So you've got yourself a detector, and you're ready to go? Check out some of the advice below, as it maybe some help to you as a beginner metal detectorist!
Firstly, you will need permission to go somewhere. Check out my video on how to go about getting farmers permission. Beneath the video are loads of great links that you will need. For example, a link to the NCMD (insurance), letters, contracts and much much more!
How to get metal detecting permission. A guide for beginner metal detectors!
The above link will also give you advice on using google and old-maps when doing your research. I also have a video on the use of old-maps right here.
There is also a code of practice for detectorists which is worth paying attention to. Basically, those that were previously divided got together and created this document. Communication and a set of rules between detectorists, land owners, and archeologists. Please be aware of this.
The above link will also give you advice on using google and old-maps when doing your research. I also have a video on the use of old-maps right here.
There is also a code of practice for detectorists which is worth paying attention to. Basically, those that were previously divided got together and created this document. Communication and a set of rules between detectorists, land owners, and archeologists. Please be aware of this.
If you are lucky enough to have a beach near you, get yourself a Crown estate foreshore permit. This will allow you to detect on certain beaches (check their site to see if yours is ok!) Here is a link to the application. It's online, and completely free!
Ok, so you've watched the video, you have land you can detect on, and you are ready to go!
Let's look at some other points:
EQUIPMENT.
You will need:
A metal detector (I use and recommend Cscope)
A good pair of headphones: unless you are running the machine through its speakers. I recommend headphones though, because it's a better quality sound.
A good pair of gloves: You will be digging up all sorts of things. Rusty metal. Sharp things. Horrible things. Protect yourself with a good pair of gloves.
Spare batteries: A must. Imagine being miles from home, in the middle of no-where, and then your batteries start running out. Not a nice thought, is it? Have a back up spare.
Something to hold finds: A pouch of some sort. I use one of these when I go out. Cheap, tough, and available in any local hardware store.
Something to hold Junk: The above is also good for junk. Not the huge pieces, though.
The right clothing for your environment: Waterproofs. A hat for head protection from Sun or cold. Have a good think about this, because you want to be as comfortable as possible when detecting. Remember, you will be walking a lot, in lots of different environments. Get some great footwear, and remember, no steel toe cap boots!
A mobile phone: I'd recommend taking a phone with you just incase of emergencies. You never know. However, make sure it is turned off when you are detecting, as it may interfere with your detector.
A good quality shovel or trowel: You're going to be doing a lot of digging, so the tool you use for this needs to be dependable. Don't buy anything cheap, because a snapped shovel trunk is heartbreaking! There are plenty of good quality shovels and troughs on the market. Make sure what you buy is tough, as it will become your closest ally!
Food and water. It can be quite hard going out on the field, and the last thing you want is to have fatigue set in. Keep yourself energised and hydrated at all times! Take snacks with you that provide energy, like bananas and nuts. Don't over burden your system with too many carbs like pasta before you go out.
Hydrate. Use good'ol water, rather than energy drinks such as red bull. What goes up, must come down...
Something to hold Junk: The above is also good for junk. Not the huge pieces, though.
The right clothing for your environment: Waterproofs. A hat for head protection from Sun or cold. Have a good think about this, because you want to be as comfortable as possible when detecting. Remember, you will be walking a lot, in lots of different environments. Get some great footwear, and remember, no steel toe cap boots!
A mobile phone: I'd recommend taking a phone with you just incase of emergencies. You never know. However, make sure it is turned off when you are detecting, as it may interfere with your detector.
A good quality shovel or trowel: You're going to be doing a lot of digging, so the tool you use for this needs to be dependable. Don't buy anything cheap, because a snapped shovel trunk is heartbreaking! There are plenty of good quality shovels and troughs on the market. Make sure what you buy is tough, as it will become your closest ally!
Food and water. It can be quite hard going out on the field, and the last thing you want is to have fatigue set in. Keep yourself energised and hydrated at all times! Take snacks with you that provide energy, like bananas and nuts. Don't over burden your system with too many carbs like pasta before you go out.
Hydrate. Use good'ol water, rather than energy drinks such as red bull. What goes up, must come down...
SETTING UP YOUR DETECTOR
Ok, so you have all your EQ ready, and you're ready to get out on that field, and detect! Before you do so, let's make sure a few things are set up.
Ground balance: If your detector gives you the option to ground balance, then use it. The earth you are standing on changes depending on what part of the country or world you are in. Learning how to use this efficiently may give you that extra bit of depth...
