Metal Detector Recommendations Sought

[Tom Veatch]

Searches show many different brands/models of metal detectors available. Anybody have any recommendations for or against specific handheld models? Application would be locating nails, screws, staples, etc. in reclaimed lumber up to about 1-1/2" thick before they're found by a freshly sharpened, honed blade. (Assume a string of cuss words inserted here!)

[Lee Schierer]

I have one they call Little Wizard and it has worked well for the few hazardous boards I have cut. I bought it originally because I was given a large cherry mantle timber and wanted to resaw it and use the wood without fear of ruining a blade. At $20, the Little Wizard was cheaper than a blade sharpening. It is also useful for locating metal studs in walls and wood studs if nails or screws were used to secure the drywall.