Metal detecting is not necessarily “hard”, but it does require some time and effort to get the hang of it. Generally, the learning curve of metal detecting is considered to be relatively shallow compared to learning some other hobbies.
That said, the best way to learn metal detecting is by actually engaging in it. A little bit of research on the basics such as which machine to use, how to use it properly, and what you are actually looking for will go a long way.
Additionally, observing experienced metal detectorists and talking to them to learn from their experience can also be very helpful. Finally, it is important to remember to be patient, to practice and to actually listen to your machine.
Once you are confident about your technique and equipment, you are ready to start your hunt and hopefully find some treasure!.
How do I get started in metal detecting?
Getting started in metal detecting can be an exciting and rewarding hobby. Before you begin, there are a few things to consider and understand.
First, think about the type of metal detecting you’d like to do. There are different types, such as coin hunting, beach hunting, relic hunting, and prospecting. Each type of metal detecting requires a different set of tools and techniques.
Once you’ve decided which type of metal detecting you want to pursue, you can start to research the best equipment for that type.
Next, learn the laws and regulations in your area. Different places have different rules about where and when you can metal detect. It’s important to understand local and federal regulations, as well as any landOWNER consent requirements.
Additionally, if you plan to find treasure and artifacts, always research the history and significance of any items you stumble upon.
Finally, learn the basics of metal detecting. Understand the different features of your metal detector, such as discrimination and ground balance, and practice using it. You can check out books, videos, or even join a metal-detecting club to get hands-on advice and experience.
Once you have the basics down, get out there and start metal detecting! With the right knowledge and practice, you’ll be well on your way to finding some interesting treasures.
Can you make good money metal detecting?
Yes, it is possible to make good money metal detecting, depending on a variety of factors. If you are able to find premium items such as gold coins, rare jewelry, and antique artifacts, you can make a nice profit.
That being said, depending on where you are metal detecting and what you are looking for, the amount of money you can make will vary. It is important to research the areas where you plan to metal detect and read up on the items that might be hiding in the soil.
There are also forums out there that can provide tips and advice on the best places to search, as well as the kind of items you could potentially find. Some metal detectors can cost quite a bit, but there are also more affordable models available.
Of course, if you are going to put the time and effort into metal detecting, you should be using quality equipment that will increase your chances of a successful find. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any laws and regulations that might impact your metal detecting such as private property access or local restrictions on what you can and cannot take.
With patience and practice, it is possible to make some nice money metal detecting.
How much do metal detectors make a year?
The amount of money that metal detectors make in a year can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as experience, the type of metal detector being used, which industry the metal detector is working in, and the location of the job.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t list metal detector salaries as a specific profession, so general wages for security guard jobs can be used as a starting point. According to the Bureau, the median annual salary of security guards in the US is $30,830 as of May 2019.
At the higher end of the pay scale, hand-held metal detector operators report incomes that range from $23,000 to more than $45,000 a year. Employment of stationary metal detector operators may yield even greater returns with wages upwards of $70,000.
In higher-end industries such as defense, nuclear, and aerospace, some metal detector operators receive substantially higher salaries. These positions often come with additional benefits such as medical and retirement plans.
Finally, many metal detector operators are self-employed contractors. The amount they make in a year can depend on the number of contracts they acquire over a given period. Generally, self-employed metal detector operators who specialize in a certain type of industry or product can make more money than general metal detector operators.
Freelance metal detector operators who are able to secure contracts with multiple clients may make even more money.
Is it hard to find gold with a metal detector?
No, it is not hard to find gold with a metal detector. Gold is a metal and thus corrodes relatively slowly and is important to be aware of its physical properties since it is a soft metal. Because of its malleability it is able to be detected with a metal detector and the most common types can find gold nuggets that are larger than 1-2mm in size.
Metal detectors will often pick up other small metals and non-metals, so to increase your chances of finding gold it is important to use one that is specifically designed for gold prospecting. You may also choose to buy a higher quality metal detector that is much more sensitive, which will help increase your success rate when finding gold.
To make your search easier, you can use a machine that is specifically calibrated to recognize gold signals and will pick up on them even with the presence of other metals and items. Additionally, limited ground mineral interference, using earphones and avoiding other people using metal detectors may help in better locating gold nuggets with a metal detector.
Can you make a living with a metal detector?
Yes, it is possible to make a living with a metal detector. With the right knowledge and effort, savvy treasure hunters can make a good income using a metal detector and working as a treasure hunter.
The most common way to make money with a metal detector is to hunt for buried coins, jewelry and other valuable artifacts. Professional treasure hunters use their metal detectors to hunt for lost or hidden items and often partner with museums or historical societies to search for artifacts of historical significance.
Other ways to make a living with a metal detector include looking for scrap metal to sell to recycling centers, searching for lost valuable items, such as rings and watches, or partnering with private investigators and law enforcement agencies to search for evidence in criminal cases.
How do you metal detect for beginners?
Metal detecting for beginners is a great way to get into a fascinating hobby. It can take you on an adventure and allow you to uncover some unique items from the past. Before you start metal detecting, there are a few basics you should know.
The first step is to purchase a metal detector. There are a variety of metal detectors available, ranging from entry-level models all the way up to professional-grade models. Entry-level metal detectors are best for beginners, and are relatively inexpensive.
