Fresnel lens and electronics recycling center?

Hi, everyone. This is my first post here at VHS forum.

I’ve watched a few videos about large fresnel lens salvaged from rear-projection TV.
They are amazing and powerful! It gave me experiment ideas and now I want to get one too. However most ad’s on craigslist require the buyer remove the unwanted TV, and I don’t have a truck or a helper available. So instead I tried to call one electronics recycling center in Richmond (Regional Recycling), hoping to be able to get parts from them. The call-center lady on the phone said they don’t have that kind of service (parts-picking) available. So I am wondering if there’s a place in greater Vancouver area where I can remove parts from discarded projection TV for a fee or for free.

Of course if anyone who reads this has a large fresnel lens for sale give me a shout. I prefer ones from older TV with 4:3 aspect ratio. Thanks

Currently there is a rear projection TV in the alleyway behind 4549 Fraser St. If you talked to them, bet they’d be happy to let you take it off their hands.

Oh, I just recalled that you don’t have a vehicle, so that might not work out.

I have two of these back in Calgary and can confirm, they are fun. As a heads up they all seem to have a different focal/convergence/diffusion magic, so one of my two sets things on fire way faster than the other.

You need a large vehicle. The first one I found a few years back, a magnificent Sony, I had to dismember in the back alley so as to fit in my truck. All with a Leatherman. It took me about 45 minutes to get it all. And I mean all. The Fresnel is gorgeous. The mirror is THIN.