Scrapping Microwave Transformers | Unbelievable Money & Fast!

[@thescrapmeister]

Let me know... do you strip out microwaves?

[@luketippey8664]

I just did one yesterday but it was aluminum transformer!!! Nice video just found you and subbed!!!

[@thescrapmeister]

@@luketippey8664 Check with your yard... you may do just as good selling them as is, and avoid having to process the aluminum/aluminum ones :-) Thanks for riding shotgun for me.

[@danielpersson7483]

@@luketippey8664 every microwave after a certain year is alu

[@luketippey8664]

@Daniel Persson I get motor wight for transformers at .22 cents a lb so it's still worth it, compared to shred at .085 lb

[@danielpersson7483]

@@luketippey8664 i hear ya, to bad in Sweden transformers go as electronic junk and arent accepted at our scrapyard

[@BatteriesRcool99]

The secondary windings are wrapped with more insulating material because those wires carry more than 10 times the voltage of the primary and the engineers didn't want that to arc to the transformers core.

[@thescrapmeister]

I see... Good to know! Thanks for stopping by the channel.

[@d.e.c1609]

That's correct! (Arcing purposes)

[@ScottDonnelly-gs4xm]

I thought it would be something to do with the power running through that one ,worked a few electrical goods factories

[@solarsynapse]

About twenty times. Can be very dangerous. :)

[@WilhelmFreidrich]

I am a professor of logic at the University of Science, and I can confirm that arcing is the reason for the additional insulation.

[@mattyal9347]

It will tell you on the serial and model number tag in the rear of the oven. Look for the copper symbol CU or aluminium AL or both

[@thescrapmeister]

Now that is good to know! Thanks for watching :-)

[@laidman2007]

Just FYI : . The magnetron, which generates the microwave energy, has a sintered ceramic insulator that is made from beryllium oxide . During use it is inert and harmless but if it is crushed and the dust is inhaled you can get berylliosis, an incurable disease of the lungs.

[@stephenfiore9960]

….Wow. Thank you

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes, you are correct when it comes to older one. That have sense stopped using beryllium. But one don't know which are witch. So don't crush any of them.

[@laidman2007]

@@thescrapmeister Thank you for this information. Because of beryllium I've been terrified of exploring the insides of microwaves for years, really! It's been frustrating because I always knew there was lots of good stuff inside of them! I want that copper wire to use on electronics projects. There's a wealth of it!

[@WilhelmFreidrich]

That's just an urban legend. There's no beryllium oxide in household microwaves.

[@cole1532]

Don't forget to release the energy or you'll get whapped

[@clayengle3436]

Wow, stumbled onto your video by accident. You solved (for me) a lifelong question. At 54 now and grew up in a housing project in Pennsylvania. Behind the place was a fairly large, wooded area that was once home to coal mines. During the first 10 years you couldn't walk anywhere without seeing lots of rusted E's of various sizes all over the place and nobody knew where they came from, or what their purpose was. So, seeing them as holding the copper together gave me an answer, I never thought I'd find.

[@thescrapmeister]

Cool, now you know :-) Thanks for watching.

[@bartholomewceremony6981]

How many things could you make from those working transformers? How many of them were good to use?

[@thescrapmeister]

@@bartholomewceremony6981 yes I guess if that is what one was into :-) yes, they were lost likely good. I sold two on eBay and both sales the buyer said not as described and it cost me money for the return shipping. So l just scrap them. If someone wants some, it is easy to find microwaves:-) thanks for watching.

[@bartholomewceremony6981]

@@thescrapmeister too bad the shipping was not deducted from the refund if they even returned the same one.

[@ScottyCrawford]

Your reply is worded far above average, but then you write, "rusted E's". I have no idea what you said.

[@claytonmatt4334]

The junkie that stole the copper from my Air Conditioner would love this channel.

[@thescrapmeister]

@@claytonmatt4334 lol, thanks for watching

[@paulnicholson8524]

I was fixing to say I hope no crack heads are watching.

[@blafishing7581]

That was yours ?

[@samwdavis]

This video just pisses me off. How much time was spent acquiring the microwaves. How much time was spent selling the copper? This is SO disingenuous.

[@E-BikingAdventures]

@samwdavis. If you are out scrapping and collecting everything else, and going to the scrap yard anyways you will end up with a bunch of microwaves. So why not take the copper out of the transformer?

