Metal detector test bed markers

thingiverse

I just got back into metal detecting after many years of being away from it. We would create "test beds" using everyday objects so we could learn to read them as they would actually sound in the ground. A test bed becomes more accurate over time because the objects get oxidized and the metals blend with the surrounding soil, mimicking real hunting conditions. As I dug deeper, I realized that simple flags and markers tended to become illegible or disappeared over time. But now, thanks to 3D printers, I decided to make something easy to spot that would remain visible and sit low so it wouldn't get knocked off. I created badges with common objects marked PT (pull tab), BC (bottle cap), penny with one copper and one zinc indicated by a 'z', dimes and quarters also marked with silver and a 'c' for clad badge. I used bamboo chopsticks, 5mm in diameter and cut to about 20mm length, to poke into the ground. I attached the caps and badges to them using industrial-grade epoxy. Then, I highlighted the raised text with a marker (some of which were fingernail polish) and sealed it with clear acrylic to preserve. I've included the Tinkercad files if you need to customize.