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A Fortune In Scrap - Secrets of the Scrap Metal Industry
A Fortune In Scrap is written by industry veteran, Ken Burtwell, and 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 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
THANK YOU for reading about this very interesting book and we hope you enjoy your purchase.
Please feel free to leave a review as this aids others greatly in their purchasing decision.
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 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
THANK YOU for reading about this very interesting book and we hope you enjoy your purchase.
Please feel free to leave a review as this aids others greatly in their purchasing decision.
104 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 29, 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