element47 said:
Sigh. We need a noob manifesto.
And if you mix 1 chemical before you have studied your materials less than about 4 months, you are probably moving too fast. The processes used in refining are well known and have been well known for many decades (Hoke book = 1928) if not hundreds of years. They have been used in hundreds of countries, some of which do not exist any more! You are not in a position to "discover" any new chemical processes. No, your job is to follow, to the letter, the processes and procedures already known. That includes some of the mathematics of figuring out solution strengths, concentrations, and material weights.
If you're not prepared to embark on this road of fairly rigid procedure, focus on detail, and the idea that you have to assemble ALL the things you need before you start on step #1, then in 98% of cases you will be better off selling your materials to others. Which is perfectly valid, a lot easier, cleaner, less liability, safer, quicker, and in those same 98% of cases flat-out smarter to do.
Anyone else have any other suggestions for the NOOB MANIFESTO?
This is absolutely terrific advise.
I've been studying now for a little over a month and have been gathering materials and equipment and I WILL NOT mix my first chemical until I thoroughly understand them, the related processes, safety issues and have all necessary safety gear (including a chemical fume hood in my warehouse for indoor inquarting during winter)
I might add a little of what I have been thinking and doing to boot:
First things first (Mission Statement, if you will)-
It must provide an intellectual challenge, be fun and it must not only pay for itself but yield a profit.
(stimulating hobby + profit = lots of fun)
I already run a heating, ventilation and air conditioning contracting business so I do have many advantages to begin this endeavor such as a fabrication shop, warehouse space, welding equipment, place of business with good frontage on a busy street and good math, estimating and business skills.
Plan the work and work the plan.....
Desired minimum NET margin: 25%. (This basically eliminates eBay, Ruby Lane, etc... although some good deals can be found but they're like finding a needle in a haystack- I do get a twisted sense of enjoyment watching people in a frenzy bid over spot price on eBay though.)
MAIN Materials to focus on: gold from jewelry, silver from jewelry, coinage and silver antiques. I also collect US gold and silver coins.
Secondary materials to focus on: copper (making copper "business card" ingots from clean #1 scrap)
Source of materials: Individual sellers, estate sales, garage sales, flea markets and out-of-the-way antique stores. Also thrift stores (become acquainted with the managers!)
How will I attract individual sellers?: Word of mouth, web site with good search engine optimization (in progress), business cards (in progress) to post everywhere I can- grocery store bulletin boards, etc., vertical banner in front of my building and window sign (in progress) One cannot just start an enterprise and "hope" people will come. This is not "Field of Dreams" promote, promote, promote.
Through word of mouth, just 3 days ago, I bought 16.65 grams of 14k gold and 19.91 grams of silver for $375.00 and the seller was thrilled. The local jewelry store offered her $275.00. I got this lead through a friend who collects costume jewelry. I watch out for the pieces she likes for her and she looks for leads for me.
Hoke's book: check.
Read Hoke's book: check.
(Besides putting in a binder, highlight sections and add page tabs for notes)
Materials, tools, chemicals: in progress... many, many good suggestions throughout this forum on where to get things.
So far, I have bought from:
http://www.chemistrystore.com (borax and sodium metabisulfite)
http://www.avogadro-lab-supply.com (labware, glassware)
http://www.stuller.com (tools- I opened a wholesale account)
http://www.scalenet.com (really good deal on a Sartorius 600g scale with .001g readout)
ebay (misc supplies and tools)
http://www.airgas.com (gasses, safety equipment- I have a wholesale account)
Still looking for best places to buy nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc... Would really like to find a local vendor to save on shipping. (Chicago area)
So, I am gaining knowledge, gathering materials, finding scrap and working on ways to promote the hobby.
While I am working on ways to find and create, I will also start ways of selling the finished goods, to keep funding the hobby, in much the same fashion... website, word of mouth, auctions, etc
Much thanks to everyone here who has contributed. I don't have a lot to offer in return, but- If you ever need any heating, ventilation, controls, motors, or electrical supplies... My offer stands to get them to you for my wholesale cost with no markup.
Thanks and have a great day,
Don