However, these metal detectors are still effective and will allow you to start metal detecting.
Once you’ve purchased a metal detector, you’ll need to practice using it. This includes learning how to adjust the sensitivity and settings, and understanding how to read the metal detector’s displays and signals.
Practice by metal detecting in the park or your backyard to get used to the settings and sounds.
Once you’re comfortable with the settings and can identify objects, it’s time to start metal detecting in more challenging areas. Oceans and fields offer great places to metal detect, while parks can also have some interesting items.
Be sure to research local laws regarding metal detecting as it may be illegal in certain areas.
Additionally, if you’re metal detecting on public land, you should put all of your found items back.
With patience and practice, you’ll be metal detecting like a pro in no time. Have fun and keep an eye out for any amazing finds!
What Cannot be detected by a metal detector?
Some items that cannot be detected by a metal detector include non-metal items such as plastic, wood, gemstones, ceramic and glass. Additionally, metal items that are too small to be detected may also be missed by the detector.
A metal detector can also be unable to detect alloys as they have different properties, shapes and/or sizes than the metals that can be detected. Additionally, there are certain metals (such as aluminum) that may not be detectable due to their low magnetic properties.
Finally, items that may contain metal but use special shielding (such as laptops, cell phones, and cameras) may not be detected by a metal detector.
How fast should I swing my metal detector?
The optimal speed to swing your metal detector depends on several factors, including the size of the area you’re searching, the type of soil, and the type of detector you’re using. Generally speaking, the best speed can be determined by practicing and observing the signal response on your particular model.
When sweeping, move your detector in smooth, even arcs. Begin by swinging your detector as slowly as possible, moving it only about half an arm’s length each time. If you observe a weak signal or no signal at all, try increasing your speed slightly.
When you get a signal that’s audible and clear, increase the speed a bit more and observe the results. Continue adjusting your speed until you get consistent, reliable signals.
Different terrains require different swinging speeds to achieve optimal results. For example, if you’re searching in an area with highly mineralized soil, you may need to swing your detector more slowly to get reliable signals.
In areas with less mineralization, you may be able to move more quickly.
Ultimately, while there are general tips, the best swinging speed is one that gives you reliable signals. Also, keep in mind that the more experienced you become with your machine and the ground you’re searching, the better you’ll be able to optimize and refine your approach.
How deep can a metal detector detect?
The depth at which a metal detector can detect items buried underground depends largely on the type and model of metal detector used, as well as the size and composition of the item itself. Generally speaking, basic metal detectors can detect items buried a few inches to a foot deep, whereas more advanced metal detectors designed for archaeological or military purposes can detect items buried up to several feet deep.
Rarity, size, shape and composition of the target object also affect its detectability. It is also important to note that even the most advanced metal detectors can be impacted by ground mineralization, wet sand and other environmental variables.
Do metal detectors detect everything?
No, metal detectors do not detect everything. There are certain limitations to what a metal detector can detect. Depending on the type of metal detector and settings used, it is likely that some types of metal will be more difficult to detect than others.
Furthermore, some metals may be harder to detect depending on what kind of material they are embedded in. Additionally, metal detectors can only detect metal that is deep enough that the magnetic field can travel through the material it is in and be detected.
In some cases, other materials such as aluminium and plastic parts can be missed by a metal detector as well. Generally speaking, metal detectors are best used to detect objects that contain or are made of metal, including coins and jewelry.
Will a phone go off in a metal detector?
It depends on the type of phone. Mobile phones with metal cases or large amounts of metal on the exterior may cause the metal detector to sound, as the metal in the phone will trigger the alarm. However, phones made with plastic cases may not cause the metal detector to go off, as most plastic is not detected by these detectors.
If the phone is set to silent mode, it will not make any sound even if the detector is triggered. Additionally, devices that operate on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, such as smartwatches, will not usually trigger the device.
Ultimately, it depends on the type of phone you are attempting to bring through the detector.
What is the greatest weakness of metal detectors?
The greatest weakness of metal detectors is their sensitivity. Metal detectors are incredibly precise, and they can detect items with metal far beneath the surface. However, this same sensitivity can lead to false alarms caused by metal objects that are too small or too deep to be of any real concern or threat.
Additionally, metal detectors can be easily tricked by certain metals, such as aluminum, because they are not as dense as other metals. As such, metal detectors can become overwhelmed when trying to identify multiple metals in a single scan.
Finally, metal detectors can struggle in areas with high amounts of mineralization, such as geological hot spots, where metal deposits naturally occur in the soil. In these cases, metal detectors will produce extra false alarms.
What is a metal detector person called?
A metal detector person is usually referred to as a metal detectorist. This is a person who engages in the hobby of metal detecting. These treasure hunters use metal detectors to locate buried coins, jewelry, and other metal objects.
Depending on the location, a metal detectorist may be required to have permission from a property owner, government body, or public agency to metal detect. Many metal detectorists use the detector both as a pastime and as a way to find lost treasured items, while some use them to search for relics and artifacts of historical value.
Detectorists also search for artifacts in water (known as “scuba detecting”) or in the air (known as “sky detecting”). The hobby is growing in popularity, with metal detectorists all over the world regularly attending gatherings to share their findings and stories.