Introduction:
In today’s fast paced environment, it’s all about change. This is the 21st century dude! Lets’ be fair. You just can’t sit back at home with Uncle Jack and gossip over a cup of tea. What you actually have to do and you must do is go out and work!
Every day, from morning to night and then again to the next dawn (the cycle goes on), people are rushing. They are outside jogging, running, walking, hurrying to the workplace – it’s all about being outdoors. Oh, I missed out the main thing – social networking. And probably many love being outdoors! However, amidst this entire dashing and rushing and multitasking, people tend to lose coins, keys, jewelleries and other objects. The result? There is an extensive line-up of items just waiting to be found. And the most efficient way to find these “lost” objects is through metal detecting.
What is a Metal Detector?
An electronic instrument which has the ability to detect the presence of any metal nearby is known as a metal detector. Metal detectors are generally useful for finding metal objects buried underground or metal inclusions hidden within objects. They generally come with a handheld unit with a sensor probe that can be swept over the ground or other objects.
A person practising metal detecting is known as a metal detectorist.
Metal Detecting as a Hobby:
Different people have different hobbies. Yes, many have hobbies in common. That’s inevitable. However, like other hobbies (singing, dancing, reading, watching movies, playing games and other sports etc.) metal detecting too is a hobby of its kind – a hobby to cherish, a hobby worth taking up. You can ask any person who has taken up metal detecting as a hobby, as to how interesting or satisfying or enjoying it is. Or if possible, you can directly ask a metal detectorist about this hobby. And also don’t forget to ask him about the metal detecting profession (It’s a highly skilled profession and if you have got/can develop what it takes, then sky is the limit). I can guarantee that none of those people would give you a negative feedback, neither would any of them regret for being involved with metal detecting. At least, I haven’t got any negative feedback till now.
Types of Metal Detectors:
Metal detectors come in various shapes and sizes. There are a variety of models available on the market, but they all use basically the same principle to locate objects deep in the ground.
Working Principle and Process:
A metal detector does not react when it hits rocks or other similar objects. But, when it comes in contact with a piece of metal, it produces an electric current, thereby triggering the machine’s sensory system. The detectorist is then able to pinpoint the object’s exact and accurate location and can choose to dig and find the hidden “gold”. Still, it takes a highly skilled, trained and of course, an experienced detectorist to differentiate between what might be a signal from a pop can or a century-old highly valuable coin, without first digging.
However some people who take up metal detecting as a hobby learn to do this so well, that they even occasionally and professionally volunteer their services for the police, army and National security squads. While it can be thrill and a treat to watch what comes up from beneath the ground when metal detecting is carried out for fun, it can also shock the desperate and hopeless detectorist with the unexpected. Many a times, people have found, or even discovered, metal toys, precious jewellery, small artefacts, war bullets, fragments of various tools and of course, not to mention – coins!
Metal Detecting Laws and Restrictions:
All metal detectorists – let it be newbie or expert – have to abide by some specific set of laws and restrictions. Speaking frankly, each state has its own and unique set of laws, rules and regulations when it comes to metal detecting. You just can’t go around with a metal detector, dig on signal and keep whatever you find. You have to abide by some rules. Fair play! That’s why some specify beforehand which places, areas or properties are open to metal detecting while others strictly forbid the finders from keeping any sort of recovered/discovered item of historical and cultural value excavated from such areas or properties. That’s why it’s always safe as well as wise to go through the set of laws thoroughly before stepping out with your metal detector in your desired location.
Moreover, detectorists have to follow various rules in order to obtain permission from the authorities, doing the digging work carefully and timely, leaving the search area clean, not to harm any other part of the property in course of the work, not to cause any sort of disruption which may arise due to such activities etc. Almost all National Parks don’t give permission to metal detecting. Still, if you consider yourself to be over-smart and can somehow cleverly carry out your metal detecting work without getting caught, then I would like to give you a standing ovation. But keep in mind that getting caught would result in a fine and confiscation of your metal detector. A great way for beginners to start off with metal detecting is to kick things off in their own garden or backyard, or at the beach. However, one can always look up on the internet and find out all the local places which are open to metal detecting activities and also tick those places which require very little permission and formalities to carry out professional detecting work. Another great idea would be to look for the city’s historical map and point out the old schools and buildings, church grounds, abandoned playgrounds and parks (if they are still present). These places have a greater chance to give you the first taste of success in metal detecting. However, remember that any road on the maps might have changed by now (thanks to reconstructions and renovations), so it’s better to rely on natural and present landmarks.
Essential Equipment(s) for Metal Detecting:
You should not only learn how to dig, but also learn to bring the right equipment. First let’s start with your gear. Just like your metal detector, your gear is everything. As long as you are comfortable with your gear, it’s absolutely fine. Your gear helps you to work longer, stay sharp, dig better and also allows you to enjoy yourself during the course of the work. To be clear, metal detecting is not particularly physical; it’s the digging that can be tiring and terrible. If you don’t bring the right gear with yourself, your ability to get targets would go from seconds to minutes and in some cases…to hours! So, it’s better to find out the right gear for yourself. Again, repeated bending over can turn out to be rough (and sometimes, painful) on the back and knees. So, it is advised to buy the perfect metal detecting clothing as per the requirements. In order to speed up the digging time, one can always go for a Pin pointer. There are popular international brands selling a wide variety of reliable, durable and comfortable metal detecting gloves, knee pads, pants and more. Why not treat yourself with some good quality equipments in the first place?
Choosing your first Metal Detector:
A right foundation is the perfect beginning for everything. Similarly, choosing the right metal detector has a huge impact on your future metal detecting. Choosing your first metal detector could be the most important and the challenging thing, especially for beginners. But it’s not that difficult too. It’s better to start with some low-end metal detector and master it fully and then move up the metal detector ranks rather than starting off with a high-end professional metal detector and getting stuck. For beginners who are looking for a low cost metal detector having only the basic features, there’s the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV waiting for you. However, if you are looking for something more advanced and classy and yet at the same time, designed for beginners, go for the Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detector or Fisher F2 Metal Detector.
Taking care of your Metal Detector:
A machine so expensive deserves special care, right? It’s pretty easy to take care of a metal detector.
- Keep the metal detector in a case, box or thick bag when not in use.
- Use lubricants to clean/wipe the wires.
- Use a brush to clean the sand out of the joints.
- Clean the metal detector with fresh water after the work is complete.
- Regularly check the coil, and headset wires at their joints.
- Protect the copper prongs at the wire ends.
The metal detector will function flawlessly and last longer if treated gently and with care.
Tips and Tricks:
Learning the correct method to use a metal detector is the most important part. There are no tricks or shortcuts for that. Practice with the metal detector often and test with it whenever its possible. It is also necessary to have reasonable expectations; building too many castles in the air could cause harm. You would have to go through hard work at first. You will dig lots and lots of trash but its all worth the price. A single piece of jewel discovered by your metal detecting can pay you back the cost of your metal detector and its accessories as well as the cost of your gear and other equipments. With metal detecting, perseverance is a must. It’s wise to take care of your investment and carry on even when you are tired. You don’t have any idea of the many rewards that it can bring and you don’t know what unexpected thing might appear in front of you when you are least expecting it. So, go on. Happy metal detecting!
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