Irons ongoing MD finds thread

[Irons]

Hello folks and thanks for looking! I will be adding to this thread as I go so you can see the fabulous luck I will be having digging up the lost and left behind. ~

I started out with a Bounty Hunter Gold Digger my wife unit got me for Christmas 2011 and got an incredibly rare warmup in January that allowed me to get out for 5 days and test this hobby out.

I'm hooked and will be upgrading to a better unit before spring. Here are my finds from the few days I got to go out, I hit clad coins right away and on the third day I nailed these 2 silver rings and the gold plated diamond pendant.

I about shat myself when I wiped the dirt off the pendant and saw gold and diamonds! When It didn't clean up later it was obvious it is plated.

More than the little bits of precious metal, what it showed me is I am doing it right and thats a wonderful feeling! .

I keep the odd finds and throw the rest away, like some kid is missing a home made pot pipe, a dollar store ring and some wierd cross?
That is also a very hot rock, it still went off even with iron descrimination all the way up. .

The small pile of clad had a white vinegar bath to clean it up and is ready for penny dishes and regular circulation. Nothing old in the coin department yet.

All the best to you fine folks and stay tuned for springtime finds! . Irons

[Goldhedge]

This will be fun...

[CiscoKid]

What kind of a site are you searching? Looks like some teens used to hang out there and party. I've been scrounging around the site of an 1800's farmhouse. Only the well head remains intact. Your junk looks much better than my junk. Aside from some cool trader axe heads, I've been getting pieces to old farm machinary, some cut nails, and old hinges and stuff. I wonder if your hot rock could be a piece of meteorite? Keep up the good work!

[Irons]

What kind of a site are you searching? Looks like some teens used to hang out there and party. I've been scrounging around the site of an 1800's farmhouse. Only the well head remains intact. Your junk looks much better than my junk. Aside from some cool trader axe heads, I've been getting pieces to old farm machinary, some cut nails, and old hinges and stuff. I wonder if your hot rock could be a piece of meteorite? Keep up the good work!

Thanks Cisco, Your area looks like a relic hunters dream! Where I live is a pretty major summer recreation area with lakes, rivers, reservoirs hiking and biking trails you name it.

When you sometimes hear me bitch about tourists that is why, we are overrun with them 4 months a year. Then they all leave!.

That pile of stuff came from the park / swimming hole in my small town. I have only spot checked 2 of the dozens of state, county, federal and township

parks around here. I'm going to be busy to say the least.

I'm not hunting for relics so I have my metal detector discriminate out almost all iron, and in trashy areas sometimes that isn't enough and I turn the sensativity way down too.

I will be getting a Garrett AT Pro in February and that machine has a great reputation for picking conductive targets out of iron littered areas, it is also waterproof!

If you don't want iron crap test your machine in the yard with buried nails and coins to get your setting right before going out.
And never forget gold hits in the foil, pull tab and nickel range.

[Irons]

This will be fun...

..................................

[REO 54]

I recieved a Fisher CZ QuickSilver MD from my dad.So far I have been using to find septic tank lids.Not very exciting
...but it does make me money.

Maybe I'll branch out to find something more interesting

[Dude]

Hey, that ring on the left I gave to my high school girlfriend in '79. Ahhh, keep it.

[TheMadHatter]

This thread is gonna be awesome. Years back, I bought a White's DFX(I think that's what it was called). I think it cost around $1,000 and the thing was a complete stud. Right out of the box and within 10 minutes we found a 1813 Large Cent 12 inches down. We've moved a few times, and the thing is long gone, but I've been looking for a reason to get a new one and get back out.

[TheMadHatter]

Whites has a pretty decent MD story board. You can find it here ---> http://whiteselectronics.com/compone...th_201201.html

[EO 11110]

irons, do you have underwater capability? seems like there might be some treasure in the first few feet off of the shore

[Irons]

irons, do you have underwater capability? seems like there might be some treasure in the first few feet off of the shore

Not yet but the new Garrett AT pro I'll be buying is waterproof and submersable to 10 feet. .

