Send photos
Photograph the material, nameplates and quantity, then send them through the quote form, by email or by phone.
FIELD GUIDE
How to sell carbide scrap.
Three moves: photograph it, weigh and describe it, send it in. Here is exactly what to include so your quote comes back fast and accurate — and what happens after you accept.
STEP 1
Photograph it right
Carbide is identified visually before it is ever weighed or tested, so your photos determine the speed and accuracy of your quote. Take five kinds of shots. First, a wide shot of the full lot — the overall quantity and mix must be clear. Second, close-ups of manufacturer markings, part numbers, and grade codes on inserts and tooling; wipe coolant off the pieces you photograph up close. Third, representative pieces showing coatings, wear, or damage — broken is fine, it just needs to be visible. Fourth, something for scale in the frame: a tape measure, a coin, or your hand. Fifth, the container itself, so volume can be judged. Shoot in daylight or under bright shop lights, and send several angles rather than one distant shot. A blurry photo of a dark bucket tells a buyer nothing; a clear, well-lit photo of inserts with visible markings next to a tape measure tells almost everything — material family, likely grade tier, form mix, and approximate quantity.
STEP 2
Weigh it and describe it
Along with the pictures, send four facts. Your estimated weight: a bathroom-scale photo works for small lots, a drum on a pallet scale for large ones, and an honest estimate is fine when no scale is available. Your material breakdown: what forms are in the lot and in roughly what shares — "mostly inserts, some solid end mills, a little brazed." Your sorting state: whether it is sorted, roughly grouped, or mixed, and whether anything non-carbide might be in there. And your situation: your city and state, whether this is a one-time cleanout or recurring shop volume, and your timing. Recurring volume from an active shop is the steadiest basis for a strong ongoing relationship, so say so if the lot repeats. Describe honestly — "about 40 lbs, mostly inserts, some HSS mixed in" beats an optimistic guess every time, because surprises at verification slow everything down while accurate descriptions speed up your offer. Most quotes go out the same day the details arrive.
STEP 3
Review, offer, and logistics
Send everything through the quote form, by email to [email protected], or by phone at 312-880-8174. Ironcrest reviews what the material is, its grade family and form mix, its condition and quantity, and whether it fits a direct purchase — identifying the material from your photos and description, with no obligation. You then receive an offer based on current tungsten markets and the specifics of your lot. Because markets move, every quote reflects the day it is made; that is also why Ironcrest does not publish fixed per-pound price lists that would go stale. If you accept, logistics are arranged around the lot: local coordination can be discussed for larger lots in the region, and properly packaged smaller lots can go by mail — see the mail-in carbide instructions for packaging guidance. One-time cleanouts, estate lots, and retired-machinist collections are all welcome, and small lots are absolutely worth sending in: a few pounds of clean inserts has real value.
BEFORE YOU SEND
Quick checklist
- Wide shot, marking close-ups, scale reference. The three photos that matter most.
- Weight estimate and form breakdown. How much, and what kinds.
- Sorting state, stated honestly. Sorted, grouped, or mixed — say which.
- City, state, and timing. Where it is and when you want it gone.
- One-time or recurring? Active shops with repeat volume should say so.
- No liquids, no trash. Drain coolant, pull out steel, HSS, and packaging first.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Carbide questions, answered.
How fast will I get a quote?
Most quotes go out the same day the photos and details arrive. Complete, well-lit submissions with weights and descriptions are the fastest.
Is there a minimum quantity?
No. Small lots are welcome — a few pounds of clean inserts has real value. Larger and recurring lots simply earn stronger economics.
Do I have to ship it myself?
It depends on the lot. Local coordination can be discussed for larger regional lots; smaller, properly packaged lots can go by mail. The right method is worked out after the offer.
Send photos, estimated weight, material type, and location for today’s price. Email [email protected] or call 312-880-8174.
SEND PHOTOS FIRST
Send photos for today's price.
Every carbide lot is different — grade, form, quantity, and sorting all move the offer. Clear photos and an honest description are all it takes to get today's price, quoted against current tungsten markets.
HOW SELLING WORKS
Three steps to an offer.
Material review
We review what the material is, its condition and quantity, and whether it fits a direct purchase.
Receive an offer
For qualifying material, we discuss a direct purchase offer and the next steps.