You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Any metal detector enthusiasts on here ?
- Thread starter calisonic
- Start date
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_0_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/532.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0.5 Mobile/8A306 Safari/6531.22.7)
Just a quick search.
2. How deep do metal detectors detect metals? [Top of page]
The most frequently asked question and unfortunately the most difficult to answer! Most general purpose models are factory equipped to search for coin & jewelry sized metals at depths of 8 to 12+ inches depending on metal size and alloy. To significantly and consistently detect beyond 12 inches requires larger accessory search coils, and/or to give up attempts to eliminate trash metals.The 15" search coil responding to all metal alloys can detect larger metal items (coin jars) at depths up to four feet. However, sensitivity to single coins is greater with smaller search coils. White's TM 808 can detect 55 gallon drums at 16 feet, car-sized metals at 20 feet. However, it is not likely to respond to individual coins or pieces of jewelry.
Detection depth varies with many factors:
The size, shape, exact metal alloy, and orientation of the object in the ground. Objects of a greater surface are detected at greater depths. For example a coin lying flat exposes a greater surface area than a coin laying on its side and will be detected at a greater depth.
The size of the search coil. Search coils come in a wide range of sizes and shapes- 4", 6", 8", 9.5", and 15". There are also differences in the configuration of the coils inside the search coil producing different shape search patterns. The larger the search coil, the deeper it can detect larger metal items. However, it is more difficult to use in trashy areas with less depth to small metal items. Smaller search coils provide better separation in high trash and better sensitivity to small metals.
Soil conditions and the amount of minerals in the soil. The higher the soil mineralization, i.e. the presence of magnetic and/or conductive properties, the more difficult it is for a metal detector to cancel the interference these soils produce. Detection depth is reduced in severe grounds. Depth may increase or decrease with subtle changes in the soil conditions, more noticeably with the entry level models. Soil mineralization varies widely around the country & around the world.
The experience and skill of the operator. There's no substitute forexperience. Knowing how to operate your detector and understanding the signals will significantly increase depth.
Just a quick search.
2. How deep do metal detectors detect metals? [Top of page]
The most frequently asked question and unfortunately the most difficult to answer! Most general purpose models are factory equipped to search for coin & jewelry sized metals at depths of 8 to 12+ inches depending on metal size and alloy. To significantly and consistently detect beyond 12 inches requires larger accessory search coils, and/or to give up attempts to eliminate trash metals.The 15" search coil responding to all metal alloys can detect larger metal items (coin jars) at depths up to four feet. However, sensitivity to single coins is greater with smaller search coils. White's TM 808 can detect 55 gallon drums at 16 feet, car-sized metals at 20 feet. However, it is not likely to respond to individual coins or pieces of jewelry.
Detection depth varies with many factors:
The size, shape, exact metal alloy, and orientation of the object in the ground. Objects of a greater surface are detected at greater depths. For example a coin lying flat exposes a greater surface area than a coin laying on its side and will be detected at a greater depth.
The size of the search coil. Search coils come in a wide range of sizes and shapes- 4", 6", 8", 9.5", and 15". There are also differences in the configuration of the coils inside the search coil producing different shape search patterns. The larger the search coil, the deeper it can detect larger metal items. However, it is more difficult to use in trashy areas with less depth to small metal items. Smaller search coils provide better separation in high trash and better sensitivity to small metals.
Soil conditions and the amount of minerals in the soil. The higher the soil mineralization, i.e. the presence of magnetic and/or conductive properties, the more difficult it is for a metal detector to cancel the interference these soils produce. Detection depth is reduced in severe grounds. Depth may increase or decrease with subtle changes in the soil conditions, more noticeably with the entry level models. Soil mineralization varies widely around the country & around the world.
The experience and skill of the operator. There's no substitute forexperience. Knowing how to operate your detector and understanding the signals will significantly increase depth.