How To Cut Apart Sealed A/C Compressors In One Cut, Is It Worth My Time? How Much Copper Is Inside?

In this video I show you "How To Scrap" sealed HVAC compressor motors. This video contains new updated info of how to go about the scrap process, also a weight break down of the metals. Thanks for watching. Below are links to some of the tools and equipment I use to complete the job. Happy Scrapping!
Benchmark Abrasives Store
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4.5" Cut Off Wheels
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5" Cut Off Wheels
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Makita 4.5" Angle Grinder
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Makita 4.5" Angle Grinder Dual Pack
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SAS Face Shield
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YesWelder Gloves (TIG)
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Strong Hands Welding/Work Table
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Acteck Ship Pro Scale
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Note: The Above referenced links are Amazon Affiliate links and I earn from qualified purchases.
👇🧰 My Tool Box 🧰👇
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#HowTo #Scrap #Copper

[@enjoy-n-time7581]

I totally agree using saw, doing so allows me to cut open next motor case or pull the copper as the saw does a fantastic job saving time, disc, & not leaving a total mess plus it’s so much safer. Time is money period. Nice work, stay safe

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy scrapping! Stay safe!

[@CandSMINING]

Thanks for putting this video together. Anyone who scraps will some day come across these units. New sub to you. Thanks for sharing with the community. 😎😎⛏⛏🔥🔥

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I appreciate the support and the feedback. 👍😎💯

[@davidsteinfeld9123]

Been cutting thes things apart for years and there si many ways to doing it I myself do the 3 cut process i can honestly say the 1 cut thing was impressive a big thing to consider not all guys out there trying to hustle up a few lincolns will find this information here useful Nice idea Nice job Thank you for shareing

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Really appreciate the comment, thanks. The one cut seemed to speed things up a little bit and definitely cit down on cutting wheel usage. I would be curious your feedback once you try it, if you try it. Thanks for watching.

[@davidsteinfeld9123]

@ChallengeTheBuild for sure my friend I will give a try got a few out back once it stops raining

[@jamessinclar6118]

I have been waiting for this one to come out, thank you! I took the extra time to cut away the binding and plastics off the end windings. My yard gave me #1 copper prices for everything. The mentioned since I had cut off the binding that put it in the #1 category. I like your new way of breaking the compressor down, seems more time efficient. I have been saving the piston compressors knowing you were working on a new video. Thank you again!

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Awesome! I am glad to hear they gave you #1 copper price since you took the added time to clean the bindings, cashing in on the higher prices is a good call. Thanks also for watching and commenting, it really helps out alot. Be safe and keep scrapping! 🤙😎

[@danmetz79]

My yards pays enamel coated wire. I need to go to your yard lol

[@jimgillett1184]

I just watched another guy's way and he cuts the inside in the middle instead of the ends and used a machete to cut it in half. Was pretty slick brother

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Ive seen that as well... Still never tried it... There is always a way... Like I've said before, I don't really think there is a right or wrong way to do this sorta stuff, as long as you get to the same end result and are doing it safely I feel it's a win no matter what. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍

[@Car1Sagan]

Where is this video @jimgillett1184 ?

[@jasoneastham3126]

Nicely done. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Appreciate the support, thank you for watching and commenting..👍

[@thumbs.k.4510]

July 1st 2023. Knowledge is key thank you for sharing

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

You're welcome..👍

[@gettuffstudios]

I hope you realize your videos on this topic just set me up in the best position to make an informed decision, thank you! Question, let's say someone had the time to take apart the AC fan motor, any chance you can do a scrap video on that too please?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

So the electric fan motor is a variable, the process is basically the same as the compressor motor just alot easier but in my opinion not worth the time becase generally scrap yards pay a decent price for electric motors. The only caveat is if the fan motor is of substantial size. Best I can say is try one and see. Remember to be safe when working... I appreciate all the support you gave me throughout this video series. Thank you

[@coltkemerer7544]

Nice breakdown! I got 6 motors on standby thanks for the input

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍

[@archedgeworth]

Thank you for mentioning heavy iron is also called #1steel. I was lost for a moment. And I believe it’s rated #2 copper is because it has an enamel coating. Gives it more of a glossy red color rather than glistening mirror like shine of BB.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Ah that makes sense on the copper.👍 Appreciate you commenting, thank you..🤝💯 Happy Scrappin!

