Best way to get the stator out of big 3 phase electric motors

I have gotten a bunch of these big boys lately. The 3 phase motors that weigh 80 pounds or more. The way I open them is to unbolt the outside case and use a sledge to knock off both side covers and the rotor comes out at the same time. I then set the motor assembly on two cinder blocks far enough apart so that the stator can slide out. In all the ones I have encountered the stator is welded to the case so what I do is take an old wedge that I used for splitting wood and line it up with the welds then hit it a couple good times with the sledge. If you hit it just right you should have it out within a minute exposing all the beautiful copper.

Alright quick 101 on electric motors. Once you pull the rotor and stator place them in a burn barel, get the metal hot enough to take the coating off the copper. Once its cooled the copper will pull out much easier after cutting one side. Hardest part is just breaking the motor down.

MBM you do realize what you just posted is completely illegal and is a minimum 10,000 dollar fine from the EPA right. Nothing like releasing dioxins right into the air you breath. In order to do it the way you want to do it you need an oven with an EPA approved afterburner on it and a fugitive dust collector on it.

Yes you can cut them down the side but I found that the way I posted above is a lot quicker. Plus no grinder discs to eat up. A wedge and sledge will last forever you will just have to replace the handle every now and then. Miked how long did it take you to cut through that motor?

I understand. To each man his own. A sledge isn't any good if it puts you out of commission.

One day it will be illegal to buy anything burnt I believe it already is illegal in washington state and a few others. Google Saint louis, mo scrap laws and you will see whats coming to a city near you. Peddlers license for everyone unless you are industrial.