Operations Kit & Cheat Sheet

Digital scale accurate to 0.01g or better. Essential for weighing scrap and bars.

Testing acids for each karat. Scratch stone + acid bottles. Cheap and reliable.

XRF analyzers give exact purity without acid. $1k+. Pro upgrade for serious volume.

Propane/MAPP torch for small pours, or electric furnace for bigger bars. Crucible (graphite/clay) included.

Molds for pouring bars — 1oz, 5oz, 10oz sizes. Pre-warm before pouring.

Borax flux pulls impurities to the surface during melt. Essential for clean pours.

Long tongs for handling hot molds. Firebrick or welding table as surface.

Leather gloves, safety goggles, and ventilation/fume hood. Work outside if possible.

Never pay full melt. Target 40–60% of melt for scrap to leave profit. Use the in-app calculator.

10k=41.7% · 14k=58.3% · 18k=75% · 22k=91.7% · 24k=99.9% · Silver .925=92.5% · .999=99.9%

Acid test or XRF every piece. Watch for plated/filled items and fake karat stamps.

Thrift/pawn sellers rarely know melt value. Offer 30–40% of melt and walk up.

Weigh on calibrated pocket scale in grams.

Acid test or XRF. Record exact karat/fineness.

Use the in-app calculator with live spot price.

Negotiate down; never pay more than your max buy price.

Add to Scrap Inventory with photos, weight, purity, price, source.

Build up enough of one metal to justify a melt run.

Flux, melt, pour into pre-warmed mold. Let cool, weigh bar, stamp/label.

Use Melt to Bar — links source scrap and creates your bar record.

Set a sell target above your cost basis. Wait for the right spot price.

Local Austin refiners, national refiners (Midwest Refineries), online bullion dealers (APMEX, JM Bullion buyback), eBay.

Bars: 95–98% of spot. Scrap lots: 90–95% of melt. Shop around for best rate.

Sell when spot clears your cost basis + margin. Don't chase the top — lock in profit.

Keep every purchase record in the app. Cost basis = what you paid. Needed for capital gains calc.

In the US, gold/silver are collectibles — long-term gains taxed up to 28%. Consult a CPA.

Dealers must file 1099-B for sales over $1,000 (varies). Confirm reporting with buyer.

Check Austin/TX rules for buying & selling precious metals. Some require a secondhand dealer permit.

Melting releases fumes. Work outdoors or with a fume hood. Never melt in a closed room.

Fire extinguisher (Class B) nearby. Clear flammables from the area. No loose clothing.

Craigslist/FB deals: meet at a police station or busy public spot. Bring a buddy.