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thanks for adding value to the conversation. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍

[@wes7195]

Thank you sir! I was lost on how to scrap out the piston style compressor but you made it look very simple.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Appreciate the feedback, glad it helped. After you cut a few apart it becomes pretty easy... The first is the worst and even that isn't bad.. Be safe and scrap um up!

[@Car1Sagan]

Looks easier than the scroll types

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Both are easy to do once you get a system figured out...👍

[@jackjohnson3220]

Its # 2 because the different color is varnish, and its hard to get off, you have to burn it to get it brittle then do the vinegar and salt solution, rinse and dry, back to the whole is the squeeze worth the juice. I would tell anybody to make sure you do that outside because the oil is flammable and no matter how much you drain them some oil will remain, also I think its rare that the refrigerant was recovered long enough to pull the gas out of the oil, techs normally have a day for a job, not a whole day to reclaim trash refrigerant. All those sparks will start a fire and when the refrigerant burns it gives off phosgene gas (mustard gas). With a nice shop like yours, if you don't have a plasma cutter yet, perfect excuse! Man I can rip the top off one of those cans in 30 seconds.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Appreciate all the feedback 👍. Thanks for watching 😎✌️

[@jameshilton99]

Nice video... Great way to do it.. i dont d it. i just scrap it that way, it is.. nice to see a great way to do it..

[@sidschwan8031]

Nice video you did I was always wondering how best way was to cut that copper out.

[@ahealthyperspective1283]

Thanks for the update.

[@bigpoppapump4060]

That’s awesome work I have two of the 5 ton hvac compressors now I know how n what is in them thanx

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Good deal... Thanks for watching and commenting. Be safe 👍💯

[@frankvalenziano2213]

Good video! I copied your diagonal cut today . It works great. I wish I had a band saw. But 7 inch grinder did the trick

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback! Glad it helped, I wish more people would see it..🤷‍♂️. The band saw is a little slower but it allows me to multi task a little bit.. Be safe, be blessed, happy scrappin! 😎💪🤝🇺🇲💯

[@tomitstube]

very informative, i like the one cut method, my yard doesn't give you much more for prepared steel so it all goes into shred, maybe i'll start tossing aside the #1 and let it build up, make a couple bucks more. but yeah, 4 1/2 lbs of coppers and 60lbs of steel beats most street scrapping finds.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I had wanted to make an updated video for a while, so I am glad you found it worth the watch... This video doesn't get no where near the attention of the other but this one holds a ton more info in my opinion... Thanks again for the support..👍 happy scrapping, be safe

[@tomitstube]

@@ChallengeTheBuild agree with your assessment, thanks for the reply and keep up the great work

[@daviddavis-wq4zn]

How much do you get for one of them scrap my friend and thanks so much for your time and videos thanks again

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Enough for me to cut them apart..😂😂👍

[@Josh-ut9fp]

Good job thank you

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thank you..👍

[@richardstarkey71]

Electric coils like motor windings and voice coils on speakers are made with enamel magnet wire. If you want number 1 price you may soak it in lacker thinner to remove the urethane coating before you bring it to the yard.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Appreciate the information, thank you for watching and commenting. 👍

[@redrum2612]

Excellent video and breakdown ♻️

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Appreciate the feedback...👍

[@redrum2612]

@@ChallengeTheBuild You're welcome! Very helpful.

[@KPaul7]

Thanks for the video

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

👍 You're welcome..

[@carljam9067]

Those shop stools are the best!

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

😎Right on!🤙

[@davea5150]

What kind of oil 🪔 s in the compressor? Can it be reused for lubricating different things?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Not 100% sure on oil type, maybe PAG Oil? I was told it's good as an air tool oil, and Im sure you can use it for other things... I just recycle it with all my other oil..

[@frederickadams6678]

Great job!!!

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thank you!👍

[@TerryWhiteside-q6d]

Nice shop building. How do (did?) you afford that building...by scrapping?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Scrapping did not pay for the building. Working 60-80 hrs a week as a career aircraft painter for 10 plus years did...

[@joestalin2375]

​@ChallengeTheBuild You did good son that's a real man cave kudos!

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thank you. 👍

[@davea5150]

What make is the grinder? Also is it a 4.5" grinder-cutoff tool?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Im pretty sure I am using my Makita 4.5" grinder along with a benchmark abrasives cutoff wheel.

