Metal detector

[Crusarius]

Since I am finally to the cutting and testing stage of my bandsawmill build I have been playing with some spalted maple I acquired. unfortunately it was from a yard tree. I have killed 3 blades in 4 logs. I now find myself wanting a metal detector.

So I just spent a bunch of time searching for metal detector topics. The most recent one I found I think was 2014. I am sure things have changed and improved since then.

Does anybody have any suggestions for decent metal detectors? Especially ones that won't break the bank. I found a couple nice units on amazon with favorable reviews. I would greatly appreciate any feedback everyone has.

This unit caught my eye. Amazon metal detector

[Ljohnsaw]

I got a
Zircon MetalliScanner m40 Handheld Electronic Metal Detector
from Amazon in 2015.  I used it for the first time last month.  It actually allowed me to pin point the end of a bolt 6" down into a pine log.

[alan gage]

I went through this recently. Found an old thread where a member had gotten a vibratector: Treasure Products, Inc | Home of the Vibra-Probe

Sounded about perfect so I got one. Unfortunately that member never responded back with his actual experiences but I've been disappointed with mine so far. I was slabbing 1-2" deep and hit metal (I hadn't checked the log first). After getting the blade backed out of the cut I grabbed the detector to see how it would do. I waved it all over the area and it didn't go off once. I could see a small depression in the bark where it had healed over and assuming that's where the metal was I concentrated on this area. Then I was able to get the detector to go off if I held it tight to the bark and concentrated on just that area. Not something that's feasible to do successfully on every log.

Maybe I should try playing with it on the trees at home. There's hardly a tree on my property that doesn't show signs of wire or bolts. Would be a good test.

Alan

[Magicman]

I have two similar to this:  LINK

One is a Garrett and the other is similar and is no longer available.

[Lawg Dawg]

Go to Harbor Freight and get you one for $40...I've been using one for over a year and has saved me hundreds in blades. Best thing, if you accidentally  leave it out in the rain, run over it with the tractor, or roll a log over it...youre only out $40  :D works good and is cheap, plus plus in my book 8)

[Tom the Sawyer]

Bought a Wood Wizard (similar to the Garrett wand style), it lasted about 60 days.  They replaced it under warranty, that one lasted about 90 days.  Bought one at HF, had it about 3 years so far, just replace the 9v battery periodically and its good to go.  Both the WW and the HF are good for 3-4" deep in a log but are very sensitive to mill components, forklift forks, etc.  It comes in really handy when I am resawing old beams because it will even pick up staples.

[moodnacreek]

Mine is a Fisher quick silver from the 1980's. I can not be without it and keep a spare unit. It will do 8" or more and discriminate between metal and iron so I can saw lead/copper bullets. It is not waterproof like a Ren's professional model but they do not discriminate.

[tawilson]

I've got the same Garret as MM and the harbor freight one. They both work, the Garret possibly a little more sensitive. I think i need to do a side by side scientific test.

[PAmizerman]

Been using the HF for over a year now. Works good enough for me.

[Pjames]

Garrett here works pretty well if you use it not so well if you (DONT)

[Magicman]

I have a Garrett 250 Ace, but I would much rather use a wand.  Note; always use your metal detector well away from the sawmill and stay clear of your steel toe boots.   ;D

Since I only custom saw, I never use a metal detector but they are available for the customer to use.   

[Southside]

I have found that new bands straight out of the box are the best metal detectors out there, they ALWAYS find any piece of tramp metal in a log, guaranteed not to miss a single piece. 

[alan gage]

I went through this recently. Found an old thread where a member had gotten a vibratector: Treasure Products, Inc | Home of the Vibra-Probe

Sounded about perfect so I got one. Unfortunately that member never responded back with his actual experiences but I've been disappointed with mine so far. I was slabbing 1-2" deep and hit metal (I hadn't checked the log first). After getting the blade backed out of the cut I grabbed the detector to see how it would do. I waved it all over the area and it didn't go off once. I could see a small depression in the bark where it had healed over and assuming that's where the metal was I concentrated on this area. Then I was able to get the detector to go off if I held it tight to the bark and concentrated on just that area. Not something that's feasible to do successfully on every log.

Maybe I should try playing with it on the trees at home. There's hardly a tree on my property that doesn't show signs of wire or bolts. Would be a good test.

Alan

Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to throw the vibratector under the bus. I haven't been using it just because the trees I've been cutting have been clean and I didn't really trust it but the other day I spotted a nail head in an ash tree so I got out the vibratector to check the rest of it. That tree must have been more metal than wood because it went crazy until I got over about 7' high. That one nail head was the only thing visible but I'm guessing there was wire fencing in the tree. So it saved the day that day.
Alan

[firefighter ontheside]

I also have the Zircon metalliscanner and it works, but it's pretty narrow. I'm,going to get something that scans a wider area.  The zircon is good pinpointing location.

[Brad_bb]

I use the garrett super scanner V.  I have milled a lot of yard trees.

[BenTN]

I am searching for the same thing to go with a new lt35. I just found one at rural king for $29. Looks decent for the price, 6" depth and good reviews. It sounds to me like the cheap ones perform well enough for what we'd use them for.