How to scrap a microwave step by step

[@bobfriedel5845]

Before I got a tamper-proof bit set, I was using a 4.5" cutting wheel and putting a valley across the screw so I could utilize a regular screwdriver. A lot easier with the bit set.

[@hiramelders5746]

What set did you buy?

[@terex1966]

Your videos are educational....Kenny Chumskys' videos are a comedy....... keep up the good work ....god bless...

[@dillonoman1674]

I know this is 11 years ago but I would love to see more step by step videos

[@MiketheScrapper]

I will find a microwave.

[@d.kennedy7651]

You're a lucky guy. The scrap yards down here don't take all of the individual components as such. We just get the wire and aluminum out of them and scrap the rest for scrap metal.

[@MiketheScrapper]

ouch... where are you from?

[@d.kennedy7651]

I live in central Arkansas. My nephew and I are starting a (full time) salvage and hauling business in March. That has led us into the scrapping scene. Looks like and electronics, magnets, and "tech" type scrapping we do with the boards and such we'll have to sell on eBay or find a reputable buyer that we can ship to.

[@MiketheScrapper]

Good luck buddy. believe me. once you get the business going . the wholesale scrap buyers are going to find you. Join this group to become more familiar and get your name out there. ISRI (Institute of Scrap Metal Industries) this will help you a lot.

[@waynelevi5053]

Just getting into scrapping and I have a pile of microwaves. Electricity is my phobia though and ill always be scared when working with a capacitor. Trying to watch these scrap videos so I know the best way not to get shocked lol.

[@afkabit]

Hey Mike, I have scrapped a few microwaves now and was wondering if you had any tips on cleaning/breaking up those large copper coils. Getting them out of the transformer is easy enough but they seem to be covered in cardboard and possibly varnish that is very hard and goes everywhere when breaking them up.

[@MiketheScrapper]

@beerandgolf68.... i think the whole microwave scrap as i did in the video...May $3 dollars or more...Does't look like much, but when you have other scrap and put it together. You have a nice chunk of change.

[@clemblackman1003]

Thanks for sharing this video to so many of us about your expertise on scrapping a micro-wave. Especially on the point of the drill bit section that really was quite informative. thanks for the video and may God bless you your channel peace for now.

[@CyberRecycle]

that chunky piece you refer to as a 'motor' is in fact a transformer. its part of the high voltage circuit.

[@reedsayre1126]

also that "cancer causing agent" is beryllium, do not hit it with a hammer. Don't do anything to it.

[@1046fireman]

At 2:10, what is the bad stuff that you are talking about? Is it the gold colored ring or the pink/redish part? I have several buckets of these things to scrap and your video is a big help.

[@CanadianPenguin_]

i have 2 good questions 1: how dirty are the microwaves you take apart? because the 2 i have taken apart almost made me throw up they were so dirty! 2: do you ever play with the transformer before you scrap it?

[@tubejim101]

Thanks Mike. Great video. What can we do with the glass turn plates?

[@mccunecp]

O also not all micro wave transform have copper wire in them like I said before I have been keeping the primay for a wind project and have found out of 6 microwaves that they was aluminum crzy right

[@jessandrykew8142]

Do you sell the boards to the metal yard? The center piece that you mentioned cancer causing, is it able to be scrapped as well for value?

[@MiketheScrapper]

Yes. just be careful.

[@MrMDRepoMan]

Just subscribed! Recently gotten into scrapping and love good videos to learn from! I have a microwave in the garage I've been wanting to break down, I do believe I will be on my way down there now!

[@MiketheScrapper]

LOL...Have fun

[@DEPARTUERS19]

awesome how much would you say i can get? on scraping a micro wave

[@Th3Myst1cPug]

I just wanted to ask how much you can sell any magnets for that I find when scrapping? And where can you sell them? Because iI have been collecting them for my own use as they are handy to have. thanx Jordan

[@starblazer64]

Just curious..All The Scrap, motors, copper, etc; you pulled from this microwave would sell for how much? Thnx in advance,.

[@kimaferguson1194]

Mike what's can you scrap a so I can see what's in a flat screen tv and what kind of board is it

[@Lightningisthename]

at 3.00 there is that piece if you pry off the sheets and cut the steel off the top and bottom of that round thing it is solid #1 copper

[@dag247932]

so what exactly does the pink stuff do?