[@SuperAgentman007]

Are used to work in the scrapping business most of the newer microwaves. Nowadays are not copper they are actually aluminum wire with copper coating. Only old microwaves and I’m talking from the early 2000s it’s just like a Lincoln 250 amp arc welder is not copper inside. It is aluminum wire inside which are crappy welders. You have to get the early model welders like that that have the copper wire in them. It’s very easy to tell the weight the true copper ones are really heavy. The aluminum ones are a lot lighter. Same thing with microwave ovens the older ones heavier because they’re copper, newer microwaves, are aluminum coated with copper

[@thescrapmeister]

yes I know this... it is really a shame we don't make things well now days. Thanks for stopping by the channel :-)

[@SuperAgentman007]

😁👍✌@@thescrapmeister

[@christopherbuckley7544]

Cardboard is an excellent heat insulator. It prevents heat transfer to the iron core which would melt all the windings by contributing to the heat generated by magnetic eddy currents within the soft iron core. These eddy currents are created by rapidly increasing and decreasing magnetic fields, which induce electrical fields within the iron as well.

[@thescrapmeister]

Good to know... Thanks for checking out my channel :-)

[@scrappingdmkstyle]

Just got back from the scrap yard. Nice little copper score you got. Gj.

[@thescrapmeister]

Nice 👍I was just out working in the shop and noticed tools are sweating ;-0 Not sure what I can do about that?

[@danielbarnett3549]

Just run a fan and they won't sweat​@@thescrapmeister

[@thescrapmeister]

@@danielbarnett3549 Thanks I'll have to try that. Thanks for watching.

[@Johnny-dp5mu]

Think. Add time to pick up micro; time to disassemble; time to travel to scarp yard; time to return; mileage cost of travel; space and power used to access the copper; misc. Other items, tools. Etc. Now recalculate your time v dollars? What is that approximate dollars pee hour? $20/hr.? Certainly a lot lot less than 369/hr. This a good learning how to bust apart a transformer and a way to recycle which is all good for all kinds of reasons. All the very best thanksgiving to you and your family. Stay healthy and prosperous

[@thescrapmeister]

yes, it was a hypothetical, thanks for watching.

[@brianbranch6422]

Thanks!

[@thescrapmeister]

I didn't even know I had the super thanks button on :-) Text be your address and I'll send you some scrap-meister swag. 920-573-1503 :-) Thanks for the tip and watching Brian!

[@ronniepirtlejr2606]

I have not seen a microwave Transform that was 100% copper since the early 1970s. It's all copper-clad nowadays! I have 5 or 6 different microwave Transformers I keep for electronic experiment purposes in the back room. I can only dream to find a 100% copper Transformer!👍

[@thescrapmeister]

We were upgrading micro waves at the hotel. The Avanti brand had them.

[@rolandleusden]

I have done hundreds over the last 20 years, and you are right 90% was aluminum copper-clad wire. the magnetron tube it self has more copper, but can contain beryllium also, so be careful.

[@curtispederson9390]

The ones we micro scrap have one of each.

[@joshuamorris9050]

Sometimes you get them in ranges more often

[@karlbe8414]

I would have liked to have seen the micowave units that still have Cu windings. I guarantee that your vise won't last very long..don't ask me how I know. Nice hammer for weld cracking.

[@thescrapmeister]

Thanks for stopping by the channel... I've found Avanti Brand, Double copper and Sanyo Brand, Copper/Alum. As for the vice... it has a life time guarantee :-)

[@steveherr450]

quite a few around me don't pickup microwaves because the yards charge for them unless you take them apart. so I get quite a few of them because I am 1 of the very few that actually tears their scrap apart for more money. I also get lot of fridges and air conditioners because they charge for those too if you take them in whole. I cut them up, I even take the copper out of the condensers on fridge and a.cs.

[@thescrapmeister]

If you have the time why not. Thanks for stopping by the channel

[@ScrapperSam]

Do you live in Canada or the northern US? I can't imagine a yard that wouldn't accept those materials.