[@davea5150]

Good informative video 👍👍

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thanks Dave, appreciate the watch and comments 👍. This video does not get the attention I think it deserves . 😁👍

[@leftwich2274]

Great video buddy

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thank you.. 👍

[@DavidMorales-nomadtec]

Definitely a much cleaner and efficient way to cut open a compressor.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

It works good... Little give and take but overall better...

[@davea5150]

Nice video!!What kind of cutoff tool are you using. How many inch diameter is your cutoff wheel? Have you ever used a plasma cutter? Just curious 👍

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

So I use benchmark abrasive cutoff wheels, generally a 5 inch wheel... And yes I have tried a plasma cutter, I would use it but I am limited to power in my shop still, I need a service line run still...Also I would let the compressors drain for a full day just to help with smoke...

[@davea5150]

How do you know where to cut the sealed unit on the outside to gain access to the copper windings? Thank you 👍

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Check out my older video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYGslYB5p7CSnqs to see where to cut if you don't like the one cut method. 👍

[@izzydo3494]

Try the machete method and cut the copper bound motor in half between the laminated steel plates. You dont have wasted from the band saw and it's just faster

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thanks for the idea...I appreciate it👍

[@paulmerritt7540]

great background music!!!

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

It's been so long I needed to watch the video. 😂👍💯

[@DavidMorales-nomadtec]

Very cool addition with the band saw. I will definitely be looking to get one!

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Just allows me to do other things while cutting... Multi tasking 😁 and they say men can't do it...😂😂😂

[@ProjectShopFl]

Nice shop

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thank you... 🤙😎

[@pault5816]

Do you get different prices for the heavy and light iron

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Yes, generally scrap yards will sort it... Because they too also get paid for heavy vs. light. .... But each yard is different...

[@pault5816]

I guess I should ask at the scrap yard I go too but I generally just see everyone dumping everything in a big pile. The only difference is when you have copper stainless steel. We go into a building to unload that material.

[@adriantowe278]

I do this for a living what we do is put all the copper in a basket with a fire underneath bern all the coating of and get a power washer and blast the dirt off and it goes as bright copper but you have to have a good bit of copper to make it worth it but in England we get 6 pounds and 50 p per kg or 6000 thousand 500 hundred per ton love and respect from England

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Love and respect from the USA! Thanks for watching and commenting! 😎🤙💯

[@davea5150]

Question for you?? What size and brand of cut-off tool are you using. And what size and brand cut-off wheel are you using. I use harbor freight tool and cut-off wheels. The wheels get worn down very quick. And although the tool is cheap they don't last.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

While the harbor freight cut off tool probably will work the quality of the cut off wheel makes a huge difference. amzn.to/3fCiTtm (affiliate link, earned commission) to Benchmark Abrasives which is my go to brand when it comes to my shop abrasives . As far as cut off tool Makita is my brand linked here amzn.to/3CskmeQ (affiliate link, earned commission). Check out this page from Challenge The Build www.amazon.com/shop/challenge_the_build

[@louisrichards3702]

i have been scrapping for 15 years, i watch on e bay and get the cheapest 4 1/2 wheel i can find, usually .50 cents a wheel in quantities of 50 or 100..a freshly opened ac compressor the copper is easy to remove ,, i just cutoff one end ,clamp stator in vise and pry out copper, plenty of oil all over copper..

[@jessewilson8676]

The counter weight on the rotor is not always AL I have found that about 5% are brass.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Ah... I haven't come across a brass counter weight yet, but I'm sure they exist... Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍

[@jessewilson8676]

Few years ago cut 200 compressors had 10 brass counter weights 5% this year just opened up after first comment (just opened still working on them ) 300 of them. Only 1 had brass. So got lucky first round I guess wish I paid more attention to which ones had brass.

[@luigiprovencher]

It's not bare bright because it's coated.

[@Joesmith-xt4ky]

what type of bit do you use to drill the holes?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Any sharp bit will work, I think I was using 5/16 or 3/8 cobalt bit, maybe from Milwaukee ...

[@mattgour5874]

Good video. Thx.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I appreciate the support and comment, thank you. 👍

[@davea5150]

What kind of oil in in the compressor. Is it dangerous and can it be reused in a oil can. Thank you

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I have been told it makes great pneumatic tool oil.. not exactly sure what kind of oil. PAG oil?

