First post questions!!

[Danimal]

Hello all...short time lurker, first time poster!!

My son bought me my first MD this past XMas (a BH Fast Tracker) and with the above-freezing weather we've had in NE Ohio, I have had it out 5 times with mixed success. So far I have found 5 wheaties and a pocketfull of other newer coins, looking in the typical places (parks, school playgrounds, my front yard)
The other day on my way home from work, I stopped where a local city just ripped out some woods to build a park. Within a day after the trees came out in Oct. they paved a small lot, and I thought I would check around it in the upturned dirt. Off to the side of the parking lot is the foundation of a VERY old home. Even with Discrim turned way up I picked up so many targets I decided to look elsewehere because I had such a short period of daylight left. Near the foundation was an old huge tree that I guessed might be the only tree there from the days when the home was active. Near it's roots about a foot down I unearthed a large axe head. I chipped away at the very thick crust on the heel of the head and it came down to fairly clean iron.
My question is simpe. Do I clean this relic, or leave it as-is as far as relic-value?

BTW, I have written to the Chief of Police for that village asking permission to MD there before spring when they will bulldoze the whole area. No reply yet.

Also, today I just received MY Xmas gift to myself. A Garrett ACE250. I hear it's a nice unit. I was looking for one that gave more info than the 2-tone BH Fast Tracker (although the BH seems to work great)

I'll post some pics soon of whatever stuff I find. Near me is a wooded area that was a civil war camp. Maybe I can find stuff there. I grew up in this area and have never seen anyone MDing that area.

Dan

 

[bunn leonard]

Dan nice to have you aboard, return the 250 and get a minelab,youll do less digging and REALLY get hooked on the hobby a really grat affordable with super depth is the sovreign its sweet,im really not trying to be negative honest im glad your detecting thats the most important part i hope you find lots of goodies,good luck!

 

[PappyInSC]

Hey Dan: Usually all the old iron type objects I find I soak in old motor oil for a time. Then usually everything cleans up pretty good. I then spray paint them with black paint. Then I display the nicer pieces in my table in my den. I have a metal detecting table that's made to show your finds. Kinda like a fishing lure table.

I have so many old iron axes painted in my garage I should put some handles on them and use them. Old iron is everywhere. Just keep trying to id the pieces you find to determine if it really is something to keep or not. I have buckets full of old iron that I still need to go thru. Welcome to the relic hunting world!

later........
Pappy

 

[Danimal]

Thanks for the advice, but I have heard nothing but good things about the Ace 250, and it's more up my alley price-wise.

 

[bunn leonard]

cool good luck have fun