[@steveherr450]

@@ScrapperSam wisconsin. Microwaves are a $10 charge whole but if you take them apart and remove the megatron(?) or whatever that part that has the brillion in then you can get paid. i take them apart to take the copper out anyways so no problem to me. but someone throwing out a bad micrwave won't do that. fridge,freezers a.c. dehunidifiers or anything else with refridgerant in is a $20 charge no matter on size. if you remove it than you can get paid but you also need to have the dnr license to remove the freon which most scrappers don't have around here. don't show up with the condensers cut out without having that license, they will not take them from you. so it is easy to find these items dumped on back roads all the time. i always take different routes justin case, you never know what you will find getting off the main drag.s

[@steveherr450]

Also you cannot just buy that license and think you are good. they will come out and make sure you are equipped to pull the freon out correctly. they were surprised i had 3 of those vacuum pumps here. when they heard i also work part time for a couple of heating and a.c. guys they knew i was aware on how to use the stuff correctly and signed off.

[@Mike-lp1vr]

Do you chase the copper line set from the condensor up the back of the fridge too ? 🤣

[@peterpiper5668]

They are wrapped like that to isolate them from arcing to each other and also prevent bleed, the wire itself also has a coating to isolate windings. You should buy a cheap 1 ton press and make a jig (like you used your vise) then you can press the metal junk off. Way faster.

[@markmatt9174]

Also dealer depending some buy electrical steel at a big bump from shredder prices. Not many keep it separate but some true mega places do.

[@thescrapmeister]

Thanks for stopping by the channel... Ya would be nice, but none of my yards pay extra for it.

[@thesuperjoe]

Hey man! I live right around the corner from you, I drive by your shop all the time! Black Camaro or Saturn lol So cool how you have all of that set up. I wish I would have watched this one week ago, I just threw out my old microwave I’ll be subscribing

[@bpark10001]

That winding is wrapped up because there is 8000 volts on it! Throw the coils in acetone for a few minutes. All that cardboard will peel easily off. If you soak the whole transformers in acetone before disassembly, they will come apart easier. Keep in mind the flammability of the acetone. Soak outside in a bucket for an hour, pull them out & then drain & disassemble. The acetone will get dirty but will still work.

[@thescrapmeister]

Good to know, Thanks for stopping by my channel :-)

[@relic_holic]

Acetone ain’t cheap. Maybe build a small cardboard crematorium and incinerate insulation off?

[@ericmentzer8846]

2000 volts

[@tannoy6155]

Still got to enclude the time taking them out of a microwave, and yes you are lucky if you find one transformer out of every 5 microwaves that is copper ( and if it is it will only be the top windings ) and most are aluminium windings

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes, getting harder and harder to find them. Think woodgrain :-) Thanks for stopping by the channel

[@nicejunk666]

New subscriber here my yard won’t take the paper do you think a wire wheel on the bench grinder would work?

[@thescrapmeister]

It should...Try it or look for a different yard

[@thatcanada]

It's #2 at best so they should accept at least some waste on it.

[@nicejunk666]

@@thatcanada my yard won’t they give you a #3 if the paper on it here

[@chilboswaggins5500]

@@nicejunk666 those savages

[@Joe_Goofball]

Can the shellac be removed using mineral spirits, lacquer thinner or carburetor cleaner?

[@thescrapmeister]

If it would, it is not worth the squeeze, as the margin between #1 & #2 is like .20¢ a pound. Thanks for watching.

[@thatcanada]

Thanks for the method of flipping it over (2 min mark) - always wasted time banging on the windings the opposite way.

[@thescrapmeister]

Makes is go so much faster... Thanks for stopping by the channel :-)

[@Kreacher1974]

I've never found a double copper transformer. I found one a few months ago that was made is the early 90's and it was half copper and half aluminum.