[@safahmultitradepvtltd4857]

What’s the quantity of oil That came out

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I'd say half quart maybe? Depends on the size of the compressor.

[@kellycook2900]

Older refrigerant compressors used mineral oil. Newer ones that use blended refrigerants use POE synthetic oil.

[@michaelwillcutt2619]

You cut them open separate aluminum steel copper tube and windings

[@registrationhater]

It's not bare bright because motor windings are dipped in varnish. Without the varnish to insulate the wire, current would not flow through the windings properly

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Appreciate the information 👍. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍.

[@qwer123211]

Why do you cut at a 30 degree angle and not simple straight across (i.e. the shortest distance between two points is a straight line)?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I have never had success breaking them apart like that... Over all my time spent at it I found that the 30 degree cut works the best.... Atleast for me.... I have answered a ton of comments saying I'm doing it wrong and to it I say as long as we all find the same end result there's no right or wrong way...😁👍👍

[@stevebrzeski9118]

I think your only getting number two for the motor copper cuz it’s got a special coating on it, at least that’s what they told me when I asked my scrapyard

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

That's the same thing they told me...👍👍I wasn't gonna argue...

[@sweetybean1]

Just took 4 unit off the roof at work. Threw them in the tin pile.

[@crispincaro1685]

If the. Seal unit. Is 10 pound included. Liquid 20 cent. Pound $10 dollar If de seal unit the copper in side is 4 pound. 1 pound is. $3. Dollar 30 cent probably. $ 13 You make $3 dollar more

[@terrysampson4778]

Is that a 58 Chevy

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

59 Chevy Viking....👍😎

[@woestijnhaas4537]

My problem with HVAC compressors is not the scrapping, but the fact that most of them are part of a cooling system, and you need to have the cooling agent removed before you can get the compressor out. Pity, because fridges and a/c units are abundant, but I can’t process the cooling agent in it….

[@InsidiousDr9]

Just check labels, many modern fridges/small appliances use propane R290, which is considered non-toxic (and legal to vent). R744 is carbon dioxide on some commercial units, also safe to vent.

[@jackjohnson3220]

I think my dad gets like 10 bucks a fridge at a scrap yard, trust, their ain't $10 of coper in a fridge, cut the cord scrap it whole, get a truck load of them.

[@solarnaut]

7:20 WTF??? Oooooohhh ! Right ! EAR PROTECTION ! ! ! B--)

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I appreciate the words of wisdom...👍👍 Thank you

[@charlestuozzo4747]

dumb question. why not cut the motor down the middle and drive the windings out both sides. Seems that would be quicker.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Definitely not a dumb question... I mean it would work but you would have to cut threw the meat of the motor rather then just the copper windings... Regardless like I said in the video, I don't think there is a wrong way just as long as you accomplish the goal safely. Appreciate the comment and watching..

[@michaeldwire7200]

Actually its the coating on the copper!

[@joestalin2375]

Can we rinse the coating off with something?

[@michaeldwire7200]

@@joestalin2375 I had thought of a low heat option. Maybe cause it to flake off. High heat would lower the the coppers weight. Smelting the copper into bars would work for sure. I have thought of xlyen but to expensive. Not sure if Gasoline would work. I use to get top pay at the scrap yards. Before they got smart to the coating .

[@joestalin2375]

@@michaeldwire7200 What is the coating made from?

[@ethanrobinson9055]

Good video but let's put the guard back onto the grinder and keep both hands on it while using that tool...stay safe friends.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Valid point for sure! I actually started using the handle again for added stability. Doesn't negate not having the shield on but does help with a little added safety... Thanks for watching and commenting, like you said lets stay safe!👍

[@Aplushandymanservice]

Tell that to a granite fabricator 😂

[@solarnaut]

Thanks ! ALWAYS Worthy of a REMINDER ! "... complacency is simply an inaccurate perception of risk. The more you do something and nothing adverse happens, the more you feel you can continue doing it without consequence... familiarity with a hazard breeds complacency... [high risk work means] it only takes one mistake to become the victim of a potentially fatal fall. :-s

[@kimmiles3071]

Apron takes place of guard

[@TimothyRouthier]

I've seen more injuries of fingers getting stuck between the guard and blade than anything with unguarded..

