Author Topic: Zinc - a potential source (Read 1750 times)

Cat Whisperer · « **on:** September 16, 2007, 07:09:12 AM »

At the plant we're phasing out the process where we bond a motor shaft to the hub using zinc (injected into the assembly).

That means we'll be getting rid of somewhat less than 1800 lbs of 15 lb ingots of zinc.

If I were to bid on it or part of it, would anyone else be interested in a portion of it?

If so, how much?

Double D · « **Reply #1 on:** September 16, 2007, 08:06:14 AM »

Oh man If only I were still in VA!!!

seacoastartillery · « **Reply #2 on:** September 16, 2007, 08:36:52 AM »

Fantastic, put us down for 400 pounds!! We are willing to bet that you are a sharp, but effective bidder. This type of opportunity does not happen every day!!

Thanks, Tim.

Mike and Tracy

Double D · « **Reply #3 on:** September 16, 2007, 09:24:44 AM »

Here's todays market.

http://www.kitcometals.com/charts/Zinc.html

Here's the 60 history.

http://www.metalprices.com/

Looks like the price is down a bit.

lance · « **Reply #4 on:** September 16, 2007, 09:54:37 AM »

Tim, i'll go for a few pounds too! you can bring it by next time you're over........maybe 200lbs, PM me or call sometime tightwad

seacoastartillery · « **Reply #5 on:** September 16, 2007, 10:04:11 AM »

Thanks, DD. Thought it was right around $1. Revised quantity is 300 lbs. Thinking of a rifled 6 Pdr. in our future, a Whitworth. From what we have seen at the cannon shoots, zinc is the way to go, especially with pre-engraved projectiles or pre-fitted, as the Whitworth would be.

Thanks again Tim for informing us about this.

Regards,
Tracy and Mike

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #6 on:** September 17, 2007, 02:57:04 PM »

OK, now that I've tested the waters -

This could go either of two ways.

One, I'm purchasing the scrap zinc at 1.5 x the scrap rate for clean scrap (there's no postage) so I make out and it's more than fair to the company for which I work. Yield from clean scrap is likely to be 99%. Further there is a particular web site that we've agreed upon for the calculations. So this might be considered another such purchase.

Two, this could be put into the company auction (for employees), in which case I KNOW there isn't anyone else that would be remotely interested (most likely) and I could cash it big.

Whichever, some time in the near or distant future (depends on when THEY make a decision) it will happen.

I'll keep y'all posted.

(I wonder if I print letters on each bar if that would be conisdered "printed material" and go book rate?)

intoodeep · « **Reply #7 on:** September 17, 2007, 03:45:38 PM »

Quote from: Cat Whisperer on September 17, 2007, 02:57:04 PM

(I wonder if I print letters on each bar if that would be conisdered "printed material" and go book rate?)

CW,

You can send it flat rate priority mail. It's $8.95 for up to 70# and the boxes are free from the Post Office.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #8 on:** September 17, 2007, 03:49:32 PM »

Good thing I've got a bandsaw to get the ingots down to size.

Double D · « **Reply #9 on:** September 17, 2007, 06:31:19 PM »

Quote from: Cat Whisperer on September 17, 2007, 02:57:04 PM

One, I'm purchasing the scrap zinc at 1.5 x the scrap rate for clean scrap (there's no postage) so I make out and it's more than fair to the company for which I work. Yield from clean scrap is likely to be 99%. Further there is a particular web site that we've agreed upon for the calculations. So this might

Tim,

I'm not sure what you are saying here. You can buy it out right at 1.5 scrap price.

http://www.recycle.net/cgi-bin/ssi_readblock.cgi?pathid=001&file=100-001.html

US Scrap Metal Index
Spot Market Prices : Monday September 17, 2007

Grade LTL TL Units Funds

Old Mixed Aluminum 0.28 0.37 lbs USD

Old Yellow Brass 1.00 1.67 lbs USD

No.2 Scrap Copper 2.51 2.66 lbs USD

Mixed Lead 0.64 1.07 lbs USD

Nickel Scrap 8.42 11.23 lbs USD

No.2 Steel 213.19 266.49 ton USD

Stainless Scrap 0.58 0.78 lbs USD

Old Mixed Zinc Scrap 0.41 0.83 lbs USD

Source : www.ScrapIndex.com

LTL less than a truck load= -40,000 lbs
TL truck load

So based on scrap price are you saying the price would be 1.5 times $0.41 a lb or $.61 a lb? Is that correct?

Double D · « **Reply #10 on:** September 18, 2007, 05:24:03 AM »

This is getting more and more interesting...I located a 1.68 in diameter round ball mould. Now all I have to do is find some to sell 1.68 zinc round balls to so I could to recoup my investment.

Man all kinda get rich quick schemse come to mind. I could buy some of this zinc and cast up balls and offer them for sale or I could offer to cast upo the othere guys zinc and just charge a casting fee...my that sure would make a comforatable supplement to my retirement in 16 months. Why I might even be able to afford gas to got to town for groceries.

blue7.62 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 18, 2007, 03:47:40 PM »

Hey Guys!
OK, lets say you wanted to cast zinc golf ball size balls...how would you do it? Would you mix with lead or other alloys?
Thanks, Russ

Double D · « **Reply #12 on:** September 18, 2007, 05:10:48 PM »

Melt the zinc just as it is and pour it in the mould.

