Novice scrapper from Northern Indiana

Hello folks!

I've taken a grand total of 3 trips to the scrap yard in my life. I don't actively search for scrap metal, but I do want to learn more about how to make as much money as possible when taking scrap to the yard on those rare occasions I have enough to fill a pickup truck. For example, is it worth my while to take the magnetron, transformers and heavy duty wires out of a microwave, or just give them the entire microwave as a whole? Or better yet, can some of this "scrap" be sold for even higher prices on Ebay?

Thanks!

Welcome from SW Ohio.

READ READ READ then READ SUM-MO! It will ... change your life!

Welcome from south of Chicago. It depends if you got enough time to break everything down or not. I do but dont always have the time available, Theres always tomorrow

Well, I've already broke down 3 computers to their bare bones, and currently working on breaking down a large 1990's office laser printer. Thing must weigh at least 50 pounds! Hopefully find some good stuff inside!

Early on you should break down most things so you know whats inside and if it worth your time. This is the early education time for you and please heed what
BroJer told you read the old threads. You won't know what you did't know until you know it. Mike.

Welcome

From

York Region

Canada

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Originally Posted by wolverine300

Is it worth my while to take the magnetron, transformers and heavy duty wires out of a microwave, or just give them the entire microwave as a whole? Can some of this "scrap" be sold for even higher prices on Ebay?

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Yes and yes...

Welcome from Central Indiana...

Well, I definitely am learning by experience that some things just aren't worth taking completely apart....i.e. this 90's model office laser printer! Cripes! More screws than anything I've ever had to deal with so far!

By the way, are those glass/mirror pieces in laser printers worth anything?

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By the way, are those glass/mirror pieces in laser printers worth anything?

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Not that I know of. As far as printers go, you'll find a fast way into them to get the goodies (boards and motors,wires)
without pulling all the screws. I had one that I could not get into and I threw it on the ground and it popped open like a clam. Some people don't mess with them at all. Be sure to pull the cartridge
receiver that has a tiny board or mylar in it.

By the way; what part of Ind. you hail from?

@ Mechanic688.... I'm in South Bend, IN. Actually only live 1/4 mile south of the Michigan state line.

Welcome from a sandbar off the coast of NC!

As Miked, Brojer, and others have said, best way to increase your profits scrapping is to read and study all the threads on here. Use that wonderful search box, and if that fails, plenty of smart folks here that will be glad to answer or point you in the right direction.

Again welcome to SMF and let us know how it goes for you!

Sirscrapalot - Keeper of the traveling cooler, and lead conductor of the crazy train.

Weeelcome Fellow Hoosier.. From Central Indiana!