How deep will a detector go?
This is probably asked more than any other question we get. It is also one that there are no set answers, although I wish I could give one. The depth of a machine depends on ground conditions, size of target and operator skill more than all other factors combined. The more you use your detector the better your depth will be. An example is, a beginner probably will find few coin size targets at six inches while experienced users commonly find coins at this depth and deeper.

Which brand is best?
Everyone has their own preference. All detectors made by the top manufacturers are good. The success rate depends more on the user than the machine. Although some brands or models will out perform others under certain conditions and some are easier to learn to run than others, the choice is still up to the user. I suggest find one that appeals to you and your pocket book and ask a lot of questions about its use. You don't have to buy the most expensive detector to enjoy the hobby and make some fantastic finds.

How do you find really old items?
One of my favorite tricks, is to get history books about a particular area I am interested in and look at footnotes. These tell where the author got his information and have led me to a lot of unhunted sites. Ever dreamed a going to a site where 99% of the targets are over a hundred years old? These sites are easier to find than you think and they are everywhere. Another advantage that I have found to doing this type of research is that a landowner is usually interested in his land and if the site is unknown he will more than likely grant you permission to hunt his place. Remember to find older items you have to hunt old sites.

There are no places left to hunt.
This statement is about as far from the truth as you can get. No place is ever hunted out and remember if people were there, they lost things. There are valuable items lost everyday. That is one of the things that makes this hobby so exciting. 

What is the best thing you ever found?
I am not in the hobby to make a profit, besides my wife says it would not do you any good to find a valuable artifact, because you would not sell it anyway. My best find and probably yours will be the friends made since getting involved in the hobby.

What detector do you use?
I use different models and manufacturers for different types of hunting although they would all perform well. An example is relic hunting, I prefer one manufacturer and model when looking for a new site while using another in a site that has been found and hunted hard. Water hunting is the same, some brands work better on beaches where there are a lot of nails than others. Again form your own opinion and buy a machine you can afford.

How do you find time to hunt?
That is one of the things that is so neat about metal detecting. Since there are so many places to hunt you don't have to drive to find places to hunt. Just be ready to go at a moments notice. You can hunt during your lunch hour, on your way home, or even at night.