Metal detectors

chaslib · Senior Member

Metal detectors

Happywanderer · The Master

If you click on Search up the top of the page and type in Metal Detectors you will find at least another 3 threads on the subject Libby and Charlie.
It is something I have always wondered about too but never been in the position to go out and try it for myself.

justcruisin01 · Guru

chaslib wrote:
Anyone out there dabbled in metal detecting? Would be interested in hearing others experiences and recommendations Re equipment etc.
Costs appear to be vastly different in terms of the almighty dollar sign and the top of the market from what our uninformed brains have researched appears to be exUSA, however, this is not our major concern as we would prefer to spend on quality rather than cheap rubbish! I would look on this as a way to keep active more than a get rich scheme and not fall into the trap of inactivity!
Yes, would love for this to fund our retirement and travels, but there is a little voice inside me telling me to "get real"
Regardleaa of any exciting or disappointing outcomes, this sounds like a fun and active hobby to follow in our travels.

Cheers

-- Edited by chaslib on Thursday 14th of February 2013 08:15:23 PM

Ironic how things come about, just recently caught up with an old school & life time friend who has been bitten by this bug as well.

He done the research & bought very good equipment, around $6000.00

JC.

villatranquilla · Guru

there are a variety of detectors available - some more suited to relic and coin hunting - best option is to do a day course where the detector is supplied. This gives you an idea of what is involved. We did this, bought a detector then spent 8 weeks free camping at Maryborough Vic and found about an ounce of gold - lots of digging but we really enjoy being out in the bush. Off to WA this year to try our luck (we are permanant travellers)

GaryKelly · Guru

Watched a show about Kalgoorlie on telly last night. They said a total of 3 swimming pools of gold has been mined in the history of mining. And that includes the entire world. No wonder the stuff is worth a few bob. $6000 sounds like a lot to invest in a metal detector and equipment though. I'd rather stub my toe on a nugget.

aussietraveller · Guru

It all depends on what type of detecting you want to do the cheaper ones around $600-$1500 which is the type i use can be good fun especially on beaches and parks but if you are serious about finding gold you will need to spend around $3000 to $6000 just remember its easier to find Gold on the beach than in the bush, the top brand detector manufacturer is Minelab which is an Australian company and you often see them on ebay.

Good luck.

spida · Guru

Talking to an 'expert' at Mt Magnet who sells second hand detectors. They did recommend ones without the head phones - a speaker clips on the shoulder. I have tried the head phones and find they are very hot. The speaker apparently gives a much better indication of the different sounds. Also something about a 'double D' system. Have an old friend who goes to Cue every year prospecting and often finds gold - and bullet cases, bottle tops.... then heads off to a beach for coins, rubbish tips for watches.....
Saw a bloke at Seaforth after a fishing weekend doing the park - coins no doubt:)