Nothing to break down!!!

Im a part time scrapper, almost as if I just do it for fun, because I love destroying things... Anybody ever run into a time when you have nothing to take apart and begin to get antsy? Haven't collected anything good lately because Ive noticed people don't seem to want to throw much out to the curb whenever it snows, and we have been getting snow every couple of days here...

Been there done that, that is why I am glad I have all those dishwashers with the metal bodies to break down, it will take some time to do it. I have had times when I have not had anything to break down, I almost felt lost.

I know just what you mean, sometimes i walk into the shop and i end up venturing back to the house 15 minutes later. Lately i try to collect a decent amount and then i do a little at a time ensuring i have something to do on those cold evenings when its just to cold to do anything else

It sucks, because usually when I find something, I can't wait to tear it down. Then I tear it down immediately, and then I'm bored. Maybe I should start hoarding through the summer so as to ensure myself something to do in the cold months...
This brings up another question... I s this the only job where you get paid to destruct things?

I'm a part time scrapper also and having the same problem here. It's been a cold and snowy winter so there's not much out there. My yard allows me to buy from them so when it's slow I pick stuff up from them, break it down and sell it back. Tight margins doing it that way but it gives me something to do and it's better than nothing.

try thrift shops, and look for local auctions (both online and live). You won't make as high of margins, but it helps keep the cycle going.

Originally Posted by lousypirate

try thrift shops, and look for local auctions (both online and live). You won't make as high of margins, but it helps keep the cycle going.

I haven't gotten to the point where I am willing/knowlegeable enough to pay for thing to take apart. As in, I have no clue how much I should pay for an old computer tower, I won't pay for a CRT since they are all being given away for free... I don't deal with much volume, but every now and again I have some time and just wish I had something to take apart!!! Thanks, though!

I know this feeling all too well. I got into some trouble not long ago so ive been really low on money. Havent had a running vehicle in over a year because of it. scrapping and side jobs have paid off most of it but because i need the money fast, i dont have time to take it apart. Now that most of it is taken care of and i have free time, i have nothing to take apart except for the occasional tower or car

Originally Posted by VoodooDaddy

I haven't gotten to the point where I am willing/knowlegeable enough to pay for thing to take apart. As in, I have no clue how much I should pay for an old computer tower, I won't pay for a CRT since they are all being given away for free... I don't deal with much volume, but every now and again I have some time and just wish I had something to take apart!!! Thanks, though!

I guess I just learn by doing. Consider it gambling. I love to gamble.

I just take a stab at what it's worth, and go for it. sometimes I lose, sometimes I come out on top. learn better from my mistakes. usually if i lose money, it isn't much. Better odds than a scratcher or lotto ticket... which reminds me, I bought one yesterday. I better check that.

i let stuff accumulate during the busier monthes ,then slowly break stuff down out of th pile as getting stuff slows down .......this years been rough ,cold winter ,snow ....nobodys tossing stuff and my pile is getting small .....when the weather brakes ,ther'll be stuff out everywhere though ......hopefully soon

@voodoo ,...demilition work ,almost as fun

put an ad on craigslist it should drum up some business or on freecycle or other sites that are more local areas its cold and winter here as well. so some things are slower but have not yet ran out of stuff to do, so that sucks and hope it picks up for you and warms ya back up lol.

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

But if you go back and read thru you will find different stuff that someone has put a value on to help guide you. Not foolproof but it's a rough guide. The info is here, just gotta dig for it.

Usually if I lose, I'm only losing a buck or two. usually less. I research what I can prior to buying anything if possible, but when I'm in a thrift shop, sometimes you just have to fly by the seat of your pants.

That's why I save printers

I fell you pain this winter has been a slow on for me. I just scores some copper out of a dumpster that should keep me bust for an hour or so.

hey voodoo ,..... was curios ,i saw in your wellcome post you run in the same area as me ....i've met alot of the other scrappers in this area ,was curios if i've ever met you ,....what kinda truck you drive,lol ....

i never remember names or faces ,but i always remember the truck of other scrappers ........with the weather this year and this time of year ,it's been slow for me to,....be on the ready as soon as the cold weather breaks ,....everybodys generating the scrap still ,usually they wait for a nice day to haul it from the garage to the curb though .....first warm day and you'll fill the truck in an hour ,if you hit the right places