[@thescrapmeister]

I know it sucks... had a 50/50 one today. Keep your eye out for Avanti brand... Double the Pleasure :-)

[@marcdich]

Very interesting regardless of copper or aluminum it’s still worth money some cases I don’t even break my transformers down. I just take them out of the microwaves and I take them straight to the scrapyard where I’m at. They considered to quote a motor price so I still get two dollars a pound for it, but in my case it’s better to do it. That way to spend a whole day scrapping transformers. I might lose 100 bucks but whatever I’m still getting pretty good money for doing nothing but scrapping transformers some of the Maggotron. I also scrap I don’t deal with anything with wire, just not worth it and then the metal of the cabinet of the microwave itself is worth a little bit of money, not much and then streetlight the old cobra heads talking about money because of the old aluminum cobra street lights are worth money. I cleared out a Kmart one time that closed and I picked up over $5000 in a period of 24 hours scrapping out the cobra heads take all the transformers out take out the aluminum shields they don’t take the lightbulbs they don’t take the ceramic sockets at the bulbs fit in, but they will take the transformers, the aluminum shields and of course the overhead housing itself is aluminum when you gotta take out the glass and the cell is not worth it either so that’s another thing you should check into check out the old parking lots that are no longer can find out who owns it if there wasn’t let you take it down in case I got lucky so people bought out the store. They were changing out the lights and they gave me the cobra heads.

[@thescrapmeister]

I find you come out better with the aluminum ones by selling them without taking them apart. Thanks for stopping by the channel :-)

[@rodneyarmstrong3813]

It depends on what state you live in, in Texas my father-in-law would scrap 3 to 5 gallon buckets of copper packed down and only get $250 to $285 a week. Michigan would have paid more. A full size long bed truck stacked with 20 full size garbage bags of cans would be about $70 to $80 dollars.

[@thescrapmeister]

That makes sense, I'm in the upper Midwest. The price for #2 copper at the time was a little over $3.00 a pound. Thanks for watching.

[@MikeFromOccupiedUSA]

In Michigan there is a 10c deposit on each can. May be better off getting the money back. Go to stores that have machines that take the cans (one at a time), they give you a paper receipt which you take to a cashier to get the “refund”.

[@rodneyarmstrong3813]

@MikeFromOccupiedUSA Yes, and you won't find cans and bottles laying around all over the state either. Texas tries to force the citizens to recycle for them. Then all they have to do is load it on a truck and sell it to state's like Michigan. I call it the recycle scam. The state of Texas brings in millions and millions of dollars in recycle and say it's our part to help.

[@bradjunes1610]

Are there any magnets worth anything in a micro oven?

[@thescrapmeister]

I didn't think of selling the magnets :-) I have sold the magnets from hard drives on eBay! I'll have to check to see what they sell for on ebay.

[@lawrencejelsma8118]

​@@thescrapmeister... They are a little bigger Ferrite magnets (not Neodymium) from 2.5 Watt/8 ohm speaker magnets. The microwave magnets seem like they are stronger than the old 1960-70s speakers I finally removed due to weathered cone material ripping. The strength of the magnets seem to be there always in not letting two smash into each other plus not heat at any high temperatures I hear they'll lose their strength before needing to be reheated and remagnetized high voltage and high current for a short duration while cooling the ferrous iron. If they are worth at least $1 a magnet each (price paid for U shape magnets at science stores like $3.99) then they can be of value also. It is dependent on any school project magnet experimenter wanting bigger Ferrite somewhat strong magnets less powerful than Neodymium in computer hard drives or magnetic fishing magnets.

[@harrylarry8330]

Yes all kinds of tradesmen will give ya some change for the 2 donut magnets 🧲 Out of the Megatron Which in FACT never ever is the problem why the microwave oven Stopped working 9 out of 10 times its one of the 2 glass A.c.fuzes... Cost around $3.50 to 4.50 each I seldom recover a microwave that is truely broken .. Use a volt meter.. They are worth more working..👩‍🍳 Than they will ever be for scrap.. They have very few components an are almost always easy to get running again. .I sell em for $20 bucks After I fix 🪛 the problem Check the fuzes first

[@frankenstein3163]

Is it a bad idea to make a spot welder out of one of these for battery bank building for a beginner ? I'm a incredabuil DIY'r. I need to build a battery for my sur-ron e-dirt bike. And a few other not so critical bank's.

[@thescrapmeister]

@@frankenstein3163 well it is not something I would do... maybe look into buying a spot welder, sell scrap to pay for it :-)

[@kenmaiseljr9855]

That's great but where did you find 18 microwaves????

[@thescrapmeister]

You have to find hotel clients :-) keep it quite :-)

[@chilboswaggins5500]

It's like George Harrison said: 🎼 Oh it's gonna take time A whole lotta precious time🎶

[@victormorrow3000]

I can easily find 2 dozen microwave ovens in a months period, driving around Philadelphia areas on trash days. Any Metro area really if you know the trash day routes and get out early. Keep on Scrapping👍

[@Cosmlc1022]

@@victormorrow3000 Surely you'd have to factor that into the $ per hour equation, right? Imo this is pure clickbait.

