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large transformers

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  1. #1
    bensjunk started this thread.
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    large transformers

    anybody on here ever pull apart one? how hard are they and are they even worth pulling apart? i searched but didnt see anything on here about them, and it was about the same on google. they should be just like the little ones right? i see a bunch on a few of the auction sites i watch, 25kva and larger, and dont know if they are worth picking up.


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    Mechanic688's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bensjunk View Post
    anybody on here ever pull apart one? how hard are they and are they even worth pulling apart? i searched but didnt see anything on here about them, and it was about the same on google. they should be just like the little ones right? i see a bunch on a few of the auction sites i watch, 25kva and larger, and dont know if they are worth picking up.
    Look down below your posting at the related ones, might be something there.
    P & M Recycling - Specializing in E-Waste Recycling.
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  5. #3
    happyscraper's Avatar
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    Look in the scrapper video section. Jackshmuck did a video on braking down a transformer.

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    bensjunk started this thread.
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    thank you both. when i searched them all i came up with were computer sized ones, not sure why i couldnt see those.

  7. #5
    greytruck's Avatar
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    Before you take the time to break it open, scratch or cut a wire to make sure that it is copper not aluminum wire in there

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    Do they have Tar inside them? The big transformers I have taken apart (240-240 isolating transformers & Neon tube sign transformers) all returned a great profit.

  9. #7
    bensjunk started this thread.
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    not sure about the tar, and they all look fairly old, but im bidding on them at a straight steel price with no competition, so i should make out pretty good, i hope.

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    They can be a great payday. SSince they are old thoughbe sure 5o make sure they don't contain any pcbs. They will have a tag of some sort saying they don't have any. If they don't have that tag be careful. It could cost you in disposal fees.

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    Russell's Avatar
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    If they have a weld, split the weld, as shown on the Jack the scrapper video. I have scrapped some rather large trans, they were the E& I type. Those are a bit of a pain but I thought it was worth while and I'm not one for breaking everything down.

    The E& I type are the shapes of the steel encasement around the copper winding. The shapes are interwoven staggering in a way to form a square box around the copper winding. Those are a little tricky. If I had a great way of doing it I'd share. The welded ones are much easier. When splitting them use gloves and eye protection.
    Last edited by Russell; 10-20-2012 at 07:14 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Russell View Post
    ... When splitting them use gloves and eye protection.
    Or this could happen: http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...mas2011037.jpg

    Happened last winter.
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  14. #11
    pcscrapper's Avatar
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    I would just toss these into a barrell... of transformers,, it will add up.. It safe too... I've done a few chop and only to get things flying around... Had One Ping Me between the thigh... not a good feeling for a pound of wires.. or less..

    Safe then sorry.. I would say.. Barrel it.


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