Scrapping my parents' homestead

I'm a newbie--I've done some research but need real-world advice. My aging parents have left their decrepit little farm. I'm cleaning some and would like to make a few bucks on metal. My question is--how much time should I invest in little stuff? I have lots of ferrous metal and aluminum odds n ends, a few yards of plumber's brass, and various electrical wires (scraps lying around, I'm not pulling the wiring from the house). And appliances. (Dead fridge, microwave, etc.) A dead car, and lots of wheels. What are my priorities? How much time should a scrapping dilettante spend sorting and breaking stuff down? Are there hidden gems I might come across in all the trash? I only have a few days. Thanks, all!

this is what patriot76 does as his retirement hobby, read his posts and comments.

maybe talk to the neighboring farmers and see if they are interested in buying anything.

If you only have a few days and are mostly interested in cleanup, load a truck with all the appliances and steel. Keep the odd wiring and brass (copper?) separate. Drive to the scrapyard and unload the steel and appliances in the big pile and take the wire and brass to the non-ferrous building. Get paid.

MattInTheHat provided the best advice, ask the neighboring farmers what they can use and are willing to purchase. Waters tanks with heaters and wiring, metal gates, round pens, milking stools, milk pails, aged barn wood, etc. can be sold for more than scrap value.

There are many variables that you have to consider. My first scrap job was a relatives farm and I took my time to learn the business. It is assumed you are an educated person based on your vocabulary and grammar and probably make more money in your vocation than you could scrapping. If you want a profit in a short time, hire a local scrapper. You will not receive maximum value, but you will be able to cross it off your to do list. This would be the strategy I would use if the estate will be up for sale.

If you live in the area or will be coming back to visit your parents, take your time. You can sell antiques on the internet during your free time and get educated about the scrap market with patience.

You have already found the middle of the road between these two strategies, separating the ferrous and non ferrous. Most of the yards I have visited will help you learn the basics, sort the non ferrous, and treat you fairly in the process. The only requirement is for you to show interest and be polite. Good luck.

You might want to check the Blacksmith and Bladesmith forums if you have any iron, wrought iron, or things like leaf springs that you can sell. People learning how to blacksmith, or people who make blades might be interested in the scrap and would pay at least if not more for good scrap that can be used. Specially leaf springs, which are excellent for making blades.

Oh, and if you find any Anvils, which old farmsteads seem to have laying around sometimes, please snap a picture and post it. I might be interested in a good old anvil. One I have is nice and pretty, but not suitable for work that might damage it, I need one for working iron.

Scott

Good thoughts from Pariot76 and Noble. Tools have value and a large vice especially seems to something folks will pay for. 73, Mike

do you know what kind of gun they are for?