The little MD I'm using now you can get online for around $65. I'm impressed! I'll be keeping it for friends to use.

EDIT: Here ia a guy using the garrett at pro finding the coin cache of a lifetime in a river.

[TheMadHatter]

I've been looking at the V3i ever since you posted this thread. Damn you Irons! There's 3 inches of snow on the ground. What the hell am I gonna do with a metal detector?

[CopperSilverGold]

Not yet but the new Garrett AT pro I'll be buying is waterproof and submersable to 10 feet. .

The little MD I'm using now you can get online for around $65. I'm impressed! I'll be keeping it for friends to use.

EDIT: Here ia a guy using the garrett at pro finding the coin cache of a lifetime in a river.

Love those Capped Bust Half finds. Wow

[CiscoKid]

When you sometimes hear me bitch about tourists that is why, we are overrun with them 4 months a year. Then they all leave!.

Your new hobby should give you a fresh perspective on those "nasty" tourists. In addition to bringing out-of-town money to spread around your town, they also accidentally leave behind treasures. Before long, you'll be scoring decent gold earings, rings with stones in them, etc... If you get really lucky, you might score something valuable.

[Irons]

I've been looking at the V3i ever since you posted this thread. Damn you Irons! There's 3 inches of snow on the ground. What the hell am I gonna do with a metal detector?

You already have experience with a Whites so that will be the way to go for you, you're way ahead of me on the way these things work!

As for what to do with a MD now in the middle of frozen boredom? I have been adding tools to make it all easier.

The Lesche digging tool with sheath is a winner and a time saver, it's right on your belt when you need it and it makes digging a neat plug in the park grass easy and fast. I like to make it look like I never went through digging out coins and such in lawns.

The Garrett Propointer is another huge time saver, find your MD's target fast and easy with minimal picking through dirt clods.

I also just got a stainless steel beach scoop for sand and water target recovery, once again less fumbling around find the target and move on.

I'm also making a list of places to hit in the spring. Google earth helps you find old roads, bridges and building sites.

Here's the propointer in action. This little tool is awesome I won't go without one now.

[Sampson]

I wonder if your hot rock could be a piece of meteorite?

That was my first thought too, there are many different types of meteorites and i am not sure how to confirm the id of them all but just about all meteorites will sound off very strong on a MD.



Cool thread, can't wait to see all the neat stuff you are going to find. One tip for those asking about what to do with a metal detector in the winter is to check the snow dumps at large parking lots. People drop all kinds of things when they are digging for their keys and getting in and out of their cars and if they plow the parking lot all that good stuff is conveniently piled up for you to detect. When i still lived in the city i would go to the large bus depot park and ride and check the snow dumps there, especially when they were melting. In Canada here we have $1 and $2 coins and i could clean up $50 to $100 at a time on a good day as well as numerous rings, bracelets, watches, pendants, etc. It is amazing what can be found in those piles.

[Irons]

Great tip Sampson! ~

[Fiat Metaler]

irons, what types of places did you search and where in those places?

i had a MD took it to the beach and found almost nothing. (Ace 250). I don't mean not any thing valuable, basically nothing at all. A nail and a foil gum wrapper. This was at the busiest part of Daytona beach.

maybe if i had had a little more success i would have kept it.

what model are you using now that is only $65?

from the photo you showed earlier with the boats, i would definitely search the shallow areas. i would expect you will find jewelry.

[Irons]

irons, what types of places did you search and where in those places?

i had a MD took it to the beach and found almost nothing. (Ace 250). I don't mean not any thing valuable, basically nothing at all. A nail and a foil gum wrapper. This was at the busiest part of Daytona beach.

maybe if i had had a little more success i would have kept it.

what model are you using now that is only $65?

from the photo you showed earlier with the boats, i would definitely search the shallow areas. i would expect you will find jewelry.

