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A Fortune In Scrap - Secrets of the Scrap Metal Industry
"A Fortune in Scrap - Secrets of the Scrap Metal Industry" written by industry veteran, Ken Burtwell, describes how reclamation is vital to the national economy and ranks high on the list of the nation's largest industries. We're not talking recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans here - sure, that's something all of us can do, but what the average person doesn't know is the "hidden scrap" that's not obvious to the casual observer - and when salvaged properly - is worth a small fortune!
Ken shows you how to identify different metals with magnets and chemical tests and you'll learn how to prepare them for sale to get the BIGGEST BUCKS possible. Prep tools such as "Flame Cutting" and the awesome power of the "Thermic Lance" are described.
From bridges and old buildings to old locomotives and the rails they run on, Ken covers this and shows you his (old) photos of buildings being demolished and their hidden gems. This is an example of BIG RECYCLING, and is a necessary process both from an economical and environmental point of view as there is a reduced demand on the Earth's natural resources.
Included are formulas for estimating weights of steel drums, and tables showing weight-per-pound for different metal thicknesses.
After reading Ken's "A Fortune in Scrap", you'll agree that recycling today is BIG BUSINESS and those having the moxie to forge ahead will be well rewarded.
Topics covered in the book are:
Steel
The Scrap Dealer or Collector
Flame Cutting Steel Scrap
Better Grade - More Value
Metal Scrap from Demolition
The Thermic Lance (aka Thermal Lance)
Railroads and Rail Vehicles
Reclamation Equipment
Sheet Steel Gauges and Weights
More Valuable Scrap Metals
Common Metals: Lead And Zinc
Less Common Metals and Where To Find Them
Identification of Metals
Magnetic Testing
Government Scrap Sales
Precious Metals
Silver Coins
Testing Various Metals
Scrap Dealers
Ken shows you how to identify different metals with magnets and chemical tests and you'll learn how to prepare them for sale to get the BIGGEST BUCKS possible. Prep tools such as "Flame Cutting" and the awesome power of the "Thermic Lance" are described.
From bridges and old buildings to old locomotives and the rails they run on, Ken covers this and shows you his (old) photos of buildings being demolished and their hidden gems. This is an example of BIG RECYCLING, and is a necessary process both from an economical and environmental point of view as there is a reduced demand on the Earth's natural resources.
Included are formulas for estimating weights of steel drums, and tables showing weight-per-pound for different metal thicknesses.
After reading Ken's "A Fortune in Scrap", you'll agree that recycling today is BIG BUSINESS and those having the moxie to forge ahead will be well rewarded.
Topics covered in the book are:
Steel
The Scrap Dealer or Collector
Flame Cutting Steel Scrap
Better Grade - More Value
Metal Scrap from Demolition
The Thermic Lance (aka Thermal Lance)
Railroads and Rail Vehicles
Reclamation Equipment
Sheet Steel Gauges and Weights
More Valuable Scrap Metals
Common Metals: Lead And Zinc
Less Common Metals and Where To Find Them
Identification of Metals
Magnetic Testing
Government Scrap Sales
Precious Metals
Silver Coins
Testing Various Metals
Scrap Dealers
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 1, 2013
This book is NOT about recycling cans, bottles and paper. Did you ever wonder what happens to old automobiles, buildings, generators, turbines, and railroad cars (and the old rails themselves)? Some of it may go into the landfill, but for the enterprising scrap dealer, there is LOTS of $$ to be found in the steel, copper, lead, brass, and aluminum (among other metals) commonly found in these items.
Burtwell wrote this book in 1983, when he lived in England and ran a scrap yard. It was reissued for the electronic media (with updated metal prices) in 2012. It is a comprehensive look at the scrap metal industry, and includes visual and chemical tests for metal identification.
If you ever wanted to venture into the world of scrap, or just had an interest in this lucrative industry, this book is a great introduction. It is explained in simple English, with industry terms explained quite well. A fascinating book!
Burtwell wrote this book in 1983, when he lived in England and ran a scrap yard. It was reissued for the electronic media (with updated metal prices) in 2012. It is a comprehensive look at the scrap metal industry, and includes visual and chemical tests for metal identification.
If you ever wanted to venture into the world of scrap, or just had an interest in this lucrative industry, this book is a great introduction. It is explained in simple English, with industry terms explained quite well. A fascinating book!
July 4, 2013
Ken has a wealth of knowledge regarding the scrap business. He worked long hours pacing lengths of railroad track... and I think he was "before his time" in regards to the "green movement".
He knew back then that recycling was necessary to preserve Earth's resources. When done in an efficient manner, it can mean a 'decent income' to those willing to slog away at it.
He knew back then that recycling was necessary to preserve Earth's resources. When done in an efficient manner, it can mean a 'decent income' to those willing to slog away at it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews