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Kelly
624 posts
and
15 followers
in over 10 years
in over 10 years
Garrett & Wizzard Metal Detectors
WIZZARD METAL DETECTOR versus GARRETT PRO-POINTER AT
A couple years bag, I took A plunge and bought a Wizzard metal detector. Though spendy, it's a good investment against damage to blades of hand and power tools.
That aside, I have a love-hate relationship with the WIZZARD detector. EVERY time I go to use it, I have to go to the tool box, get a small screw driver, then calibrate it. Once calibrated, it works very well.
Because of the inconvenience, my WIZZARD detector does not get used as much as it could, or should.
About fifty-five years ago, I used to go out on a lot of metal detecting adventures. It was a great pastime (I'm going somewhere wood related with this). Some friends took me out and we did a bit using their detectors a year or so ago. Thinking about property stakes got me thinking about detecting again, so I took the plunge and bought a mid line detector. I figure that mid line would do as well as the high end Whites detectors we used in the sixties.
From the experience a year ago, and from a bit of reading of forums, I decided to invest in some things that would assist in my quest for riches [which experience tells me would pay in nickels, dimes and nails or can tabs]. One of the investments was, a Garret pin pointing detector. It cost about the same as the WIZZARD does today. However, it comes on at the push of a button, is a fraction the size, and doesn't need calibrating, though it can be calibrated at the touch of that same button.
I went out in the shop and test drove the pin pointer. It does everything the WIZZARD does, but without the hassle, and at a fraction of the size.
Both units cost around $145.00. If you buy it through the metal detector site, Big Boys Hobbies, you don't have to add shipping or tax.
SIDE NOTE: Big Boys Hobbies is a small, family owned place. When buying, make an account or your purchase will not show up on the account made after the purchase.
I guess that means the Garret will get stored over the table saw, where the WIZZARD is, and the WIZZARD will go up for sale on Amazon.
5 Comments
Thanks for the write up. Any info on depth of detection, from a wood perspective?
Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".
I have one of the Garrett Pro Pointer AT pinpointers. I about wore it out actually. Used it hard for years. Also have one of the older black models. They do work well for checking for metal in boards. when I did our deck and was using the old lumber, I went over each piece with the Garrett carrot. Saved my tools from nails and screws. One thing that I recommend is to take the battery out if you're not going to use it for some time.
Drop out of warp and prepare to be boarded. Mike southwest CO
Ryan G, nothing specific in the way of tests were done, but I went over several inch thick chunks of wood and it still registered small nails in a four inch thick piece.
I'll try to remember to do some more testing, then share the resulting info. So far, it seems more promising than using my Wizzard because, as I stated, it doesn't have to be recalibrated every time I turn it on.
AND, the battery suggest is a good one. I have about nine or so tools that use batteries. My Bosch level batteries went bad and I, literally, had to drill the last one or two out of the long tube. I thought I'd destroyed an expensive tool/toy, but it came back to life.
I'm going to have to change habits, since I've gone from using such things monthly to some of them being used once every five years (e.g., self leveling lasers and other lasers, etc.).
I'll try to remember to do some more testing, then share the resulting info. So far, it seems more promising than using my Wizzard because, as I stated, it doesn't have to be recalibrated every time I turn it on.
AND, the battery suggest is a good one. I have about nine or so tools that use batteries. My Bosch level batteries went bad and I, literally, had to drill the last one or two out of the long tube. I thought I'd destroyed an expensive tool/toy, but it came back to life.
I'm going to have to change habits, since I've gone from using such things monthly to some of them being used once every five years (e.g., self leveling lasers and other lasers, etc.).
I do remove batteries from everything I don't use regularly. Seems like they leak when dead much more than batteries used to. Probably getting cheap with the materials or allowing the 100% use of the zinc cases instead of leaving a few % behind like in the good old days....
I use the EverReady Ultimate Lithium batteries whenever I can because they will not leak. They are a little more expensive than most alkaline but worth every penny to avoid the mess and damage from leaking alkaline batteries. I just wish they made them in C & D sizes.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