[@victormorrow3000]

Could mean that or it could mean it only took an hour to process 9 transformers. I'm not a noob so I know what time it is.

[@52Mirza]

Why do you save the red part? Is it valuable?

[@thescrapmeister]

The red thing is insulated copper wire, so yes you can sell it too. Thanks for checking out my channel.

[@dwaynejava]

You need to do the "scratch test". Sometimes what looks like copper is aluminum

[@thescrapmeister]

Oh how I know that :-) Thanks for stopping by the channel.

[@joeykoehn6038]

What about a magnet test? Aluminum won't pull to a magnet, right?

[@AJ-be5jv]

@@joeykoehn6038copper and Aluminum are non magnetic

[@daviddenson3324]

where do you find these microwaves and electric motors and such to harvest the copper??

[@thescrapmeister]

I get most of my stuff from hotels... Make a simple flyer or business card. Start knocking on doors and talk to the maintenance men. Tell them you offer free pickup. Go to any businesses that generate scrap :-) Thanks for checking out my channel.

[@Dream.big.dreams]

2:45 The reasoning is HIGH VOLTAGE

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes, that makes good sense! Thanks for watching.

[@briancclevenger]

Nice work explaining this, thanks!!

[@thescrapmeister]

Not sure I would go that far... but I think people get the point of how easy it is to liberate the copper :-) Thanks for watching and riding shotgun for me!

[@brianlitecky9798]

Why not soak them in acetone for shellac?

[@thescrapmeister]

The difference between the price of #1 to #2 is not great enough to make it worth the effort :-) Thanks for watching Brian.

[@brianlitecky9798]

@@thescrapmeister yeah l did my research and figured the same.

[@JesseJones-r4w]

So which brand have them and which don't or do I have to learn the hard by getting them and searching ......???

[@thescrapmeister]

I have found that the Avanti brand has copper other than that it is hit and miss. Thanks for stopping by the channel.

[@kevinraines4318]

you are very lucky if you find a microwave that has been made in the last 5 years that has any copper in the transformers

[@thescrapmeister]

I think it is more about the brand than the time. But yes, the older the better for finding copper. Look for the woodgrain models :-) Thanks for watching.

[@hashglass]

I know right in the last 30 I found probably only one had copper

[@chilboswaggins5500]

Tin Man In Canada said he still finds new ones with copper but the video might be a year or two old. Perhaps his ratio is getting much worse as well.

[@3rdgenjunkies57]

I scratch the wire and mostly they are aluminum. I don't waste my time on the aluminum ones

[@davidbolton184]

Why are the aluminum ones a waste of time, what makes them not worth scraping and just about anything else that has aluminum wire?

[@hotrod9873]

Is that housing lead? Looking to make fishing sinkers with it if so

[@thescrapmeister]

No, it is steel :-) look for car tire wheel weights. Thanks for watching!

[@hotrod9873]

@thescrapmeister thank you 😊

[@robertdrake8193]

170 bucks will get you a propane crucible that doubles as a forge if turned on it's side from Ebay. Melt some of those down and scrape out the slag and see if you can get a better purity ingot out of it. Purchase a unscented box of Borax from target for flux to help adhere to the slag. You'll need to fashion a scraping tool for the slag. I used an old metal ladle spoon that I connected to a long piece of metal from a crappy jack that comes with most vehicles. Line a muffin pan with tin foil and there's your ingot molds to pour into. Aluminum foil keeps it from sticking to the pan.

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes, I have been thinking of getting a furnace. But so far I have warded off the idea. Someday I'm sure. My stator wrecker is on the front burner right now.

[@Zacpsen]

Or just a quick smash under there to clean off all the cardboard

[@mikebrown3881]

Great video I bet if you were to grab a razor knife and go around the outside of each bundle before trying to remove the paper it would save you a significant amount of time.

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes, that works best, thanks for watching.

[@CandyGramForMongo_]

I’m crying. That poor little transformer!