Evil Dog · « **Reply #13 on:** September 18, 2007, 06:45:52 PM »

Do it with a steel mold though..... don't use an aluminum one.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #14 on:** September 19, 2007, 01:00:39 PM »

Quote from: Double D on September 17, 2007, 06:31:19 PM

Quote from: Cat Whisperer on September 17, 2007, 02:57:04 PM

One, I'm purchasing the scrap zinc at 1.5 x the scrap rate for clean scrap (there's no postage) so I make out and it's more than fair to the company for which I work. Yield from clean scrap is likely to be 99%. Further there is a particular web site that we've agreed upon for the calculations. So this might

Tim,

I'm not sure what you are saying here. You can buy it out right at 1.5 scrap price.

http://www.recycle.net/cgi-bin/ssi_readblock.cgi?pathid=001&file=100-001.html

US Scrap Metal Index
Spot Market Prices : Monday September 17, 2007
Grade LTL TL Units Funds
Old Mixed Aluminum 0.28 0.37 lbs USD
Old Yellow Brass 1.00 1.67 lbs USD
No.2 Scrap Copper 2.51 2.66 lbs USD
Mixed Lead 0.64 1.07 lbs USD
Nickel Scrap 8.42 11.23 lbs USD
No.2 Steel 213.19 266.49 ton USD
Stainless Scrap 0.58 0.78 lbs USD
Old Mixed Zinc Scrap 0.41 0.83 lbs USD
Source : www.ScrapIndex.com

LTL less than a truck load= -40,000 lbs
TL truck load

So based on scrap price are you saying the price would be 1.5 times $0.41 a lb or $.61 a lb? Is that correct?

I currrently purchase the scrap zinc (and scrap lead-free solder which is 96% tin 3.5% Silver and 0.5% Copper) at LTL (less than truck load) price (x 1.5) for clean scrap as derived on that particular day on whichever web-based scrap price we agreed upon.

The opportunity that may well appear for the zinc is a pallet of zinc ingots which right now is about 1800 lbs in 15 lb ingots that will become surplus when we stop using a zinc injection moulding process. It may well be sold with the zinc moulding machine, but if not I'm going to be first in line to capitalize on the opportunity.

What method THEY decide to dispose of the zinc is up to them. I certainly will make a bid for the lot or a substantial portion of the lot (based on interest here). I'm not interested in making any money from this, it's simply an opportunity I'm willing to share.

cannonmn · « **Reply #15 on:** September 21, 2007, 03:02:30 PM »

I might be interested in about 500 lbs. depending on what the final price is. I am in northern va.

lance · « **Reply #16 on:** September 21, 2007, 03:18:59 PM »

Quote from: cannonmn on September 21, 2007, 03:02:30 PM

I might be interested in about 500 lbs. depending on what the final price is. I am in northern va.

Hey, you are neighbors with me and Tim, well, we live in the same state anyway. we'll have to get together sometime and do some shooting................Tim, raise my 200lbs to 300lbs, looks like it's going fast.

Double D · « **Reply #17 on:** September 21, 2007, 04:59:18 PM »

Did I say save 100 lbs for me as long as the final price is under $1. I don't need as much as those other guys, I recycle.

lance · « **Reply #18 on:** September 22, 2007, 05:37:40 PM »

Quote from: Double D on September 21, 2007, 04:59:18 PM

Did I say save 100 lbs for me as long as the final price is under $1. I don't need as much as those other guys, I recycle.

I recycle too, but i didn't know ya could mix paper,plastic, and glass with Zinc

Double D · « **Reply #19 on:** September 22, 2007, 08:49:43 PM »

Ya don't mix recyclables zinc goes inthe zinc bin....out in my shop!

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #20 on:** September 23, 2007, 03:42:14 AM »

Quote from: lance on September 22, 2007, 05:37:40 PM

...
I recycle too, but i didn't know ya could mix paper,plastic, and glass with Zinc

I've never shot paper, plastic or glass so I wouldn't know.

Terry C. · « **Reply #21 on:** September 23, 2007, 03:53:59 AM »

I buy recycled golfballs, does that count?

BTW: If there are any nice golf-ball sized zinc balls that result from this exchange, I might want to acquire a few of those. I really don't want to invest the time and expense to cast my own, at least not right now.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #22 on:** September 23, 2007, 06:26:56 AM »

Recycling any prrojo counts!

I even recycle the 4.5" cement filled 4" pvc pipe lengths.

I think there would be a market for a mass-produced 1.70" diameter spherical mould.

Double D · « **Reply #23 on:** September 23, 2007, 07:49:37 AM »

I have located a 1.68g olf ball diameter mould . When I retire I will be making zinc balls to supplement my social security. Your zinc or mine!

lance · « **Reply #24 on:** September 23, 2007, 05:45:19 PM »

Quote from: Double D on September 23, 2007, 07:49:37 AM

I have located a 1.68g olf ball diameter mould . When I retire I will be making zinc balls to supplement my social security. Your zinc or mine!

i'll place some orders with you, recon you could also make some in 12pd and 24pd sizes too. Dang! i bet shipping will hurt on this..........

Double D · « **Reply #25 on:** September 23, 2007, 05:53:35 PM »

Lance my other molds are 6PDr and 1 inch round ball. The 1 inch is lead only. Although I might be persuaded to get a 1 inch round ball suitable for zinc.

I just want supplement my social security so the wife and I can buy a couple of cans of dog food for Sunday dinner.