Make a DIY Metal Detector

Creating your very own metal detector is a fun way to spend time. Not only that, but it can also be very educational too. A homemade metal detector is a great way to start the hobby if you are not ready to buy your own just yet, especially since it will save you money. Building your own unit means you can also customize the device for your own preferences.

Here are some of the steps required to make a metal detector. In this article, we are going to create two kinds; the VLF and the BFO metal detector.

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Metal Detector Coil How-To’s

The search coil of a metal detector is a crucial part of the entire device. The purpose of the metal detector revolves around this part. With this component, you can let the device linger over the earth or ground to uncover possible metals that are hidden below.

There are, in fact, three standard methods in which you can build a search coil for such a device that is quite functional. It will rely on what type of metal detector you have plans to create. You can make use of any of these three ways to build your search coil.

To begin, we are going to build a coil that operates with the VLF metal detector type. In creating the coil, we have to use plywood. Cut two spherical rings, with varying sizes. The first of the rings should have the size of a dinner plate, while the other ring must be smaller.

When making those rings, guarantee that one sphere can fit inside the other sphere. Cut tiny sticks of wood from any source that you have on hand. Make use of these small sticks to connect an opening between the big and small rings. Be certain that the smaller ring fits inside the bigger ring.

Use a 0.25 enamel copper wire and twist ten times around the external ring and repeat the procedure on the internal ring. The coil is now done and you can fasten it on the shaft.

Now, the second method that we are going to discuss is the search coil meant for BFO metal detectors. Make sure that you have the proper materials on hand. We are going to need a 3mm plywood and a 0.25mm enamel copper wire for this procedure.

To begin, cut 3 circles from the plywood on hand. Two of those rings must be 16cm in diameter, while the other ring should have a diameter of 15cm. Put all of the rings together, with the 15cm ring placed in the middle. Make use of wood glue to stick all of the rings together.

Utilize the enamel copper wire to twist ten times around the groove on the rings’ border. The procedure is now done and you can now use this DIY search head for your BFO metal detector.

For the third method, we are going to create a metal detector by combining radio and a calculator. We need a small AM radio for this, a small battery-operated calculator, masking or duct tape, and a broom handle. Keep in mind that a solar-operated calculator is not recommended since they will stop working if not used for a long while.

Choose AM on the radio then direct the tuner to the highest AM channel that isn’t broadcasting. We have to guarantee that we are going to hear nothing but static on the highest of frequencies. Position the radio and the calculator back-to-back. Bind the calculator securely to the radio with masking tape or duct tape.

Secure the radio and calculator combo to the end of the broom handle. The calculator will act as the metal detector search coil; thus users should let the item face towards the ground during use. Switch on the calculator and let it hover over a metal item for a test.

There will be an audible squashed sound coming from the radio in between the constant hum of static noise as it floats over the metal object. Remember to only utilize the metal detector where they are permitted according to your local laws.