Monthly Archives: April 2015

Searching the Shallows With Your Metal Detector

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You don’t have to be a SCUBA diver to find treasure underwater with your metal detector.  In fact you can find a lot of different valuables in the surf.  From antiques and relics to gold and jewelry, metal detectors work well in areas of the ocean or a lake that are 6 feet of water or less.

Before you head out to the water, you’ll want to be sure you have the right machine.  The best metal detectors for hunting along the beach and in the shallower water like this are going to feature a ground balance control and they’ll be rated waterproof for up to 6 feet of water or more.  You’ll also want to invest in a pair of metal detecting headphones, a metal detecting sand scoop with a longer handle, and a carrying case for all the treasure you find.

Selecting the Best Equipment

The shore line is an excellent treasure hunting spot. It’s not always crowded and, the changing tides help unearth new treasures for you to find at nearly every visit.  For more on the best metal detector to take shallow water treasure hunting with you, please enjoy the following articles.  You can also visit our learning library for even more great metal detecting tips and information.

What are the Best Metal Detectors for Treasure Hunting on the Beach?

Underwater Metal Detectors – Reviewing the Best Options

Life’s a Beach – Just Bring Your Metal Detector

Metal Detectors Used in Underwater Search and Recovery

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Metal detectors aren’t just used on land.  Underwater metal detectors can help us locate all the treasures that have been lost at sea.  Shipwrecks have happened since humans set sail on the seven seas.  The treasures that can be brought back to life when an old shipwreck is recovered with the help of underwater search and recovery metal detectors is nothing short of amazing!

JW Fishers Pulse 12 Boat Towed Metal Detector

There are many metal detectors and locating devices that assist in underwater search and recovery operations. Pictured above is one such unit, the JW Fishers Pulse 12 Boat Towed Metal Detector.

There are so many different types of underwater search and recovery metal detectors they’re used for many other types of tasks as well including finding buried cables, and repairing underwater infrastructure.  The types of underwater search and recovery metal detectors currently available include:

Handheld Underwater Metal Detectors

Handheld underwater metal detectors are used by divers to find treasure as well as a variety of other types of search and recovery tasks including finding the actual target located by one of the other types of machines listed here like the boat towed metal detectors for example, or the underwater sonar systems.

Cable Tracking Metal Detectors

These metal detectors can be used on land or underwater to locate and track buried cable and pipelines.  They’re used in “Dig Safe” operations, to find lines in need of repair, as well as to locate sunken anchors, chains and dredge heads.

Boat Towed Metal Detectors

Boat towed metal detectors are just what they sound like – metal detectors and magnetometers that are towed behind your boat.  They’re able to search a wide expanse of ocean quickly and they’re the first step to finding a shipwreck!

Underwater Sonar Systems

Side scan sonar devices can send back an image of the ocean floor and are frequently used to check the status of underwater cable and pipelines.  In addition to these tasks, this type of detector is also used in dredging operations, by fisheries, and for environmental studies.

Pingers and Receivers

Underwater pingers and receivers are invaluable in search and recovery operations because they can mark the location of a target so you can come back to it for closer inspection later.  The pinger is placed underwater to mark the location and the receiver is kept on board the vessel and will “receive” the signal from the pinger once you’re close enough again.

For more information on underwater search and recovery metal detectors, please enjoy these related articles from our learning library:

What are the Best Metal Detectors for Underwater Search & Recovery?

Underwater Treasure Hunting Using Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs)

Unrecovered Shipwrecks and the Equipment for Locating Them

Scuba Diving With a Metal Detector

Metal Detecting for Meteorites, Gold and Other Precious Minerals

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meteorites found with a fisher gold bug II metal detector

The meteorites you see here were found by one of our MetalDetector.com customers with the help of a Fisher Gold Bug II metal detector.

Metal detectors can find a lot more than just coins and lost jewelry.  Many metal detectorists use their machines for finding gold, meteorites and other types of precious minerals like these.  If you’re ready to use your metal detector to find precious minerals and gems like these, here’s what you need to know.

The Best Gold Prospecting Metal Detectors

Gold prospecting metal detectors are the best metal detectors for finding these precious metals.  They can cancel out the ground minerals often present around gold, and they’re generally good at finding iron and nickel, the two prominent metals in meteorites.

