Huge industrial electric motor.

New to the scrapping forums here thought I would post a few questions about a big industrial type electric motor I aqcuired while scrapping.



This thing weighs at least 150-200lbs and is about 30" in diameter. Probably from the 60's as it is cast iron and pretty old looking.

My question is would it be worth breaking down to get the copper out? I know smaller motors sometimes arnt worth the time but as big as this thing is It might be worth trying to take this beast apart.

Any tips or info would help!

The only way to truely know the answer is break it down. If you read the breaking down section of the forum you will learn what others have done. Each motor model is different than the next but experience will teach you the most.

I recommend you read through the new member section, read all the sticky threads then make an introduction in the introduction section. You will not be sorry for taking the time to read, Mike.

Thanks for the replys guys! I have been lurking around the site for a few months now and decided to finally make an account and join in on the action! I will be sure to introduce myself and read through the site contents some more.

I got a picture of the beast of a motor, Though not nearly as big as the one in the video. Looks like its an induction type motor and it has a 2 inch shaft and is 3 phase. I will be cracking it open some time tonight to see what is inside. Ive attached the photo.


I am not new to scrapping, just havnt ever come across an electric motor of this size and figured I would ask the experts. Thanks again for the quik responses!

Probably going to be some good copper if it's that old.

your motors price is way better than mine... called today and they quoted me 14cents per #...

Its not the work Im scared of, This thing would of taken all day to break open. It was rusted so much it would have to be torched down the middle and pried apart. Im sure I would of made a few dollars more but the work required just wasnt worth my time. Trying to manhandle a 400 lb motor by myself with an angle grinder just for a few bucks didnt make sense to me. The case on this thing was at least half inch steel. Im sure someone else would of had a field day but I'll pass.

I'm more than happy with the $100 bill they threw at me for the 5 minutes it took me to roll it up on the trailer.