typically include the detector unit, search coil, shaft, and headphones.
- Assemble the detector: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble your metal detector. This will usually involve attaching the search coil to the shaft, then connecting the shaft to the detector unit.
- Adjust the detector settings: Before you start metal detecting, it’s important to adjust the detector settings to suit your preferences and the type of metal you’re looking for. Familiarize yourself with the controls on your detector and consult the user manual for guidance on setting the sensitivity, discrimination, and ground balance.
- Adjust the detector’s length: Adjust the length of the detector’s shaft to a comfortable height for you. This will help prevent fatigue and improve your metal detecting experience.
Learning the Basics of Metal Detecting
Now that you have your metal detector assembled and adjusted, it’s time to learn the basics of metal detecting. Here are some key steps to get you started:
- Familiarize yourself with your detector’s audio feedback: Turn on your metal detector and listen to the audio feedback it provides. Most detectors will emit a constant beeping or humming sound, which changes in pitch and volume when it detects metal.
- Practice swinging your detector: Hold the detector’s handle with your non-dominant hand and the search coil with your dominant hand. Keeping the search coil parallel to the ground, practice sweeping it back and forth in a smooth motion. This motion will help you cover more ground and increase your chances of finding metal.
- Learn to pinpoint targets: When your detector signals that it has detected metal, stop swinging the search coil and carefully sweep it back and forth in a small area to pinpoint the exact location of the target. This will make it easier to dig up your find.
- Practice digging up targets: When you’ve pinpointed a target, carefully dig a small hole around the target area using a metal detecting shovel or digging tool. Be sure to fill in the hole and restore the area to its original condition when you’re finished.
Metal Detecting Techniques and Tips
Now that you have the basics down, here are some more advanced techniques and tips to help you get the most out of your metal detecting experience: