Metal Detecting as a Frugal Hobby?

Cheetahwoman7 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 07:40 AM

You know, sometimes I just get these "bugs" that make me want to try something new. One time, it was learning how to sail. Another, becoming a massage therapist (the legal kind, guys) *smile*. Now, I'm interested in metal detecting.

Most of these "bugs" stick with me for about a year done as a regular activity, then sort of fade a bit from my life as a new one replaces it. Now, I guess my question is: Would metal detecting be a good hobby to get into, knowing that I tend to stick with things about a year before they become more of a "once-and-awhile" activity?

I've been online, looking up sites and reviews on metal detecting and detectors. I've even gone so far as to place a wanted ad on Craigslist. Have had a few bites and one gal who says she has a White's brand basic detector for $125. That's about my price range. If spread out the cost over the coarse of a year, I don't think it's too costly as far as an activity goes.

What do y'all think? Do you go out treasure hunting with a detector? Do you see it as a hobby, or a way to produce unexpected income? Let me know your opinions and experiences.

Thanks in advance,
CJ

Snoopy2645 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 08:17 AM

Well could you find one cheaper?? MY moms husband got one for like $1 at a garage sale he never used it & sold it the next year for $1 on our garage sale LOL just an idea. My best friend though her dad has done this as a hobby for years & loves it, it would be a cheap hobby thats for sure. Even if you pay $100 or something for the actual metal detector

Ima saver · #3 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 08:42 AM

Sounds like fun, but I have never done it!

Fern · #4 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 08:51 AM

Pure entertainment value only. I doubt you could get a metal detector priced at $125 to pay for itself.

LuxLiving · #5 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 08:58 AM

Don't forget to ask for one on Freecycle.

Joan.of.the.Arch · #6 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 09:43 AM

It is only entertaining if you find things. You can go a long time without finding anything. You may even be lucky to find a bottle cap.

You can test drive the hobby by going out with a stick in your hand. Just pretend that it is your hiking stick so you don't feel too stupid. Oh, carry a trowel or small shovel and maybe a bag to put your treasures in. Walk along in the kind of place where you think people may have lost coins, earrings, bottlecaps, buckles, metal buttons, etc. Slowly swing the stick along in front of you. Keep your eyes on the ground to try not to miss too much ground space with the end of the stick. Are you entertained? Are you enjoying the scenery? Are you getting pleasant exercise? Will you mind the kids who come along and ask you what you are doing? Will you mind the people who tell you they lost a ring, so would you come to their house and find it for them?

Scanner · #7 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 11:39 AM

Just be sure to give to your man to wear on the beach with black socks and white sneakers - ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha haaaaaaaaaa

:

tinapbeana · #8 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 11:59 AM

the discovery channel did a series on vacation destinations that could make you money (hunting surface gold in arizona, gem mining in NC), and metal detecting on a specific beach in FL was included. actually, they used the metal detector gold hunting in AZ too...

Ima saver · #9 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 12:38 PM

I have seen a few people pan for gold in our creek!!

Joan.of.the.Arch · #10 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 12:54 PM

Oooo, cool, gold panning! My Dad did this for a whole summer and loved it. But he loved the scenery, nature, the people he met in out of the way places, the camping, the lack of daily responsibility to others. Evidently the guy even enjoyed, in the end, the adventures of getting lost a time or two. He made enough to pay for his trip and live very simply for a few months afterward. He was educated as a geologist, but I don't think that gave him any advantage over anyone else. But he did work, work, work at it all day for three months. And if I remember correctly, the price of gold was high at the time.

cemsmom · #11 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinapbeana

the discovery channel did a series on vacation destinations that could make you money (hunting surface gold in arizona, gem mining in NC), and metal detecting on a specific beach in FL was included. actually, they used the metal detector gold hunting in AZ too...

I watched a similar show on the Travel Channel a couple of weeks ago. One section of it was on a beach in central FL near where some Spanish Inquisition ships had sunk in the 1700's. Some people were finding only coins, but others were coming up with jewelry and other neat items. They said that the best time to go out with your metal detector is right after a storm. It sounds like a fun hobby, and perhaps it could turn a profit.

Christie

Ima saver · #12 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 03:26 PM

We found some beautiful arrowheads when we were building our house. the land had never been touched. We had experts tell us that they are about 900 years old.

cschin4 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 09:47 AM

It is funny how we tell ourselves that something is going to be "frugal" while spending $100+. Look for one at a garage sale. I would think it would get pretty boring after a few times.

tinapbeana · #14 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cschin4

It is funny how we tell ourselves that something is going to be "frugal" while spending $100+. Look for one at a garage sale. I would think it would get pretty boring after a few times.

well, it all depends on what you get out of it in the long run. if you enjoy metal detecting whether you find something or not, then $100 for several years worth of entertainment is pretty darn cheap. i couldn't go to a 2 hour movie every weekend for a year, much less for several years, for $100...

all depends on what floats your boat. if you wind up enjoying it, metal detecting can be a very frugal hobby.

Aleta · #15 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 10:09 AM

I've heard that it's a good way to find a lost key in yard when you would never find it normally.

cschin4 · #16 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 10:17 AM

Yes, to each his own. I am not knocking it as a hobby. But, I doubt that anyone is going to recover $100+ by doing it. If you like and enjoy it, then fine. It may well be worth it. But, I do think all of us often to try to justify the "frugality" of something when in reality it doesn't apply. I am just saying that I used to tell myself how I would "save money" etc but I never really did. I hope the OP doesn't take offense. I am just speaking from my personal experience that I could talk myself into anything and "justify" the numbers in my mind.

rob62521 · #17 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 12:32 PM

I work with a guy who has one and he does it more for the thrill of the hunt. He takes his kids to the park and while they are playing, he metal detects. He figures he gets more exercise than if he just stood and watched his girls play.

tabbycat31 · #18 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 01:43 PM

my sister gave one to my dad for his birthday last year. My family spends a lot of time at the beach, so he brings it with him.

He enjoys showing curious kids how to use it, and will teach them the ropes and let them keep any loot they find.

This particular metal detector will say what it is that is found (ie coin)

fultron · #19 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 05:58 AM

Never tried it myself, but give it a go. Even if you don't get your $125 investment back you'll have a good time, get a little exercise, and enjoy some freash air.

cschin4 · #20 (**permalink**) 03-02-2007, 04:11 AM

cheetah - I often get those "bugs" to try things as well. I tend to find something I am really interested in and immerse myself in it for awhile and then move on. 2 years ago I decided to take up the electric guitar. So, I bought a cool electric guitar, amp and took lessons. Not frugal but I really enjoy playing. However, over time it probably has been frugal because the time I spent practicing was time I was not in a Walmart!!
But, I have also found I can buy a cheaper or used item of whatever my new "bug" is and then if I find I really like it, I will then go buy a new or better version of whatever. That may be a little more frugal if you are looking to save money. More often that not, after I have done something for awhile I tend to move on anyway. So, give it a go and have fun. But, do check around look at different models so you know what you are buying.