Scrap was not my day job But close enough

Originally Posted by Patriot76

The learning curve is steep when first starting out and I think most adjust in time. Some considerations in addition to those already mentioned include the education on how things work, the value of entertainment in breaking things, and the networking one creates. An example of the last element is that I still haul water heaters because a heating and cooling company provides air conditioners as well. I also pick up stoves, washers, refrigerators, etc. because locals dump them at the business instead of paying the dump fee.

This arrangement alone has led to dismantling a waste water plant and a dog food plant for the city. Yes this is my full time occupation when not playing.

Doing big jobs like dismantling plants has got to require some serious heavy equipment and some hired help too I'm sure. I thought I would take my scrapping that type of direction (acquire big, expensive, heavy equipment slowly over time and do bigger and bigger jobs as it is acquired). However, going down the route of smaller, but more valuable stuff (computers and computer components) seemed to be a better fit for me.... I still like the IDEA of big machines and doing big heavy jobs, but the cost, risk and actual physical labor that goes into that is not nearly as appealing lol.

Originally Posted by Patriot76

There would be a different strategy, if I had to make a living doing this.

To give perspective I am a one man crew except a power plant where I served as a consultant and community water tanks where my son helped. Starting out cleaning out farms with a hobby torch and pickup. Made a trailer out of an old stock trailer and started reinvesting my profits to purchase additional tools and equipment. With one loader, two skid steers, to many attachments, many trailers, several pickups, and lots of patience I have tackled many projects. Since all profits went into new tools and equipment, a profit has only been shown a couple of years. For the record I have never taken out a loan for anything except student loans and mortgages.

It is honest to say I scrap for entertainment, exercise, and the challenge more than the money. Being retired, hunting, fishing, horses, and projects take up most of my time. I take the entire summer off (because my wife is a teacher) and only work when the mood suits me. My strategy and projects have been documented on this site. It is not the lifestyle for everyone, but it works for me.

you're living the dream!

... I'll be too, eventually, if everything goes well!