[@thescrapmeister]

LOL, Thanks for stopping by the channel

[@CandyGramForMongo_]

@@thescrapmeister I love the idea of scrapping copper. I melt copper and cast for fun! But I’m also an electronics hobbyist and hate to see a transformer destroyed. If nothing else, be extra kind to the laminated iron sheets holding everything together. Those can be rewound to a new transformer. Still, I loved seeing the innards. lol!

[@liquidsmokemustang1537]

The extra insulation is due to it being a step-up transformer. The higher voltage winding has more insulation.

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes I have found that out :-) Thanks for watching, good to see you tuning in!

[@bradkroboth5490]

I pull the transformer out of all of em, even if they're aluminum wound I still make em worth my time. My local yard has a loyalty program, I stash n em n take a lot in for 5cents more than normal irony aluminum

[@E-BikingAdventures]

They should give us more because the type of steal they use in motors and transformer lamenents is a more expensive high silicon steal.

[@wunderbar-q6y]

is the transformer housing made of steel or aluminum? r they worth scrapping??

[@thescrapmeister]

It is just steel pieces layered together. It could go as prepared steel which pays a little more that shred. Thanks for stopping by the channel :-)

[@wunderbar-q6y]

@@thescrapmeister thanks.

[@jesseburson]

I used to wind the larger transformers for use in marine chargers. 4 gauge square copper wire thick stuff. I bet i threw away hundreds in scrap a day. Against my will of course.

[@thescrapmeister]

I don't know if I'd have the patience to do that day in and day out. Thanks for watching.

[@jesseburson]

@@thescrapmeister yeah it was pretty monotonous lol

[@paulfrost8413]

Nice one m8

[@thescrapmeister]

Thanks! Stay warm :-)

[@thetinaexperience7000]

Cool. I have my scrapping thing going on. Nice to see other hard workers here.

[@thescrapmeister]

Thanks 👍 Stop back soon :-)

[@rustygraves4665]

When scrapping any type of a transformer if you want to remove the slack to get a little bit better price slightly Heat over the top of a fire pit for a couple seconds the coding will eventually start to fall off a little slamming it on the concrete every now and then during the heating process doesn't hurt either doesn't always work but works some of the time sometimes it even works on motor coils too

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes, my yard always pays #2 for it. the price per pound is only about .20¢ a pound difference. Thanks for watching!

[@tazaxx21]

$360/hr., that's for stripping out the copper, but your time and fuel to go around and collect all those items is an expense...

[@thescrapmeister]

Yep, it's definitely not all profit. It was a hypothetical based on being able to do one a minute :-) Thanks for watching.

[@AllStarDealerzCo.]

Its a side hustle with no boss no one telling you what to do , You can Do it in your garage and doesn't cost much to start other than a hammer , The Hustle is not included , Bro just showed you how to make something outta nothing and your gonna pick at the fact he didn't put in all the expenses 😂 , Great Video ! Good Info ! Free Idea To Make Some Gwala $$

[@OrganicGreens]

How do you take your first person videos? I've been trying for a while and my footage is always shaky or the wrong angle.

[@thescrapmeister]

@@OrganicGreens I use a gopro with the head mount. Pointing down at about 60 degrees:-) thanks for watching.

[@OrganicGreens]

@@thescrapmeister Thanks so much for the reply. This will really help me out for making my gardening videos. Hope you have a great week brother.

[@gaildeckant267]

Figuring them at 360$ an hour doesn't include time to get those buggers out of the mw

[@thescrapmeister]

You got that right :-) Thanks for stopping by the channel

[@eduardonieto2355]

That is cool my friend. 👍💪👍💪👍💪👍🇺🇸

[@thescrapmeister]

Hey, glad you enjoyed and thanks for stopping by my channel :-)

[@billbong156]

If im not wrong, most older power supplies in many things have these copper blocks

[@thescrapmeister]

Many things have transformers... Even in some large speakers. Thanks for watching.

[@p.s.o.d6985]

Cool 😎

[@thescrapmeister]

Thanks for stopping bye :-)

[@andrewbussell3224]

Where did you get the music from? In the background? I’ve never heard that on KZbin music.

