Metal detecting can be a very interesting hobby for someone to have. Not only is it fun, but it can also lead to finding things that will make you money down the road. If you know how to manage the money you make from using your metal detector and turning it into a career, then this hobby can pay off in the long run.
How to get started with metal detecting
First of all, you should know that there is a little bit of an upfront cost to metal detecting. You'll need to purchase your own equipment and tools before getting started. The good news is that the price of metal detectors has come down quite a bit in recent years. There is also an accessory market for detectors, so you'll be able to purchase things like cases, extra coils, and more. You can even find deals on these items online or at your local pawn shop.
You will need to use your metal detector often if you want to get enough money to quit your day job and do this full time. It would be especially helpful if you live in an area that has a lot of construction or other public projects happening at once. You can look for metal detectors for sale on eBay and Craigslist, and these can come with some different coils. This means you will be able to search for coins, jewelry, relics, and other interesting items in a variety of different settings.
Once you have your tools ready to go, you need to know where the best places are to look for things that people have lost or misplaced. You can search vacant lots or property that is being developed. Even parks are ideal because so many people will go there and not be able to find their lost items. The more you get out and search, the more money you will make over time.
For example, relics from past wars or other historic events can fetch a decent price if you sell them online or at a local pawn shop. Coins often come in rolls that people don't realize they have. Jewelry is always in demand, and there are even people who collect costume pieces. You can turn your extra change into cash just by having a roll of coins that someone accidentally lost at the park turned into money for you.
There are plenty of other ways to find treasure besides going out into nature - searching through abandoned buildings and even old trash cans may yield valuable items that people threw away!
Types of metal detectors
There are many different types of metal detectors for different purposes, and they all have their pros and cons. Here are the most common types:
Coin finders
This is the most popular type of metal detector, and it can find coins, jewelry, and other small objects that are close to the surface of the ground. This is especially helpful if you live in a place where there are a lot of people walking around every day.
Gold detectors
This type of detector is specifically designed to find gold. This can be a lucrative option if you live in an area where there are a lot of people panning for gold, but it's only going to be useful in certain places - usually spots that have been picked clean already.
Underwater detectors
If you're interested in metal detecting underwater, then this is the type of detector you'll want to use. They are specially designed to detect metals that are under the surface of the water, even if they've been there for quite some time.
Kids detectors
If you're looking for something that is very easy to use, then this is the type of detector that will be right up your alley. These are specifically designed to be easier for children to use.
Beginner detectors
This is the least expensive metal detector option. It's ideal for those just starting out and who don't want to spend a lot of money on something that they're not even sure if they want to continue with, but it may lack some features that other detectors have.
People can search for all sorts of different things with their metal detectors, and there are detectors that have multiple uses. You just have to decide what you're interested in finding and then choose a detector that is going to help you find those specific things.
Tips for successful metal detecting
Here is the list of some useful tips that can help you with metal detecting:
- Before going out, look for information on the specific area where you'll be searching. This can include park maps and any other areas of public property. You want to know exactly what is allowed and what isn't so that you don't run into any legal trouble later on.
- When you are searching, remember to take your time. It can be easy to get lost in the excitement of metal detecting and go too fast, but this can lead to you missing things that are right under your nose. Take your time so that you don't miss anything important!
- Don't forget about personal safety. Metal detectors can help you find valuable items, but you still have to be careful. Always go out metal detecting with a friend so that if anything happens you have someone there to help!
- You can't just use any type of metal detector in every situation. A coin finder won't work when you're underwater, and a kids' metal detector isn't going to help you find valuable jewelry. Make sure you have the right tool for the job so that nothing gets by you!
- Be as prepared as possible when going out metal detecting. Take a first aid kit, safety equipment, and plenty of water with you so that you can stay well during your adventure!
- Know your laws. Some areas have strict rules about metal detecting, so it's important to know what they are before you go out on your search.
- Metal detecting is usually done by individuals, but there are some groups that will go out together looking for treasure! If you're interested in forming a group then there are many online communities where you can find people who want to go out metal detecting as a hobby.
- Have fun during your search. If you don't enjoy what you're doing then there's no point in continuing this hobby - make sure that you really love what you're doing so that it doesn't seem like a chore.
Final words
If you do your research, metal detecting can be a very profitable hobby. You will need to spend some money on equipment upfront, but it can make you enough to quit your day job eventually. Just remember that it isn't as easy as some people make it sound and that you'll need to put in a lot of hard work!