Discrimination: Again, like with the ground balancing, learn how to use it efficiently. You want to learn how to discriminate out things like Iron, but at the same time you don't want to discriminate out TOO much, as you may lose certain items. Learn how to use this function wisely, depending on the machine you use. Very important.
Wires: Make sure the wire of your detector is wrapped firmly around the pole. You don't want the search head to be picking it up.
Wires: Make sure the wire of your detector is wrapped firmly around the pole. You don't want the search head to be picking it up.
Get comfortable: Adjust the detector so it is at the right height for you, personally. You don't want to be bending over or stooping at all. Get this right, or you will cause yourself all sorts of problems in the future.
Batteries! Again, like above, make sure you have enough batteries before you set out!
METAL DETECTING
Ok, so you have all your EQ ready, and have learnt how to set up and use your detector, by painfully reading every word of that ever-so-helpful manual. Now is the time to get her out!
The sweep: This isn't to hard to explain, as I'm sure you will have seen a metal detectorist doing this at some point in your life. If not, there are plenty of videos out there. We want a good sweep from side to side. Not so much that your arm is having to stretch at all.
Don't 'arc' the search head at the end of the sweep. Always keep the search head parallel to the ground, and as low as possible.
Go 'Low and Slow': Ever heard this expression? Well, you'll hear it a lot from the wise elders of this profession. We want to keep that search head as low, and near to the ground as possible, so we don't lose any depth. And slow. If you sweep to fast, your detector may miss a target. Nice and slow, to give it every opportunity to find something for you.
Relax. Be comfortable. I mentioned this in the EQ section, but it also applies here. Don't bend over or stoop. Don't stretch the arm. Make sure there is no tension in the body, because after four hours on the field, you will feel it. I like to do a few stretches before I go on the field. Honestly.
Learn what the tones mean: Many detectors will give off a different tone in relation to different metals and objects. Lear what these are. Do a test in the field. Drop a few coins down, or a ring, or anything metal, and learn what the tones are telling you. This is very important, and normally comes with experience, but I can't emphasise how important it is. Spend time on this.
Fill your hole back in, and carry on: Fill your hole in neatly. Remove any junk you may have found responsibly. Be good, and wave the flag of metal detecting positively and proudly.
Go 'Low and Slow': Ever heard this expression? Well, you'll hear it a lot from the wise elders of this profession. We want to keep that search head as low, and near to the ground as possible, so we don't lose any depth. And slow. If you sweep to fast, your detector may miss a target. Nice and slow, to give it every opportunity to find something for you.
Relax. Be comfortable. I mentioned this in the EQ section, but it also applies here. Don't bend over or stoop. Don't stretch the arm. Make sure there is no tension in the body, because after four hours on the field, you will feel it. I like to do a few stretches before I go on the field. Honestly.
Learn what the tones mean: Many detectors will give off a different tone in relation to different metals and objects. Lear what these are. Do a test in the field. Drop a few coins down, or a ring, or anything metal, and learn what the tones are telling you. This is very important, and normally comes with experience, but I can't emphasise how important it is. Spend time on this.
ONCE YOU HAVE FOUND A TARGET
Move around the target: To see if the tone stays the same. If you are using the pinpoint function on your detector, try and get an idea of size.
Pinpoint the target: If you have this function on your detector, use it. This is very handy, as we can get an idea of size. Also, it stops us from having to dig a huge hole.
Dig out a square with the target in the middle: Be careful how you do this. If you are on ploughed land, digging out a square isn't really possible. Just dig. If you are on grass of any type, then make sure you dig a square plug, that can be neatly fitted back in. Also, be careful how you dig, because many coins are damaged by over-zealous spade wielders.
Check the dug earth for target: Wave the dug earth over the detector head, or use a pro-pointer to see if the target is in the earth you have dug. If not, then carry. Once the target has been found in a clump of earth, lay your detector on its side, and wave the clump over the search head (don't wear a watch!) lessening the size of the clump as you do so.
Once you have found the target: Sweep over the hole again, just incase there is another target down there.
Fill your hole back in, and carry on: Fill your hole in neatly. Remove any junk you may have found responsibly. Be good, and wave the flag of metal detecting positively and proudly.
What a great blog you have mate ..It is great reading and learning .I love reading here and your youtube channel.Thanks for all this usefull info ..Dont stop...The wife loves your Free story too :)
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