Hi, I have a few 6 lbs toroidal red colored copper transformers(non functioning). Does any one take the copper out? Any way to estimate how much copper in them? Quick methods?
Thanks
- Bigger toroidal transformers - Is it worth unwinding the copper?
Experienced Scrapper
Hi, I have a few 6 lbs toroidal red colored copper transformers(non functioning). Does any one take the copper out? Any way to estimate how much copper in them? Quick methods?
Thanks
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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if its def got copper and u have the tools to strip it, why not?
i dont understand the type of guys who say things like "my time is more valuable than that" when they're just sitting around doing nothing.
if u have a lot of stuff to do immediately, then i can understand not wanting to strip transformers unless its more profitable than the other stuff u got going on.
the way i look at it, u will def make more money than just taking them in whole- at least thats how it tends to work, here by me.
If you take the time to read more posts I believe you will find that the correct answer to this type question is "What ever is best for you"
To msmoorad: It depends on each one's business but many have far to large a volume spend the time recovering cu in this manner. They find it more profitable processing other material or finding more customers.
Each of us operate at different levels. For some of my time I did recover the cu from these items at night while watching tv. When my volumes increased I would process items gaining more value. 73, Mike
"Profit begins when you buy NOT when you sell." {quote passed down to me from a wise man}
Now go beat the copper out of something, Miked
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Better than the dump!
Experienced Scrapper
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Good answer!!Originally Posted by miked
I will add also : It depends the price the guy is selling transformer. If he handle no more than 100 pounds at the time and selling at 0.15$/lb at local scrapyard.. But if he accumulate 3000 pounds and get 50 cents / pounds, It's another thing!
Experienced Scrapper
Thanks guys, guess I will find out by taking one apart and weighing the copper. I save this kind of stuff for rainy days.
Sledgehammer Enthusiast
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The plastic wrapping is a pain
Instead of unwinding them which takes a while. I cut around the outside with a grinder or sawsall.
There ain't nothing wrong with an honest days work. Anyone who says otherwise is a fool.- Old Man
Experienced Scrapper
I see what you mean. it does look like there is plastic between the layers .
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So think it through... A 20# toroidal transformer might fetch 30 cents a pound as is. So $6.
Or, I can take the time to unwind the 2# of copper off of it, but then that renders the steel or ferrite into 2 cents a pound shred... or (2# x 2.90 for copper) plus (2 cents x 18# for shred) which is (5.80 + .36) or $6.16
Congratulations on spending 20 minutes to make 16 cents. And that's generously assuming a 2# copper yield. If there's any less copper, you could actually end up with less value than if you'd just left it intact.
I think people focus on increasing the value per pound of the copper, but they forget about destroying the value in the much higher weight of the steel/ferrite.
Out of clutter, find simplicity. --Albert Einstein
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Yep do the math...
1 lb. Christmas Lights as is $.18 a pound
1 lb. Christmas Lights broken down by me is
9 oz. #2 ins wire @ $.56 lb. (.035 an oz.) so $.315
7 oz. plug ends go as shred by me @ $.045 lb. ((.0028125 an oz.) so $.019
Total broken down $.335 a pound vs. $.18 and you get to keep the brass plug ends for the brass pile! You will always make more money breaking down stuff, until you factor in other costs like time, power, tools and more. As stated in the past it may make more cents to sell as is and be done!
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yup, do one, and do the math. decide if you can do it while wating tv
Currently looking for a job in or related to scrap/recycling. Relocation is possible for the right offer.
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I don't know what kinda transformer you got but the ones I've been taking apart generally yield 17% copper. depending on what you can get for both materials when you turn them in they might be worth while to process. I actually get $7/100 on the steel left over from them when I run them since we don't have to put them through the mill. but If your taking the steel to a feeder yard that ain't really paying much for steel then most of your profit just got lost because most of the weight is in the steel. and like others have said figure out if its worth your time, effort, and expenses both monetary and health wise. Transformers seem to bother my lungs if I don't wear a mask while doing them. If your only trying to make as much as me then it will be worth your time, but I have guys that come in to the yard I work at who make $500 an hour running construction businesses that would lose money separating stuff like me. so they don't even care just as long as it doesn't go in the landfill they're happy.
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