how do I open this for the copper?

This came from a motor for the fan in an automatic dehumidifier. It feels like the thing the copper is in is made of some kind of plastic or something.

Ive had to deal with those too. The smaller ones are a bigger PITA. Take a hammer to it and smash it til it is separated. Throw the copper with copper, plastic in the garbage or wherever and the rest in the ferrous pile.

Yep 5 Pound sledge works wonders. Or you can sawsall of the loops sticking out and punch the rest out with a hammer and punch.

I use a sawsall and cut one side of the copper wire "loops" off. I then use a punch to push the wire out and/or pry it from the other side. The steel part is held in a vice while I work on it. Some times I cut the "loops" off with a wood chisel and then follow with the same proceedure. I believe it is worth the effort. I buy motors from another scraper and break them down. This way I don't spend time hunting. Anyway that's what works for me, Mike.

can the magnet portion be sold? If so, what type of metal would it be considered?

what type of metal would it be considered?

Kinda looks like ferrite to me.
And I agree, A BFH would do wonders, just wear eye protection.

Throw the non copper part in your steel pile.

You can also snip the wires on oneside and pull them through on the other.

Originally Posted by dryvr12

You can also snip the wires on oneside and pull them through on the other.

I'm going to try this after work tonight, but I may not get through it with my cutters. Looks pretty thick. If not, I'll hold on til I get a cordless grinder. I think the one I have is out of a mower. I gave it a few smacks with my sledgehammer today and it wasn't interested.

Yeah, i thought you were referring to something else. Not sure what it is, but its on circuit boards. But it took me about 10 min to do it with a pair of shears (too lazy to get wire cutters) No doubt would have taken about half the time with cutters. A grinder would work really well too.

Is this a joke ?? It's not funny....did any of you read the "sticky" by Hypoman at the top of the introduce yourself page !!!?????

I dont think its a joke. On most forums I belong to you post questions in the "general section". I have never (before right now) visited an "introduce yourself" thread. I don't feel a need to. I would have never come across it if nobody had mentioned it and im sure the same goes for many others. I have no problems with helping someone out with a question that I know the answer to.

no hard feelings.

But you didn't know the answer...you told him to hit it with a hammer !!! If you came here to learn about scrapping, the answers are already here. It takes a few seconds to type something into the search box to see if it's been covered before you post a question that has been covered over and over. no hard feelings dryvr12.

Michael b, first go to the intro section and introduce yourself. Secondly dehumidifiers may have been discussed in earlier threads so go to the search function and read. Lastly, dehumidifiers I have seen in the past are really a type of air conditioner so lots of good stuff. A word of caution read past posts about the saftey issues of dealing with air conditioners and other items containing freon. Best to you, Mike

did any of you read the "sticky" by Hypoman at the top of the introduce yourself page !!!?????

No, I didn't !

Is it worth my effort?

I would say if you did not have to pay them for the dehumidifiers then you'll do ok. There's one or two motors and some decent wiring. Dollar amount I don't know. If they still work you might try listing on Craigs List or Ebay classified's for 1/4 to 1/2 of new. You'll gain a lot more than scrap value.

Well, I've been a member since 7-19-11 and haven't introduced myself at the "introduction" page either. Didn't even know anything about it till the last few days. I have learned a great deal from this forum though. Wonder if it's too late to do that now?