Metal Detector Choices
Sawmill operators discuss the cost and capabilities of metal detectors. October 20, 2005
Question
I have a new band mill on order and want to protect the blades and mill. I ran a search here, but nothing came up to give me what I wanted. I would like to know how much I should spend on a metal detector for checking 16" deep into logs. Does anyone have any suggestions on what brands to use?
Forum Responses
(Sawing and Drying Forum)
From contributor J:
Im not sure how much they are, but Schonstead makes some nice ones that will detect small items pretty deep into the soil (greater than 2 feet) so it should work for log diameters.
From contributor C:
I use a Fisher CZ70 to find nails. It can detect a nail at over 1 foot, but I would re-check every 4 inches or so to be sure. (Every fourth cut if the boards are around an inch thick).
From contributor L:
I have been having very good luck with my metal detecting unit. I bought it to hunt treasure. It's several years old now so the new ones will be even better. My unit is like the CZ-70 mentioned. It's a Fisher CZ-7 Quick Silver. It cost around $600 new. Detector shops will have used CZ-7 Quick Silver units at a very good price. It's best if you can take a used unit out on the job to see for your self. I have found several nails in logs with my CZ-7 but the blade hasn't found any, yet.
From contributor C:
To contributor L: That's the exact unit I use. I said CZ70 because it is the updated version of the CZ7 which is no longer available. It's basically the exact same machine, but the newer CZ70 has a speaker which allows you to work without having to wear the headset, and it has a revision made to the battery setup. The older CZ7 would drain the batteries when they were left in it for a long period of time, where the newer CZ70 has fixed this problem. (Its never been a problem to me though). They are great machines. I have used mine looking for old coins or whatnot around old homesites and have found some things pretty darn deep, probably 1 1/2 feet. That's why I bought this particular machine though - it's supposed to detect deeper than most any of the others.
From contributor F:
I purchased a Rens 3000 several years ago and found great success with the unit. It cost me around $1,500 at the time, but it was money well spent. I have been able to detect metal through a 3' Walnut with no problems. I have been able to detect water and power lines as deep as 4' into the ground.
