Hey all newbie here from iowa.

[mhughes013]

Hey all, new to the world of metal detecting, been trying to do some research but I have always found that the best kind is to just get out there and do it. Don't have a real fancy metal detector, just a harbor freight one, but seems I have got it working how it should. Anyone with any tips to make sure I pick up good habits and avoid the bad ones?

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[paulm777]

Hey all, new to the world of metal detecting, been trying to do some research but I have always found that the best kind is to just get out there and do it. Don't have a real fancy metal detector, just a harbor freight one, but seems I have got it working how it should. Anyone with any tips to make sure I pick up good habits and avoid the bad ones?

You'll pick up a lot of tips just by reading previous posts. I would say a few top tips would be:
Go slow.
Practice makes you more in tune with your detector.
Dig everything at first, this makes you understand what your detectors saying (pull tab, silver, penny, dime, ring..)
If you have discrimination on detector this will teach you what is good and isn't good. But even the $1,000 detectors sometimes say its junk, when it might be a silver bracelet for example.

Good luck

[TerryC]

Welcome to the Tnet. There are several here on the net that will help you along. Also, MANY books can give you a good headstart. TTC

[TNGUNS]

Don't get frustrated......it takes quite a bit of time with a machine before you really get productive with it. Make sure you use headphones. Most detectors tell you more than you would think in the subtle difference in their tone or tones. As simple as it sounds.....a good deep coin sounds like a good deep coin. Harder to tell with wind and outside noise if you don't use the headphones. Best of luck and welcome to the ward.

[Sandman]

As TNGUNS said, Use headphones. This also stops neighborhood dogs and kids from visiting you and lets you keep a low profile.

The best advice I can give it to learn how to PINPOINT WELL and remove coins from the ground without having to dig a hole and if you do have to cut a plug in the grass, do the cut on only 3 sides so the grass doesn't die. Any dirt you remove should be placed on a cloth so the coin doesn't get lost in the grass again and you can pour all the dirt back in the hole and saving time in the bargain. Never, ever be seen in a park or school yard with a shovel or large trowel.

[IowaPro]

Hi Welcome aboard I live about 40 miles south and east of you if you need and help with the hobby let me know. I have been detecting about 35 years now.:-)

[mhughes013]

Hey all, thanks for the pointers and suggestions. Hopefully I can get out and do some md'ing here soon. And thanks for the offer IowaPro, I will keep you in mind if I ever do need any help.

[arnofarrell]

Hello from Nothwest Iowa, if you are ever in the area there is a fellow detectorist if you want to hunt.

[Mzjavert]

Set up play dates with those who have offered help. You'll have a ton of fun sharing your finds.

[AgIA]

Greeting from NE Iowa in the Waverly area! Just getting serious myself - would love to go hunting...

[mhughes013]

Hmmmm seems quite a few of us in iowa. If anyone is interested in heading out sometime shoot me a message.