[@daviddavis-wq4zn]

How much money do you make on one

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

All dependent upon current scrap prices.. I would say an average of 20 bucks maybe +/- depending how far I went with sorting it out...

[@brenthowell452]

Thx 😎

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

No problem... 👍👍

[@magthemagnificent8437]

I would not let the kids help with these units. The oil is contaminated with the refrigerant. And the refrigerant is a carcinogen. Thats why they dont wont you to vent the refrigerant into the air. Your whole garage is also contaminated based on the view of the floor.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thanks for the feedback. 👍

[@MikeSmith-nu9wt]

You would love my buddies 30 ton shearer , i just throw anything under the blade and it cuts it in half ..i was testing it on a big electric motor , it makes pulling the copper out of it fast , and that wasnt near enough info on the sweet patina truck behind you ??? Come on man ! Inquery minds wanta know ? 😂😂

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Just use the # in a search engine... #ChallengeTheBuild .

[@jimbauer6822]

One cut well look like you still UT the same distance as 3 cuts

[@troydouglas6418]

why dont u cut off the copper pcs and sell seperate ?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I guess I never really thought about it... Thanks for watching and the feedback!

[@THEATREGOD3]

It is definitely important though while doing these videos that a good example the set or at least a disclaimer we definitely don't want movies that have no experience on how these tools actually function under the perfect or imperfect conditions and outcome follow suit and bad s*** happens

[@aukebij3193]

that's the hardest way I've seen. Cut it open from bottom to top so that the pressure is off the coil and then cut the bottom and then you can pull off the entire top piece. By the way, a plasma cutter works ten times faster, I can do twenty in an hour

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

As always each person has their own method and yes certain tools help make the process faster but regardless I still don't think there is a wrong way to scrap. As long as it's done safely and we all reach the common end goal its a success.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your input... Thanks 👍

[@joshuamorris9050]

Na man band saw off the top of it takes one to two min grinder down the one side then pry bar nd mallet to bang it out take me less than ten min

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Everyone has a method. As long as the end result is the same in my opinion doesn't matter how we get there, as long as it's done safely..👍👍

[@murraymadness4674]

I might suggest you get a cutting metal blade instead of the abrasive ones. They last a lot longer and don't make the metal dust. I have a plasma cutter, that would do this very quickly, but a fire is not what I'd want..

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

A lot of people recommend plasma cutters and I am on the side of not wanting fires either... However a metal cutting blade that is non-abrasive is a good idea. 👍

[@MrC867]

4lbs 9oz. Copper 56lbs iron

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Sweeeeeet! Right on! 🤑👍🤙🤌💯

[@whatsmyname1288]

Usually just let those bad boys leak into the yard 🤙🏼

[@leechjim8023]

That truck is wayyy too low!😮

[@joshuamorris9050]

Dust mask?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Certainly wouldn't hurt.. My mom always said "safety first"..😁

[@williammiller6043]

A cutting torch is faster

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

There is always a faster way..😂😂

[@ScrappingwithGrandpa]

2 much work for 5 dollars worth of copper

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

To each their own🤷‍♂️... Once you get a system down it goes pretty quick... Trust me, if it wasn't worth my time I wouldn't do it...😎

[@al9929]

5 lbs of copper is closer to 20 bucks. Math is important.

[@Thomas-em9du]

10- 13 dollars

[@MEOW151]

I've seen a guy with a machete , more efficient, in accident

[@leechjim8023]

Too much capital, too much work!🤔🙃☹️

[@lesgibson3827]

Much faster ways to do this. Seem u don't value your time much .

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thanks for letting me know. I will search on KZbin for a faster way... 👍

[@jeffbeatty3137]

I BET U CAN HEAR GOOD WITH THEM LARGE EARS

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Huh? Say what? 👂

[@JohnJohn-r5d]

Dude word of advice you put a lot of extra just do the video

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Can't win them all...🤷‍♂️...

[@jamespasqualetto1928]

You talk too much

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Can't win them all.. 🤷‍♂️

[@Ronald-dc6me]

One word plasma cutter your wasting time

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

😂😂 I agree! I wanted to show what it took to do the job without one because not everyone has a plasma cutter .. 👍👍

[@donbaker6369]

That's 2 words. But agreed