This is probably a question for the hobby refiners, but I would like the input of the pros as well. Is it worth refining karat scrap for a hobby refiner, outside of the skill to do it? For reference, Hoke is my bible and this forum is where I improved all the processes I use so far. I have a fume hood and am very comfortable and respectful of the chemicals and processes.
I frequently get karat scrap from the usual places and occasionally get a lot at a very good discount. Not going to say where or how as I expect the party will not last long before others find it and it goes away. I do find a lot of Gold Filled and E-Scrap that I know makes a decent profit, currently on my 20th ozt, with a pile of chips to go. That said, outside of the learning and otherwise fun of refining Karat scrap, is it worth it? Assuming I have a buyer that is trusted and always within a few percentage points of my calculated value.
I want to refine the karate scrap but it seems like I am giving away money to do so. To provide context, I am really comfortable with Gold Filled and E-Scrap and make a good profit on my "hobby" I just can't see how I add value Karat gold. I get the Ag and PGMs that are there, but are they worth the cost of chemicals? I am sitting on a lot of it and just trying to justify why I would refine it, or just sell it.
Thoughts, is it worth refining? Is it worth the non AU values vs. the chemicals and time to recover those values, or is it better to skip the refining effort and sell it as is?
This is a struggle for me as I love the feel of refined 999 gold, but I hate giving away money.
I frequently get karat scrap from the usual places and occasionally get a lot at a very good discount. Not going to say where or how as I expect the party will not last long before others find it and it goes away. I do find a lot of Gold Filled and E-Scrap that I know makes a decent profit, currently on my 20th ozt, with a pile of chips to go. That said, outside of the learning and otherwise fun of refining Karat scrap, is it worth it? Assuming I have a buyer that is trusted and always within a few percentage points of my calculated value.
I want to refine the karate scrap but it seems like I am giving away money to do so. To provide context, I am really comfortable with Gold Filled and E-Scrap and make a good profit on my "hobby" I just can't see how I add value Karat gold. I get the Ag and PGMs that are there, but are they worth the cost of chemicals? I am sitting on a lot of it and just trying to justify why I would refine it, or just sell it.
Thoughts, is it worth refining? Is it worth the non AU values vs. the chemicals and time to recover those values, or is it better to skip the refining effort and sell it as is?
This is a struggle for me as I love the feel of refined 999 gold, but I hate giving away money.