Having done enough of the refining for the sake of a hobby, my comment is that, other than as a hobby & entertainment, it really isn't worth it. Unless perhaps you decide to take it seriously and can source scrap silver cheap enough. Why? as mentioned above, you lose the 'hallmarking' or whatever identification the silver had, therefore making its quality dubious to any serious buyer. Unless you are prepared to invest in certification of purity - not really suitable for a true amateur. Then there is the cost and other risks associated with the refining process - thankfully my toe healed from the rather nasty hole I put in it. It seems it is no smarter to refine metals wearing thongs than it is to weld steel wearing them. Then there is the loss - you simply don't get back what you put in.
Can it be fun? Yes.
Can it be rewarding? Depends on the cost of the raw materials, cost of chemicals, knowledge/skill, marketing ability.
In a nutshell - do it for the fun of it or sell the scrap as such and buy bars. The latter is the better way to make money.