[@samgriffiths9931]

some safety thoughts, you can discharge the capisitator with jump cable attached to the - and the +, it will crack if its charged keep reattaching until it stops. The magnetron he took apart at the start thats the bit that makes microwaves its not dangerous unless you try to turn it on, thats a bad idea and avoid the chemical part. its best to wear heavy duty work gloves and goggles when taking anything apart i am always cutting my hands and nearly poking my eye out. use a multi meter or a screwdriver with a bulb in it that lights when when it touches a charge, they are great when working with materials that may hold charge.

[@gatlinjones2]

Ok I am kinda of lost on the part with the cancer cousing part after you take the copper from it what else can you get from it?

[@DirtynachoGaming]

so, just making sure but if i pick up a microwave while scrapping and i leave it in my garage unplugged for a week, it will be safe to be disassembled right?

[@frankie87ful]

where do u sell the boards at

[@mccunecp]

if you thrwo the rest of the clextron a way or magtron a way the part the magnets are on is also copper it dose have two ends that are steal but you can pill the copper back and its all copper.

[@arodyanksfan]

Mike, what do you do with all of the screws? Do you just put them in the bucket and sell them later on? Or sell them on say ebay?

[@DesertfoxSPQR]

Hi Mike! Really nice vid about scrapping microwave, but one thing u can do faster! The "motor" have side welds. Only u need is hammer, if u hit the weld, it brokes really easily. When u done, u will have two steel pieces as letter E and I. In E part u have inside copper and aluminium, or two copper parts.

[@raymccarty4612]

Or two aluminum pieces.

[@MiketheScrapper]

@nruddle5 ...Thank you , its hard to do a video with out a script. I just start and keep going....Peace

[@EPhantom125]

What did you end up doing with the large capacitor?

[@tutu148368]

Hey mike! Where did you buy ur scale at?

[@maxmiser286]

Mike you said that there was a cancer causing agent in there. If that's so is it worth tampering with that at all?

[@MiketheScrapper]

max miser No I would leave that area alone...

[@louiseyoyoma9582]

Hi Mike, Thanks so much for all your videos, I'm a newby not even 2mths and won't do anything now without watching your video on it first, I like your safety 1st way of doing things! Now my question is, you had the capacitor in your hand at one point and said that's recyclable, like leave it in the microwave and sell it as such or sell as part of something else? thanks I'm new here too, so hope I'm doing this correctly

[@dylanc3464]

Is the pink stuff bad to touch or breathe in?

[@mccunecp]

I like finding transformers from micro wave transformers I take them a part and I have been collcting as many primay coils as I can for a future wind turbine project. great video.

[@seamusmcelroy8352]

good veido mike is the copper grade one or two

[@streetthrifter]

Appreciate it's 9 years ago, you didn't have a clue what you were doing or what the internal components were 😕 Hope you've improved!!

[@mgilbert1987]

Awesome Video Mike, what do you think that the total value of all the metal was that you took out of the microwave?

[@thunderfoot240]

About the cancer causing agent, are we just trying to avoid breaking it open? Or is simply coming in contact with it dangerous? Because i want those magnets and the aluminium. Thanks for the video!

[@MiketheScrapper]

If you perfer leave that part alone and scrap as is. As for the rest CHA CHING....Thank you for the comment Peace.

[@freeganjustin8214]

I'm in the UK. A local electrical shop used to buy magnetrons from me for £3 ea (about $5) and capacitors for £1. They don't want them now, but they still go for similar money on eBay if they come from a working microwave. That could double your takings on each unit.....

[@ExtremeCabinetGuy]

Hi Mike, Interesting video. Forgive me if I missed it, but how much does it generally total up to when you cash in?

[@MiketheScrapper]

ExtremeCabinetGuy I was still new at filming when I did this one. I will make a new one with a price list.

[@davekauffman8727]

I would use an angle-grinder on the welds holding the transformer iron together, the copper windings come off easily.

[@evanmurry6173]

How do you dispose of the pink stuff?

[@MiketheScrapper]

Evan Murry I sell everything to scrap yards...

[@richard2mitchell]

my scrap yards will not take microwaves have a idea why?...they dont tell me why (i guess the radioactive part they dont want)...what part is that? (ps if you say in the video ignore this comment i havent watched it yet)

[@Saxutin]

Its that pink part

[@Cody-ye3ye]

Garbage can

[@johnsheppard1476]

richard mitchell that is not radioactive stuff-it's just poisonous like hell if broken-it's beryllium oxide which is totally safe until it shatters-but if you fuck up and it does shatter-just avoid contact with the powder at any cost(if you don't want to have a 3-4 days of excruciating pain before unavoidable death)! But there is another way to use the magnetron instead of just breaking,stripping or anything:you gonna get several cents per one scrapped magnetron-so instead just make something out of it!There are a lot of uses for that magnificent device:the microwave gun(really atomizes electronic devices immediately if you make it properly and with better several magnetrons instead of just one)-or you can assemble the furnace with it's help:it will not have any limits of temperature and be only limited with the temperature of melting crucible itself!So just don't waste good stuff,bro 😎😉

[@latesunday]

Thanks Mike! Always good info and videos.

