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New to Scrapping - Old Microscopes

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  1. #1
    RyanScrap started this thread.
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    New to Scrapping - Old Microscopes

    Hey everyone first post,

    Glad to be a part of this forum, and glad it exists.

    All of your posts have been a great help to me so far.

    Now to my question...

    I have been able to get my hands on (legally of course) 4 old microscopes.

    Everything but the frame seems to be solid brass, and the frame is made out of solid cast aluminum (weighs at least 5-10lbs each).


    I was wondering what the scrap yard (I know they are all different just looking for guesses) would pay for solid aluminum
    or if they would even take it.

    Thanks!

    Last edited by RyanScrap; 10-24-2013 at 05:30 PM.


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    Break it down they will take it, or turn it in as and maybe get dirty brass for them

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  4. #3
    RyanScrap started this thread.
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    Quote Originally Posted by hobo finds View Post
    Break it down they will take it, or turn it in as and maybe get dirty brass for them
    What I was wondering is if I broke it down, what quality of aluminum would they look at it as. It is a solid piece of aluminum that has a thin
    layer of paint. Is all aluminum treated the same or can I get more for better pieces?

    (I have already started separating the brass out)
    Last edited by RyanScrap; 10-24-2013 at 05:38 PM.

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    did you cross check ebay completed auctions for "old brass microscope" before you started tearing them down ?

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    RyanScrap started this thread.
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldtoothlessbassmaster View Post
    did you cross check ebay completed auctions for "old brass microscope" before you started tearing them down ?
    Yea... for a "working" microscope it is between $15-$20, but these are not working, and lenses are non-functional (trashed).

    I have already read the posts where others wished they would have researched before tearing in so I made sure they were worthless.
    Last edited by RyanScrap; 10-24-2013 at 05:54 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by RyanScrap View Post
    Yea... for a "working" microscope it is between $15-$20, but these are not working, and lenses are non-functional (trashed).

    I have already read the posts where others wished they would have researched before tearing in so I made sure they were worthless.
    are they old or interesting looking?

    Eric
    I buy Tantalum Capacitors and offer other services. Check out my thread for more info.

    http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/scrap...-cap-more.html

    http://recycletantalumcapacitors.com/

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    I would think that if they appear to be complete then they might be marketed as vintage interior decorations.

    I would not give up on anything made of brass that could possibly re-purposed for something else. Mike.
    "Profit begins when you buy NOT when you sell." {quote passed down to me from a wise man}

    Now go beat the copper out of something, Miked

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    If you can completely separate the brass from the aluminum, check to see what type aluminum it is. Probably "Cast" (breakable - hit it with a hammer). Maybe around $0.37.
    People may laugh at me, but that's ok. I laugh all the way to the bank.

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    Aluminum here is one price, cast,extruded etc .45-.50#. Unless it is dirty or has alot of paint then it pays less, 75% less.
    I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” John Wayne-- The Shootist

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    RyanScrap started this thread.
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    Ok well I found out that these are 1962 Swift Microscopes. Found one on etsy going for $70. I have just enough pieces to make a whole microscope. I think one set of optics looks pretty well. I have not decided if I am going to sell the other two broken microscopes for parts or just scrap them. I am going to undo my scrapping, and figure out if they will actually sell.

    Thanks for all the responses!
    Last edited by RyanScrap; 10-25-2013 at 05:01 PM.

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    Down hear in Florida the brass(if clean-no other metal) will get you 1.80# The aluminum if clean will get you about .45-.60# depending how they grade it.

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    Good idea. If they don't sell then you can always scrap them later

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    If they are that cool looking from above post Steampunk people will buy them and the parts as well

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    I would put them all in one e-bay listing as parts. Make sure to use the term vintage. Make sure to use the term parts. And as stated above, make sure to use the term steam punk. Oh, and use the word brass as well in that listing.
    "64K should be enough for anybody." - Bill Gates 1981
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