[meteorite-list] Hunting stick?

From: Mr EMan <mstreman53_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:32:59 -0800 (PST)
Message-ID: <61428.86439.qm_at_web55206.mail.re4.yahoo.com>

And if you've any junk computer hard drives lying around, each contains two very strong magnets. You can't beat the price/shipping.

I also recommend that any stick( I have an old golf club handle) be used with at least TWO balloons over the business end. Reason being is magnetite dust/ metallic filings/ etc. is impossible to totally remove from the magnet and with just short use your magnet will be encrusted. Keep the balloons in place with rubber bands and when you need to clean off the dust peel one of the balloons off inside out and your contamination will be inside and safely removed from your magnet. Discard or save for a look under the microscope for neat things.

Replace the outer balloon and your off again. I like to keep at least 2 balloons on because it only takes one mis-step and the magnet is again covered. The second balloon gives me at least one more chance to get things right. Plus your balloon is going to eventually tear when dragged through the soil.

That said: my club/stick has a "pick point" ground on it and I've had to use duct tape over the magnet forgoing the ballons--it gets dirty but is easier to wipe away the dust. I also have a magnet near the grip my rock hammer just in case I need one quickly.

Elton


--- On Wed, 1/28/09, Darryl Pitt <darryl at dof3.com> wrote:

> neodymium magnets.
>
> be careful!!
>
> great working with http://www.magnet4less.com
Received on Thu 29 Jan 2009 06:32:59 AM PST