Right now I'm using a Bounty Hunter Gold Digger but I just called in my order for a Garrett AT Pro!!

As for where to go I found that stuff in the pic at the local park and swimming hole. I have gone over maybe 1/10 of the park!

Daytona beach would be a tough one because it's flat and huge! Where to start?

I would start where all the people park thier cars in lines, people lose stuff getting in and out. Also the main paths leading

from the strip to the beach. Another problem you probably had is the ACE 250 will only work in dry sand on a salt water beach.

Salt water screws up the ground balance of most MD's because its heavily mineralized.

Check out some videos on youtube for the ACE 250, its a great machine but you have to know it's limitations.

[newmisty]

Right now I'm using a Bounty Hunter Gold Digger.

That's not a very nice way to talk about the wife unit Irons.

[CiscoKid]

If half of what I hear about Irons is true, she had better be a gold diver and not a gold digger. That guy can't navigate a boat worth a damn!

[Irons]

That's not a very nice way to talk about the wife unit Irons.

If she is looking for gold she's barking up the wrong tree!!

[Irons]

I just put in my order for one of these! No more Mr Nice Guy........



http://www.bigboyshobbies.net/shop/g...etal-detector/

[Lawrence]

Now Irons, look what you made me do. Bought under melt, of course:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Used-Garrett...item46009c2231

I'm gonna look ridiculous on the beach now.

[Irons]

Now Irons, look what you made me do. Bought under melt, of course:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Used-Garrett...item46009c2231

I'm gonna look ridiculous on the beach now.

Wow great snagg on the Ace 350, those are like $300 new! ~

You won't look silly on the beach unless you go around waving the coil over beach bunnies crotches checking for rings.
Then again, they might like that! ~

You'll like that MD, you can go into the water with it you just can't submerge the control box.

I will be a lot happier when this snow melts and I can get back out there. I got my AT Pro last week and can't do much

with it yet. I may get the neoprene waders out and hit the river boat launches.

[Lawrence]

Wow great snagg on the Ace 350, those are like $300 new! ~

You won't look silly on the beach unless you go around waving the coil over beach bunnies crotches checking for rings.
Then again, they might like that! ~

You'll like that MD, you can go into the water with it you just can't submerge the control box.

I will be a lot happier when this snow melts and I can get back out there. I got my AT Pro last week and can't do much

with it yet. I may get the neoprene waders out and hit the river boat launches.

No snow around here. Bad for my snowshoeing hobby, good for metal detecting. I've never actually used one of these things (a good one at least) before. Lots of beaches within walking distance. I like to dream but I get the feeling my pull tab collection is going to be expanded.

And I think I'd best avoid beach bunnies who have rings down there. I'm but a simple man.

[TomD]

Now Irons, look what you made me do. Bought under melt, of course:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Used-Garrett...item46009c2231

I'm gonna look ridiculous on the beach now.

Not only that but you can find all that lost meatl out there.

Hell, now I want a detector!

[Irons]

Not only that but you can find all that lost meatl out there.

Hell, now I want a detector!

I don't have an ocean but I have several places like this!. ~

I'm going to hit this place hard while the water is down in the spring, they lower the water about 25 feet for winter.

It's around a 2 mile walk through the woods to get to it, pretty much only locals know the way.

[newmisty]

Cut it out! I've been trying to turn a blind eye to this addiction for years...have managed to abstain for all this time. Now you jokers keep jumping on the bandwagon making it hard for ol misty to keep from taking a nip!

[Irons]

Look at it this way, as a hobby it can't be beat.

You will get fresh air, sunshine and exercise while having a perfect reason to mingle with women wearing dental floss.

They will be curious and want to talk to you and ask if you are finding anything.

For that effort you will find free silver and gold.
I'm not seeing anything wrong here folks. .

[AguA]

Look at it this way, as a hobby it can't be beat.

You will get fresh air, sunshine and exercise while having a perfect reason to mingle with women wearing dental floss.

They will be curious and want to talk to you and ask if you are finding anything.

