Don't know where else to ask my questions and both deal with metal, so here it is.

I have an old barbeque pit, made of brick to match my 1928 bungalow. It's a simple pit, a rectangle with a short tower. I am converting it to a planter, have removed the brick around the short tower. Underneath is the very heavy and solid metal tower, and I think I'm going to have to torch it off the rectangular base -- is that correct? I think it's probably solid iron. Where do I get a cutting torch? Can I rent one? Do you recommend having someone do this for me? What kind of handyman would I ask?

Also, I'm replacing my old copper gutters because they are twisted, split and not doing the job. Is the scrap copper worth anything?

Thanks for your advice.