Deeper Targets - Shovel Selection Pinpointing - Volcanic Soil

[Phantom]

Hi All,
Recently I visited 2 farms in far North NSW, red volcanic soil, played hell with the detector (Equinox 800 6", 11" and 15" coils) and the pinpointers(Minelab 35 and Garrett)

The targets where very deep and I faced two problems:

Problem 1. I really needed to dig a deeper sods, my home made digger meant I still needed to dig deeper which was really hard and not strong enough.
I see thee are a few that look good.
Does anyone have and views on these especially once you take the top sod out and need to do a better job of taking the second sod from the same hole cleanly.
Tyger Nokta Makro




Problem 2. Pinpointer In Volcanic soil
I really struggled to pinpoint the deeper targets in the hole the soil was so volcanic it sets pointer off, even after I desensitised the pinpointers , even on lowest setting still sounded when just touching the soil or 3/4 deep in the hole. I the end I felt like I was just digging my way to China.
The Garret performed the best the Minelab just went crazy no matter what I did.

Both these issues meant I found the process very frustrating and only found the shallow rubbish targets. Both are old farms with quite a history. the only good find was a 1917 George V One Shilling, so I know there are heaps more when I can improve my skill.
I even brought a sod of soil back with me to test with.


As usual any help or pointers to links would be appreciated.
Regards,
Phantom

 

[Jaros]

Someone her will help i'm sure.

 

[Greenhornet_au]

My only experience with volcanic soils is from Mt Gambier many years ago, the soil was loose and fine black gritty crap, but probably harder under the top few inches.
I use the 'plug digger' (long red handle) from my DIY but the blade length is only about 10 inches, could easily been 12" or more depending upon the spade blade length and what you want to have.
Below the last item from Bunnings would give you a VERY long blade to work with, the 'fiskars' is super light weight and I have one for sand digging in paddocks but it needs a sharpened edge and some teeth on the sides (another project).

As for a digger, I will send you to a DIY because it is cheap, easy to make and you can vary the shape or spade or shovel.
It all depends upon the ground you are digging and depth you want. Look thru the posts and you will see.
https://www.prospectingaustralia.co...-template-and-instructions.19869/#post-288750
and a Bunnings reference -
https://www.bunnings.com.au/saxon-long-fibreglass-handle-plumbers-shovel_p0242869https://www.bunnings.com.au/fiskars-light-pointed-digging-spade_p3350712https://www.bunnings.com.au/trojan-fibreglass-d-handle-draining-spade_p0149060
I am REALLY new to the Equinox, but maybe using it in Beach (in water) mode may help, with some other setting likely to be posted by others with more experience than me.
Other than that maybe a Pulse Induction detector, and a PI pinpointer.

Good luck, and nice coin find too.

 

[Dave79]

Beach mode will quieten it down but you'll also lose a bit of depth and sensitivity. Switching to 4 or 5 kHz single frequency will give better target responses on large, high tones and a bit more depth but you might have to reject a few target numbers to stop it squeaking.
It's always going to be difficult using a vlf in that sort of ground, especially if it's wet.

 

[Phantom]

My only experience with volcanic soils is from Mt Gambier many years ago, the soil was loose and fine black gritty crap, but probably harder under the top few inches.
I use the 'plug digger' (long red handle) from my DIY but the blade length is only about 10 inches, could easily been 12" or more depending upon the spade blade length and what you want to have.
Below the last item from Bunnings would give you a VERY long blade to work with, the 'fiskars' is super light weight and I have one for sand digging in paddocks but it needs a sharpened edge and some teeth on the sides (another project).

As for a digger, I will send you to a DIY because it is cheap, easy to make and you can vary the shape or spade or shovel.
It all depends upon the ground you are digging and depth you want. Look thru the posts and you will see.
https://www.prospectingaustralia.co...-template-and-instructions.19869/#post-288750
and a Bunnings reference -
https://www.bunnings.com.au/saxon-long-fibreglass-handle-plumbers-shovel_p0242869https://www.bunnings.com.au/fiskars-light-pointed-digging-spade_p3350712https://www.bunnings.com.au/trojan-fibreglass-d-handle-draining-spade_p0149060
I am REALLY new to the Equinox, but maybe using it in Beach (in water) mode may help, with some other setting likely to be posted by others with more experience than me.
Other than that maybe a Pulse Induction detector, and a PI pinpointer.

Good luck, and nice coin find too.

Greenhornet Thank you I have make a digger from your pattern in the past and use it all the time its great. So maybe an upgrade using the draining shovel will do the trick for those deeper target. Sadly won't get back up to those farms for 6 months, but that gives me time to perfect my skills. Will let you know how I go.

 

[Phantom]

Beach mode will quieten it down but you'll also lose a bit of depth and sensitivity. Switching to 4 or 5 kHz single frequency will give better target responses on large, high tones and a bit more depth but you might have to reject a few target numbers to stop it squeaking.
It's always going to be difficult using a vlf in that sort of ground, especially if it's wet.

Thanks Dave79 will be trying all suggestions.
Phantom

 

[Windar]

I have the Tyger. Good strong (and starts to get heavy after a while carrying it) but yes can be a bit difficult to try and get the second plug down in the hole done if you need depth.
Wonder if rather than angling in to the centre of the holewhen cutting the plug it would help to angle out so you have a wider hole at the top to then be able to lever outwards when you are below ground level?