Where can I get used circuit boards and other electronics giddies.

Question

I’m an electronics hobbyist/ experiment who is always looking for new old junk to take apart. I visited a friends shop today where his father repairs and designs envelop stuffing machines. They have hundreds of old circuit boards and various parts for anything you could imagine. We took a walk around and found some old stuff he let me have. But I’m asking where I can find some more of this stuff there has to be other places that are just as full of stuff. What I plan to do with this stuff you may ask? I unsolder all the parts and make new things be it a robot or some sort of computer interface these old boards are loaded with parts. Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer 1

One good source for parts is old VCR's and printers. Ask around. I'll bet lots of people you know have an old dead VCR or printer in the closet. You may also want to look at companies that specialize in electronic surplus. While not free most sell circuit boards for pennies on the retail dollar. Electronic surplus stores such as Alltronics, All Electronics, BGmicro and my favorite, Electronic Goldmine all sell circuit boards and various electronic subassemblies as well as new components for bargain prices. Go to alltronics.com, allelectronics.com, bgmicro.com, and goldmine-elec.com to find their on line stores. I'm not sure I recommend it but I have also scored electronic parts by dumpster diving at a local electronics manufacturer after hours. Talk to an employee about when they clean house of obsolete inventory if you can, or check the dumpster regularly, preferably right before pickup. You might also try places that repair electronics and see what they have. Good luck and happy hunting.  

Answer 2

uhhhhh ebay?

ummmmm goodwill?

yea good will in the junk area they have like old broekn computers and other elctronic junk

xp

Answer 3

I live in a community where we have a drop off area for electronics (TVs, computers, vacuum cleaners, radios, phones, printers, etc) not wanted.  A lot of the items work due to being updated.  A removal of same is made once a week, mean while, help yourself.