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I've recently started scrapping appliances (everything from microwaves and dishwashers to refrigerators) and was wondering if there is anything different I should be doing. So far, I've just been cutting off the cords and taking everything else for around $180 a ton. Is it worth my time to take out washer/dishwasher motors and other stuff?

If the motors are easy to get out yes! Microwaves have a few of them. Dryers are easy, washers can be a pain. Also most washers dryers have alum sheet metal around where the knobs to turn them on / off easy to remove...

Something to keep in mind on microwaves, if there is a rotating plate inside, grab that thing and write down the model # on that bad boy.

Those replacement plates are in high demand on eBay.

Refrigerators have copper, so do microwaves. Window-mounted AC units are loaded with copper. Get out a drill or screwdriver and open them up, poke around, and you'll find money!

Hawkeye, check out

scrapmetaljunkie.com

He is (or was) a member here, he has several how-to's on appliances. A few appliances havr dangerous components, so read a bit; then have fun!

OneBiteAtATime wrote:Something to keep in mind on microwaves, if there is a rotating plate inside, grab that thing and write down the model # on that bad boy.

Those replacement plates are in high demand on eBay.

I've got a couple of microwaves. Should I just do an auction or should I set it as a buy it now and for how much? I've never ventured into this kind of thing before, but it's interesting what people will pay for.

I'd figure out if the models you have are in demand, search completed listings, see what they sell for. List as buy it now, this is not an item that will get bids, but it is an item that people will PAY for if they need it.

Hawkeye wrote:I've got a couple of microwaves. Should I just do an auction or should I set it as a buy it now and for how much? I've never ventured into this kind of thing before, but it's interesting what people will pay for.

When selling common replacement parts, buy it now is the best option. People who want to fix appliances don't want to wait for an auction to end, only to be outbid at the last minute. The same goes for most repair manuals and diagrams. Auctions are better for rare and collectible items.