Where to Start Looking

Gold, meteorites and other precious minerals and gems are all around you.  They can be found in fields, forests, and rivers; you just need the right equipment.  Metal detecting for meteorites is often more successful in arid climates simply because meteorites are better preserved there. Start your search for gold and other metal bearing minerals like iron in places they’ve been found before.  Tailing piles from former gold prospecting operations are also ideal places to search with your metal detector.

Metal Detecting Accessories to Take Along

When you head out metal detecting for meteorites or gold in addition to your gold prospecting metal detector, be sure to take along a sand scoop and/or metal detecting shovel, gold panning kit, a hand held pinpointer, and a pair of metal detecting headphones so you can hear even the smallest treasure.

 Want to learn more about metal detecting for meteorites, gold and other types of precious minerals?  Please enjoy these related articles from our learning library.

What’s the Best Gold Prospecting Metal Detector

How to Use Metal Detectors to Find Meteorites

Industrial Metal Detectors for Nearly Any Job

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The Fisher TW-6 is an industrial metal detector that locates underground pipes, cables, manhole covers, vaults, valve boxes and other metallic objects.

The Fisher TW-6 is an industrial metal detector that locates underground pipes, cables, manhole covers, vaults, valve boxes and other metallic objects.

Industrial metal detectors serve many purposes.  Whether you run a construction job site, work on phone or cable lines, install gas or heating oil, or hold some other type of position like this, it’s likely that industrial metal detectors can make your job easier and more efficient in one way or another.  Some of the types of industrial metal detectors currently being used around the world include:

  • Cable Locating Metal Detectors
  • Pipe and Leak Locating Detectors
  • Magnetometers which are deep seeking metal detectors used to find underground tanks, manhole covers, valve boxes, etc.
  • Water Level Indicators

Within these categories, there are a range of high quality industrial metal detectors to choose from.  Your final choice for the best industrial metal detector will be made based upon your unique job and the conditions you’re currently being presented with, along with you budget.

From there you’ll want to explore metal detecting accessories.  Given the noisy conditions of most job sites, metal detecting headphones are a must.  Having a handheld pinpointer can also be of great benefit to industrial metal detectorists.  For more information on industrial metal detectors and how to find the best on for your job, please enjoy these related articles from our learning library.

What Are The Best Industrial Metal Detectors?

What Are The Best Metal Detectors for Underwater Search and Recovery?

Choosing a Metal Detector Headphone

Learning About Science With Metal Detectors

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Iron stone hot rock and treasure found metal detecting

Learning about science is fun and will happen naturally with the use of a metal detector. An iron stone “hot rock” is pictured on the right along with some good old metal detecting treasure finds.

We all know metal detecting is fun, but did you know going out metal detecting can teach you about a variety of areas of science as well?  Here are just a few of the branches of science you’ll study while metal detecting – probably without even realizing it!

Geology

You’ve got to know some geology if you want to be a good metal detectorist.  Learning what types of minerals are commonly found around gold, how erosion patterns can help you locate treasure, and more is essential geology knowledge for successful metal detecting.

Pedology (Soil Study)

Successful metal detectorists know their soil.  Understanding the type of soil you’re searching in helps you use the right equipment for the job.  Knowing how the soil was made can also help metal detectorists determine the potential depth of targets as well.

Electromagnetism

Metal detecting will allow you to see electromagnetic force in action.  Each target has it’s own electromagnetic frequency.  Your detector is designed to react to this unique electromagnetic frequency and uses it to discriminate out trash targets, as well as to give you a possible ID on the target.

Biology

Metal detecting forces you to go outside and explore nature. You’ll walk in the woods, dig in the mud, wade in the rivers, and more. All while enjoying your hobby, and finding potentially valuable treasure!

You’ll also get to learn about meteorology, oceanography, and other branches of science as well depending on where you go metal detecting.  For more on all the benefits of metal detecting and how you can get started with this awesome hobby, please enjoy these articles from our learning library.

How to Find Meteorites, Gold and Other Precious Minerals with a Metal Detector

Life’s a Beach Just Bring Your Metal Detector

Famous Inventors Had Their Hands on First Metal Detectors

How to Find a Good Children’s Metal Detector

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Metal detectors are ideal for kids.  When children go metal detecting they get outside, find treasure, enjoy exercise, learn about science, history, geology, and the list goes on!  When you’re looking for a children’s metal detector don’t head to the toy store.  Instead, there are a variety of quality children’s metal detectors made by metal detector companies that will actually help your child find treasure and enjoy the hobby of metal detecting.

