Thank You Scarp Metal Forum Members

[520]

So I was thinking back to my first load of scrap today. It was a tote full of mixed wire but mostly extension cords, some copper pipe from renovating my house, some steel left over from my different projects and some back flow preventers I had from my landscaping business. I heard from a neighbor that there was a small scrap yard just up the road so I took my stuff down there and met a one armed scrapper with his 3 legged dog. I got paid and thought "this is great" but since I was busy landscaping the thought of scrapping full time never entered my mind.

Fast forward 6 years later(2 years ago) I was now a stay at home father working Saturdays landscaping for a few long time customers. My wife's corporate job with health insurance could support the family while sadly mine could not, seeing as how expensive health insurance is when you are self employed.

2 years ago I was breeding/selling pigs and was up to 12 pigs when I started dumpster diving for food to feed them. I could go out at night and usually come home with a whole truck load of fruit veggies and bread. But I started bringing home scrap as well. I started bringing home enough scrap out of dumpsters to pay for my fuel so feeding my pigs didn't cost me a thing.

About a year ago I came across Scrap Metal Forum. I started reading the old threads and learning the different ways you all found material to scrap. I started trying out the different things you all talked about. One thing that really paid off was a simple ad on craigslist where I offered to pick up scrap and share a portion of the profits.

So back in January I was contacted by a property management company who had "a couple printers, some office stuff and a few truck loads of scrap equipment" I won't say just how much I made in February but it set me up with a nice bankroll to feed from while I figure out my space in the scrap game.
I documented this job here https://www.scrapmetalforum.com/day-...-printers.html

Since March I have tried EVERYTHING you guys have talked about and with a little luck I am finally making a steady profit with scrapping while still taking care of my now 3 year old little girl. I still have room to grow but I am getting there thanks to what I have learned here on the forum.

This is the third business I have had. First was a freight business(hot shot rig owner operator) second was landscape maintenance and now I'm a scrapper. So far I am enjoying this one the most.



Thank you to everyone on the forum for your wisdom and for being an inspiration.

[Patriot76]

Thank you for sharing your interesting story. I do not know if I would want my daughter to grow up to be a scrapper, something about the stereotype. Just kidding and good luck to you on your new found lifestyle.

[520]

Thank you for sharing your interesting story. I do not know if I would want my daughter to grow up to be a scrapper, something about the stereotype. Just kidding and good luck to you on your new found lifestyle.

A few weeks ago my daughter comes up to me when I have a few circuit boards in my hands.
Her "what is that?"
Me "circuit boards"
Her "what's the blue thing?"
Me "capacitor"
Her "capacitor?"
Me "yes"
Her "I want a capacitor!"...and that is how another scrapper was born. She carried that stupid capacitor around for half the day and showed it to her mom when she got home. "look mom a capacitor!"

[sathyashrayan]

Hi 520.. Good Luck for your expansion. Do consider overseas selling options when your business grow.

[miked]

A few weeks ago my daughter comes up to me when I have a few circuit boards in my hands.
Her "what is that?"
Me "circuit boards"
Her "what's the blue thing?"
Me "capacitor"
Her "capacitor?"
Me "yes"
Her "I want a capacitor!"...and that is how another scrapper was born. She carried that stupid capacitor around for half the day and showed it to her mom when she got home. "look mom a capacitor!"

For you and any others who may not know that it would be best to discharge a capacitor prior to handling by unaware folks.

Discharging a capacitor: Short the two poles, connectors, posts, pins(what ever you want to call them). I use an insulated screwdriver most times but other items can do the job. 73, Mike

I am not saying you did not discharge it but my response is aimed at others who may not know it should be done. M