Tell me...

outdoorfunblonde · Nov 26, 2014

Are metal detectors for METAL only??
Can they detect other materials?? Yes, it is a stupid question, but maybe I misunderstood that in another post, someones said they found marbles with a detector.
It was probably that he found marbles same time... but NOT WITH a detector...?
I know, I have a lot to learn! LOL never used a metal detector, and my first one is coming by Fedex on Tuesday! YAY !!
Thanks in advance... and you can stop laughing now at my stupid question!
Have a great Thanksgiving, y'all!

Charlie P. (NY) · Nov 26, 2014

Metal only; or at least conductive. Though if you look at the periodic chart LOTS of elements are metals. Carbon, Calcium and Sodium are metals. But some glass does have lead added for sparkle. Wouldn't be much, though.

I find marbles often incedetally near coins. Seems kids had them in their pockets regularly.

PS - keep asking. Ain't nobody here wasn't hopeless with a detector at some point in the past. They take a little learning.

Start by burying a few coins in clear ground for a test garden (be sure to map where they are!)

Peyton Manning · Nov 26, 2014

google marble detectors, along with wood magnets

Dave Rishar · Nov 27, 2014

All of my machines are rather good at finding worms. Seriously, every time that I get a hit and dig, I come up with at least one worm. Often the worms outnumber the legitimate targets.

I think that XP sold me a worm detector, but I'm not angry. It's a very good worm detector and if I ever start fishing again, it will serve me well.

Old Silver · Nov 27, 2014

Metal detectors will not detect marbles. I know because when I put mine up to my head it doesn't sound off. :tongue3:

Darrow · Nov 27, 2014

I don't know. I am new to detecting and hunt Canyon Lake near you. One day I found what looks like a tiny sea urchin fossil...with my Garrett. A fellow tnetter thinks it's a bale seal. I talked to a ranger at the lake and learned there's an old mill at the bottom of the lake so possibly. Doesn't look like metal at all, and is round...I know my detector likes the round targets and is thrilled with bottle caps and lids. Have found nice silver near the dam. Happy hunting!

outdoorfunblonde · Nov 27, 2014

LOL
It would be a plus for me if mine helps me find worms too!!
I do like to fish!!

Rodbuster209 · Nov 27, 2014

Marbles for some reason always tend to show up, especially when hunting residential front and back yards, so don't throw them out find a jar to put them. Good luck! Happy Thanksgiving!

CincinnatiKid · Nov 27, 2014

Nope. But as Rodbuster209 correctly states, they're often found in yards. When I started finding marbles, I naturally had to Google 'em. Aside from some being very valuable, a sort of "Marble Olympics" is held annually. It was at it's zenith in the 1950s. I found the rules n regs to be fascinating. Give marbles a Google.
Happy Thanksgiving
GL
Peace

Papalittle · Nov 27, 2014

Mine is great at finding worms too but also finds grubs, digging spiders and hornet nests! :BangHead:

Frankn · Nov 28, 2014

Well, being as old as I am, I use to play marbles. There were various games from pockets to bumpers. There were different types of marbles like moonies and aggies. There were also metal marbles which were actually from old ball bearing assemblies.
Most marbles were a standard size, but there were larger ones, but they were harder to 'shoot'. Just some thoughts from the far distant past. Frank

Msbeepbeep · Nov 28, 2014

The musket ball I found I first thought was a marble it was round and a white clay color.

I have detected a clam at low tide in the beach sand I have no idea why, I waved it under the coil and it sounded off, I didn't want to cut it open to see why so that shall forever remain a mystery! :icon_scratch:

As for questions I was once asked by an onlooker at the beach if "that thing" would detect dollar bills, as in paper money, I told him it depended on how much metal was in the ink it was printed with. You could just see the wheels turning! :laughing7:

outdoorfunblonde · Nov 28, 2014

Msbeepbeep said:
The musket ball I found I first thought was a marble it was round and a white clay color.

I have detected a clam at low tide in the beach sand I have no idea why, I waved it under the coil and it sounded off, I didn't want to cut it open to see why so that shall forever remain a mystery!

As for questions I was once asked by an onlooker at the beach if "that thing" would detect dollar bills, as in paper money, I told him it depended on how much metal was in the ink it was printed with. You could just see the wheels turning!

LOL!!

One time someone asked me about all my fossils. I was stunned when she asked what time of year do I find them..as if they come and go because of the weather. She already knows I'm outdoors all year long!!