For that effort you will find free silver and gold.
I'm not seeing anything wrong here folks. .

No fair.

Can't poke fun at the hobby when you put it like that...

[Fiat Metaler]

while having a perfect reason to mingle with women wearing dental floss.

They will be curious and want to talk to you and ask if you are finding anything.

i bet it would be an interesting conversation starter if you 'salted' your finds bag with some attractive jewelry.

[CiscoKid]

i bet it would be an interesting conversation starter if you 'salted' your finds bag with some attractive jewelry.

Throw a couple of rings meant to worn south of the equator into the bag and, when you are showing them to some hot slims, say "I'm not sure what these are. I think they may be pirate treasure."

[Irons]

i bet it would be an interesting conversation starter if you 'salted' your finds bag with some attractive jewelry.

I'm happy to see some folks are awake and thinking this morning! ~

[Irons]

Throw a couple of rings meant to worn south of the equator into the bag and, when you are showing them to some hot slims, say "I'm not sure what these are. I think they may be pirate treasure."

Hey up Cisco, I did some research on your gold panning idea and now am the proud owner of a set of classifying screens, a pan and a EZ sluice.

Many of these locations are in my stomping grounds, and a dam on one of them was just removed

that had been there since the 1920's. There will be gold and 80 years worth of coins and jewelry.

We will find color this summer!

http://www.iowagold.com/WHERE_TO_FIN...higan_gold.htm

[CiscoKid]

Excellent work, Irons! I think you will find panning relaxing and profitable (providing there is gold in your area). I dredge up river and creek bottoms and fill five gallon plastic buckets which I take to my barn. That way, I can pan them out into a wheelbarrow filled with water while listening to Buffet on the boombox and enjoying a cold frosty or two. No one looking over my shoulder either. I've got a birthday coming up and this is on my short list. http://www.goldfeverprospecting.com/kesublsaco.html The beauty of this system is the water supply is simply recirculated so I can concentrate black sands all day without worrying about my well. A pirate's life is a good life.

[Irons]

Excellent work, Irons! I think you will find panning relaxing and profitable (providing there is gold in your area). I dredge up river and creek bottoms and fill five gallon plastic buckets which I take to my barn. That way, I can pan them out into a wheelbarrow filled with water while listening to Buffet on the boombox and enjoying a cold frosty or two. No one looking over my shoulder either. I've got a birthday coming up and this is on my short list. http://www.goldfeverprospecting.com/kesublsaco.html The beauty of this system is the water supply is simply recirculated so I can concentrate black sands all day without worrying about my well. A pirate's life is a good life.

Nice set up! We plan on taking our concentrates out and panning them later too.

Not that anybody will have any idea what we are doing around here with a sluice.

I wasn't excited about it until Bob and I were talking about them taking out ______ dam last summer.

That river has been a canoe paddlers haven for decades and all those losses were sitting at the bottom of the dam.

We just have to go and scoop them up. ~

EDIT: This is where the dam was. It's had a year to calm down and settle. ~

[TomD]

I think I'd like to try this but dip my toe in the water before diving in. What's a decent unit to try to start out with, maybe in the $150 range?

I think there are some places around here that may "pan out", sandy long term public access areas to a local river, bunches of them. Don't know about the beaches because there is so much sand turnover from storms, nothing of value could stay there long.

[newmisty]

Not sure where you are exactly but I think "Florida/Spring Break/Lot of Finds"!

[Irons]

I think I'd like to try this but dip my toe in the water before diving in. What's a decent unit to try to start out with, maybe in the $150 range?

I think there are some places around here that may "pan out", sandy long term public access areas to a local river, bunches of them. Don't know about the beaches because there is so much sand turnover from storms, nothing of value could stay there long.

A good starter MD would be a Garrett Ace 250, a midrange Bounty Hunter, a unit everybody loves is a Tesoro Compadre at around $180.

Check your local craigslist or news paper ads, many folks get these for christmas and use them once and sell them.

