Wasn't it Benjamin Franklin who said "a penny saved is a penny earned"? If I remember my history correct, Franklin was about as much of a cheapskate as I am. I currently live fair on about $700 a month. I have a LOT of free time (which I plan to spend more of it making more money). I would find it worthwhile to tear apart a motor to scrap it as with time you will be able to find ways to do it quicker and easier.