Which children’s metal detector is the best for your child depends on a few factors.  You’ll want to consider –

  • Your child’s size
  • Their previous experience with metal detecting
  • His or Her age
  • Their physical fitness level
  • Your budget

There are a variety of metal detectors to choose from that, although they’re used by adults, can also accommodate children because they’re easy to use, lightweight, and many feature an adjustable handle.  For more information on finding the best children’s metal detector for your child, please enjoy these related articles from our learning library.

Best Kids Metal Detectors

What Are The Best Beginners Metal Detectors

The Best Beginners Metal Detectors for Any Age

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Metal detecting has something to offer everyone of nearly any age.   If you’re ready to try this awesome hobby out, or know someone who is, here’s a quick rundown of all the best beginners metal detectors so you can get the right machine to meet all your needs.

Kids

Kids metal detectors don’t come from the toy store; even for beginners.  Spend a little extra and get a quality machine your child will actually find treasure with.  Look for models that feature an adjustable handle, “turn on and go” technology, and a lightweight design for the best beginners metal detectors for kids.

The Garrett Ace 150 metal detector

The Garrett Ace 150 metal detector is an entry level unit that’s priced right and great for beginners of any age.

Teens

Teens can have a great time metal detecting as well; and they may make some extra gas money while they’re out there.  The best beginners metal detectors for teens will include many of the same features a good kids metal detector would.  For many teens you won’t have to consider the weight of the machine as much, but an adjustable handle is ideal for those growing teens.  Beginners metal detectors for teens should also be fairly simple to use as well so they can have fun from the start and keep their interest.

Adults

Depending on the adult, a beginners metal detector may take a variety of forms.  Most adults that want to start metal detecting find that purchasing a machine they can grow into is a good option.  Models that feature both manual and automatic settings will allow you to do just this.  You’ll also want to think about where you’ll be treasure hunting most (out in the fields, near the ocean, up in the mountains etc.) This will help determine the need for features like water resistance and ground balance.

Seniors

For the majority of seniors a lightweight beginners metal detector is important.  More automated controls may be something to look for in a beginners metal detector as well, depending on the senior citizen in question.  Also, look for models with built in pinpointers to decrease the amount of digging required to find the target.

For more on finding the best beginners metal detectors no matter what your age, please enjoy these related articles from our learning library.

Best Kids Metal Detectors

Why Metal Detecting is the Perfect Hobby for Seniors

How to Select a Metal Detector

 

Find Gold Nuggets with the Tesoro Vaquero Metal Detector

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Do you live in a U.S. state where gold is commonly found? (*See list below.) If so, what are you waiting for? There’s never been a better time to start prospecting for gold with a metal detector! Gold-hunting metal detectors have become so efficient and easy to use—anyone with the desire to look for gold can get to it. These detectors are also very affordable, making this hobby accessible to kids, seniors, beginning detectorists, etc. Gold detectors are built with a ground balance feature that cancels out the mineralization in the soil. This offers superior performance in detecting small and large nuggets and both conductive and non-conductive (gold) ore veins.

Tesoro Vaquero Gold Metal Detector

Tesoro Metal Detectors Vince Gifford visits metaldetector.com

Tesoro Metal Detectors Vince Gifford visits metaldetector.com Pictured left to right: Daniel Bernzweig, Michael Bernzweig both from MetalDetector.com, Vince Gifford of Tesoro Electronics

Tesoro is known as a U.S. manufacturer of high-quality metal detectors for both land and water. At $446, the Tesoro Vaquero is the lowest priced gold nugget hunting metal detector in the Tesoro line-up. Owners of the Tesoro Vaquero metal detector rate it with flying colors, saying it consistently detects gold nuggets, relics, jewelry and coins. That is the beauty of the Tesoro Vaquero—not only does it detect gold nuggets, it is an all-around metal detector for hunting coins, silver and all metal targets. Experts recommend that you consider what your hunting purposes will be before purchasing a detector. If you have the desire to look for coins or hunt the beach, for instance, a multi-purpose unit such as Tesoro Vaquero would be right for you. Other Tesoro Vaquero features include discrimination to filter the trash and a Push Button Pinpoint mode.

See: Tesoro Vaquero Metal Detector Reviews

View: All models of Tesoro Metal Detectors

*Gold is commonly found in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.