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Originally Posted by
jackshmuc
video where i bust open a
microwave transformer with a hatchet
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(my favorite tool)
it is the fastest way i found to getting the copper out
THANK YOU sooooo much for that idea!
Good news first, I tried it last night on two transformers I've had for a while, looking for just such an easier method. My first try involved a prybar, a railroad spike, a coupla hammers, and a LOT of cussing. But I do have a hatchet head I have been hanging on to since I just couldn't bring myself to throw in with scrap iron. It did take more than two whacks (probably since I don't have the hickory handle
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) but it did the job nicely all the same.
Bad news, though. ALL FOUR LOOPS were that copper coated aluminum.
So... I turned probably $3 worth of motor/transformer into maybe $1 worth of steel and a few cents worth of aluminum. Dangit, breaking down is supposed to INCREASE the value! LOL
Lesson learned. Check the wire prior to breakdown.
EDIT.... I just gave myself a chuckle.... those aluminum wire ones oughta be called decepticons. (groan)
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