Mills have a tonnage limit to keep the small entrepreneur out, usually 10 tons minimum to get through the gate onto the scale.
In the old days we had to have a broker, most scrap yards could do this for a small fee about $2.00 a ton. Steel going to the mill has to be prepared into bits no larger than 2 x 2 x 4 ft..
The mill will not accept loose tin it has to be in bales or shredded.
Small foundries will have need for special cuts, maybe something like 6" x 6" x 1 or 2" check around and ask some questions.
Cast iron foundries are another good source to sell your material, you have to know a bit about your material and how to properly prepare it or your going to be stricken from the client list real quick.
Engine blocks may ship with some crankshafts, let me explain. Most cranks are nodular cast this is acceptable, some or forged steel these have a parting seam making them easy to recognize - remove all.
All aluminum has to be removed, at the the temperatures that cast iron melt aluminum turns into large chunks of cinder like ash which will obstruct or totally block the pour hole on the cupola. This will assure your not coming back.
Some timing gears and covers, oil filter adapters, rocker arms mus come off, the steel valves and springs on the cylinder head can stay on.
Brake drums, rotors are alright as is, from the rear differential the center pot is nodular add it to your cast iron load the gears may have to come out.
Differential gears I always check for the ratio for the more popular ones and limited slips that I can sell.
My yard in Hope B.C a guy would come every month and buy up engine blocks for cores, better $$$ than cleaning them up as foundry material.
Some foundries may require you to have a business license, get one then you can broker for your friends and charge them a fee.
The foundry will not pay your people, you will be responsible for this.
Regards
Gustavus
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