Best way to tear apart ups transformers for copper.

I have a pile of ups transformers from apc backups. Unusually just saw off one end of the copper windings and kicked the rest out. Anyone have any faster or easier ways to cut through them. I uses a sawzall. But blades go fast I'm using blades that cost $2-3 each and they still wear out quick.

Originally Posted by azgard

I have a pile of ups transformers from apc backups. Unusually just saw off one end of the copper windings and kicked the rest out. Anyone have any faster or easier ways to cut through them. I uses a sawzall. But blades go fast I'm using blades that cost $2-3 each and they still wear out quick.

I would use a grinder.

A good Sawzall blade should cut through copper for a VERY long time. Takes a feel for the material you are cutting. If you don't have the feel/patience a cut-off wheel on a 4" grinder might be your best bet. Just remember gloves and safety eyewear! Best of luck to you!

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

Someone mentioned using a bandsaw, how slick and easy it was. That Sawzall blade should be lasting a lot longer than that.

May be dragging it along the metal, dulling the blade from the sides rubbing

Grinder. Much quicker. Buy better blades. Mike, that's called a ports-band.....I think.

For transformers with a weld on the side:

Lay the transformer on its side. Take a small hatchet (I use a 10lb hammer/axe combo)
A big hammer alone will work. too
Give the weld a few good whacks with the hatchet
The weld will break and you can knock off the metal, giving you easy access to the windings

Check out this video:

It is really easy!

Originally Posted by pcscrapper

Not all Transformer have welds on them... so.. the hatchet is not always the key.... I would think band saw.. would be the best... grinder wheel... takes too long to cut a 7 inch transormer.

Ive been just doing the ones with the weld and breaking it with a hammer. The other ones without the weld I just recycle as is with out breaking down.

I had good luck with the hatchet and the grinder methods. My sawsall was worn out, so the blade had some wander to it and did a terrible job.

Sometimes I have trouble knocking out the "U" after I cut the end off.

Watch out for the @!%#% aluminum ones, and the ones with 1 al coil and one copper coil

I have been using a bandsaw to cut the edge off the copper windings, and using a punch to tap the copper through the hole. It is the simplest way to do it that I have found. A big transformer will take less then 5 mins if you have a good blade. Some times I use a wedge under the winding after cutting it to pull it through the hole

sorry send me a message

I see mention of concrete sawblades, would a miter saw with a concrete blade (or any other) be effective for this?

The only other suggestion I can think of is, a carpenters chisle and hammer.
OK, lotsa bashing and the odd miss where you smack your left first finger joint..

But, I was doing that at the start, with a 1 1/4 inch wide chisle and a bench vise.
Pro's.
You don't waste any Copper, there's no 'cut width' of Copper getting ground out.
The Copper comes off easy, the ends of the strands are not melted into the plastic insulation..
No electricity needed (yes you can do it on the side of the road!)
The ends of the wire are neat, not frayed with plastic stuck to it like with a grinder.
Less noise, well less than a grinder..
No consumables needed.
If you cut one side of the winding on both sides, you can pick the wire out without needing a punch, most times.
The Copper wire falls downwards if it falls off. Not sideways like with a grinder.

Cons
You keep bashing your left hand with the hammer when you miss.
Takes a little longer.
You get sweaty, and a oversized right bicep.