Thats probably how brother Lawrence got his Ace 350 for 1/3 off.

Salt water beach machines are a whole nother critter, but any decent machine will work fine in dry sand.

Many many beach, water and dirt hunters offer thier advice here TomD, every hurricane and low tide brings more treasures to the surface.


http://metaldetectingforum.com/

[TheMadHatter]

Irons did you get your detector?

[Irons]

Irons did you get your detector?

Yep last week, here it is.


http://www.bigboyshobbies.net/shop/g...etal-detector/

[newmisty]

Hypothetically if one were interested in buying a detector to start swinging would this be a good deal?

http://fayar.craigslist.org/grd/2787894161.html

[Lawrence]

I think I'd like to try this but dip my toe in the water before diving in. What's a decent unit to try to start out with, maybe in the $150 range?

I think there are some places around here that may "pan out", sandy long term public access areas to a local river, bunches of them. Don't know about the beaches because there is so much sand turnover from storms, nothing of value could stay there long.

A lot of decent detectors are available used in the $175 range. $150's on the low side for a Garrett Ace 250 but it's entirely possible to get a deal on eBay. This Discovery 3300 is over $200 new, for example. If I hadn't bought that Ace 350 last night (people say they're overrated but it's worth $50 more than I paid, at least) I might have snagged this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Discovery-33...item2ebb24a0ed

edit: BIN no longer available

[Irons]

Hypothetically if one were interested in buying a detector to start swinging would this be a good deal?

http://fayar.craigslist.org/grd/2787894161.html

I would go for a newer lighter weight unit. You can get a brand new Ace 150 for that price.

http://newenglanddetectors.com/index...products_id=39

This Tesoro is one of the best loved MD's out there, lifetime warrenty and made in Arizona.

http://newenglanddetectors.com/index...roducts_id=119

[newmisty]

Cool thanks. I didn't now if it was a "they don't make em like they used to" kind of thing.

[Lawrence]

I didn't now if it was a "they don't make em like they used to" kind of thing.

That's true, but more in the personal computer sense than pre-'64 Winchester sense.

[newmisty]

lol, Indeed good sense does it make.

[Lawrence]

Garrett Ace 250 in the box with a $150 BIN:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GARRETT-ACE-...item3cc1a8c7d2

[newmisty]

Damn you guys! I can't resist much longer. A quick search turned up these reviews...

I purchased this as my first metal detector.
It paid for itself after the first time out when I found a gold medallion.
It is excellent for coins.
I usually run mine on jewelry mode (lookin for more gold).
Jan 15, 2012

I've had my ACE250 for just over a year now. I figured I would've upgraded to a "better" detector by this point but the reality is this thing just keeps serving up the booty. What I like about it is you can swing it very quickly and it won't miss anything. In fact, I tried to fool it in tests with wild swings and wasn't able to. The way it identifies coins is uncanny. Also the way it identifies iron and other junk items is good too as some days you just don't want to dig nails so you can de-select the far left mark and you won't have to listen to it.

Someone mentioned that it is difficult to pinpoint with the elliptical coil. This is not true, but you do have to learn how to pinpoint with this machine. I will tell you how because this isn't in the instruction manual. Once you've pinpointed in the general area of the target, move it slightly off-side and release and quickly press pinpoint again. This will put the machine into a less sensitive range and you can pinpoint more tightly. Repeat as necessary. I show this to another hunter with the same unit for three years and he didn't know this trick. You can dig a coin 5 inches down with hole of only 2 inches diameter and not miss it.

I can recommend the ACE 250 without hesitation.
Oct 20, 2011

I have been coin shooting for the past 18 years and own several detectors from different manufactures. One of my grandchildren recently took an interest in coin shooting so I gave her an Ace 250 and Garrett Delux headphones for her birthday.
After working with my granddaughter and trying to teach her the trick of the trade (so to speak), I realized that this ultra-light little machine worked better than machines I had used costing 4 times more than the Ace 250.