[@TheStarforce2]

tamper proof screw-if you have an angle grinder with a cutting wheel a quick zap and you have a regular screw, I use this method on philips that are too badly chewed.

[@MiketheScrapper]

I am sorry to hear of your health problems...But I am glad to hear that you do see trash as dollar bills...It is incredible how many people discard so many items that we turn into cash...Thanks for subbing...

[@kimaferguson1194]

Mike I'm scraper I've have all kinds off copper and I like to take things apart and taking all the copper and high grade boards and u live in Moreno vally

[@MiketheScrapper]

Kima Ferguson I live in New Jersey

[@kimaferguson1194]

Cool I'm a 13 year old

[@Aspen32roblox]

Kima Ferguson mike says lots of things about saying your age here....

[@MiketheScrapper]

This was a requested video...Had to be done...Hope you enjoyed the video

[@MiketheScrapper]

@Mr13kwal ...I am glad you are watching all my video's...Please share with your friends...Peace

[@Dancemomfamily-edits]

milke I am a new scrapper and I refer to your videos like a bible. I have a question. the microwaves with the fake wood paneling on the outside is that steel underneath it?

[@Its_just_the_process]

wait dont these hold a charge?

[@mythical73]

is the shell made out of aluminum?

[@MiketheScrapper]

Yes that is aluminum.

[@isibyl]

didn't look for the answer you already posted, but how much is that chunk of steel worth? I actually found a microwave at my dumpster once. Or more specifically, I found what I thought was a chrome muffler walking once. I don't know. Out of curiosity, I would be interested in a price.

[@rthinde]

Where do I sell the scrap from a microwave, the copper and metal?

[@dannymeinecke6223]

mike I am only 14 I cant get a jon til im fifteen anything you suggest besides scrapping I already do that

[@MiketheScrapper]

Danny Meinecke mmm. not sure. it is difficult to find work at a young age. also because you put your age here, you may get unwanted emails from unworthy people. Please be careful.

[@richardulmer9234]

there is more money in craping cars maybe something u.and your dad can do

[@rafaelcuevas1235]

Hi i started scraping my microwave today and i let it siy for 2 days is it safe to scrap of not

[@MiketheScrapper]

Yep... you will be ok

[@MiketheScrapper]

I do have a video coming up on a car speaker boom box with an amp...As far as speaker magnets...Check your scrap yard. Some may pay for them if not just throw in with your steel.

[@whatintarnation4983]

Hey Mike, just scrapped my first microwave using your video. Thanks dude, it was; as always; very helpful. Question: The cancer causing agent...you didn't use gloves to take apart that piece, weren't you afraid you could get cancer?

[@MiketheScrapper]

I worked around it. I think? I use tape to put around them now...Thank you for the comment.

[@lanehardee62]

The pink ring around the magnets inside the magnetron(which won’t hold any kind of charge btw so it won’t shock you it’s the capacitor that you have to disconnect and discharge if you don’t want to get shocked) will not cause any cancer problems unless you end up busting it up and having it go airborne in which case it may be inhaled and if that happens you will almost for sure get some sort of respiratory cancer

[@MyksCoinDigs]

I heard theres a little gold in a mic as well?

[@sharit7970]

Amateur tip: if you don't have a tamper proof bit set, I found that a pry bar and a hammer will also work ; )

[@folopawiggle4486]

He makes this look easy

[@PolishManiacs]

How do you safely get rid of the pink piece?

[@MiketheScrapper]

I would put tape around it and scrap as is...

[@1046fireman]

Yes. I usually test them or just say that if it doesn't work I will refund you in full. I just write down the info on the motor and sell them with free shipping. I think $10 or so each has been my average.

[@EPhantom125]

no no. The high voltage capacitor (surprised you didn't discharge that first). at... 1:30, right after you move the microwave, it looks like it is right above the annotation button. Most electrolytic caps that I have opened have an aluminum case, a large strip of aluminum foil, a large strip of oxidized aluminum foil, some kind of paper, and an electrolytic solution (can be corrosive so please don't open them unless you have gloves) Just wondering what you do with those, scrap or ebay?

[@fifh89]

4:50 is the capacitor I think. If there's a stored charge it'll be there. You can safely discharge it with a good big screwdriver.

[@MiketheScrapper]

Yes that is true...Some of them come with a little ...Can't remember the name, but it is connected to the capacitor...That will discharge it... But yes wait a week.

[@MiketheScrapper]

I understand...Some people like the adventure and the adrenaline, when seperating scrap from one piece of electronic or appliance..

[@JAMESMANHUNT9]

rotary tool with sanding head would also work on the screw

[@jeffgreen4193]

How long will it take you to unload a microwave

[@MiketheScrapper]

Seconds

[@Deock76]

Your the first I have seen actually taking one apart. Great request, and thank you for doing it. I might be developing a man crush (no homo).

[@10madmoney10]

I actually just took this apart this exact microwave the other day!

[@MiketheScrapper]

@woodlandcammo27...In that transformer it is aluminum....That you for your post...Peace

[@beerandgolf68]

I've never scrapped anything before. How many dollars can you get from a microwave like that, if it's scrapped the way you describe?

[@flagergamer]

i just use vice grips on the head of the screw works good too

[@andrerobinson8947]

i think i watched all your videos at least 10 times a piece and i've been on my little ventures of scrapping, and i need and want to learn more. These videos are really inspiring and i appreciate the free information, but please tell me how i can purchase the dvds. thanks PEACE

[@jackshmuc]

I use a hatchet on microwaves. I used axe's on TV's. LOL and I cant wait to see your version of stripping a transformer I just filmed mine it should be up this week.

[@jasonwitt3423]

Dude you just told people to take apart a magnetron. That is beyond dangerous and irresponsible for you to do. Nobody should take apart the Megatron especially for a magnet, two copper wires, on a small amount of aluminum.

[@MiketheScrapper]

@mccunecp....That is an awesome project. I would love to see a video on that. Peace

[@MiketheScrapper]

I am doing research on that ...there are companies that do buy them

[@emmanuelarellano8130]

Mike how fast can you take apart a microwave? "as quickly as possible" lol good video I just couldn't stop laughing. You kept saying as quickly as possible lol

[@MiketheScrapper]

Awesome...Glad I can help

[@MiketheScrapper]

Talk to scrap yards and also look up ebay...Here are a few types: Alnico, Neodymium from hard drives and the magnets you find in speakers and microwaves...

[@MiketheScrapper]

It can be scrapped with it on...

[@MiketheScrapper]

lol... Thanks for the tip...This has been in my basement for a month

[@froggyprince84]

I need to know to to take the copper outta the transformer

[@jackshmuc]

thanks for the shout out -JackTheScrapper

[@stephenp4553]

Isn't that not safe to be handling the pink stuff like that?

[@MiketheScrapper]

stephen p NOPE.

[@MiketheScrapper]

Ebay is an excellent place for them...Lots of hobbyist use them

[@MiketheScrapper]

@BEGBUCKS...LOL you learned alot by watching Kenny Chumsky & Jack the scrapper.

[@dylanc3464]

Now when you say cancer causing agent, do you mean it's dangerous to touch?

[@MiketheScrapper]

@INSANEBETHOVEN.....yeah i thought he might like that...

[@MiketheScrapper]

I do have that on my list....I would need to work someone who has all the tools and a place to keep all the parts...

[@KennyChumsky]

LOL - Kenny says thanks for the shout out! Bigger Hammer always works... =)

[@MiketheScrapper]

Nice... I have to do this...

[@ThWiedermann]

Watched it as quick as possible

[@MiketheScrapper]

I am not sure...It has something to do with the magnetron...

[@alenh2816]

Why does the pink coloured tube cause cancer?

[@DEPARTUERS19]

im scrapping from here on out i see about 5 or more ad day in the street thanks

[@hiramelders5746]

I spoke with my scrap yard buyer, they requested I remove a piece, I forgot what they called it, before I could sell it whole what are they talking about?

[@MiketheScrapper]

Maybe the Magnetron. That would be my answer.

[@hiramelders5746]

@@MiketheScrapper OK, thanks. Btw, I’ve got access to a lot of fridges, flatscreen LCDcs smart tvs, microwave, etc. any advice? Thank you in advance.

[@MiketheScrapper]

@@hiramelders5746 find a place to recycle what you don't want. Make room for everything and if you open the Magnetron of the microwave stay away from the pink stuff. Good luck .