[@thescrapmeister]

I had a lifetime membership to digital juice, they went out of business. I am still kicking... but there lifetime is over I guess.lol

[@scotthoward4836]

I just scored a really old National Geniuse microwave from the 70's/80's and it weighs a ton [41kg) to be exact. I plan on stripping it down this weekend. Hope its a double copper ive only had 4 double copper transformers out maybe 8 and they were old. You are lucky to get a 50/50 copper aluminium but even 2000 on are double aluminium. Some microwavs have the production or manufacture date on them. Best brands National Panasonic Sharp

[@thescrapmeister]

Keep your fingers crossed :-) Thanks for stopping by my channel and watching!

[@rossbrumby1957]

How old was the microwave they came from? I've scrapped over 50 microwaves and havent seen a transformer that wasn't ally wire yet. Newer ones dont even have a transformer. I now only scratch the transformer wires to see theyre ally, then throw it in the heavy steel. Rip the wires out and cut the cord. And ive scrapped all the top brand names and no copper yet.

[@thescrapmeister]

I get most all the microwaves from hotels... Avanti brand seams to always be double copper, Micro Fridge have 50/50 copper/Aluminum windings. Thanks for checking out my channel.

[@djdxxdass]

IF YOU TOOK THE TIME TO TEST THOSE TRANSFORMERS TO SEE IF THEY WORK, YOU COULD SELL THEM AND ANY THING FROM THE DOOR, HANDLES, THE MICROWAVE PLATE AND ITS CAROUSELS AS USED REPLACEMENT PARTS OF SOME MICROWAVES,

[@thescrapmeister]

@@djdxxdass yes, I know, if I have the room to store and inventory all the stuff. :-) it's not my thing, I sell beer and soda cans on ebay also. Thanks for watching.

[@charlesyates6687]

I've picked up 20 microwave novena this year every one had all8windings un the transformers. So just throw them in the hard iron pile .and take the wire out and throw the rest into the shred pile

[@thescrapmeister]

yes, some brands are that way... Thanks for stopping by the channel.

[@LuisDelValle-re9tz]

when calculating the return, you also have to calculate the amount of time it took you to obtain and transport costs

[@thescrapmeister]

yes, I agree :-) thanks for watching hope you'll check out my other videos too.

[@jackmclane1826]

Were these really copper or aluminium windings? The weight is a dead giveaway...

[@thescrapmeister]

They were copper or copper/aluminum:-)

[@jstephensoneyeOpen]

How long did it take to get the transformer out of each microwave?

[@thescrapmeister]

About 7 minutes per unit, thanks for watching.

[@DragonballZTime]

I have some transformers for lawn mower how do i get that out of it? same way?

[@thescrapmeister]

Just need to look at how it is constructed... Is it from an electric mower? if so I would think it would be a motor situation. Thanks for watching.

[@CrisYTchan]

"things that just make it number 2!" 😂😂😂 I wish I could help

[@thescrapmeister]

LOL, I don't think we are on the same page with #2 thanks for watching.

[@stevegrimes5005]

How long does it take you to take the transformer out of the microwave?

[@thescrapmeister]

I can remove all the copper from a microwave in 7 minutes. Thanks for checking out my channel.

[@jodyclark7527]

Where do you get all the microwave ovens? Just wondering.

[@thescrapmeister]

@@jodyclark7527 I get a lot of them from the hotels that I pick up scrap from. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelsadventures4261]

Nice showing.

[@thescrapmeister]

Thanks! Some people get it ;-) Thanks for watching.

[@shoot_again2753]

How much did you pay to get rid of the rest of the microwave? How much time did it take you to get the coils out of each microwave? Spare change but not even close to 360 an hour.

[@thescrapmeister]

Sold the entire unit minus the plate, takes about 7 minutes to get all the copper items out of the microwave.

[@E-BikingAdventures]

One of the coils(secondary) is much higher voltage, so it requires more insulation and isolation.

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes... Thanks for watching.

[@nottingtohide]

That's one way of dismantling them. Just brute force with a hammer eh, rather than mucking about with a hacksaw, angle grinder or hammer & steel chisel. I'll try it. Do microwaves in America plug into 240v like they do here in the UK, or they still only plug into 120v? Took a few apart with intention of making 240/50hz power inverter, saving the wiring for projects. Took some smaller high frequency ferrite transformers out of TV's, which are easier to take apart just putting them in the oven first. Learning how they work instead to get to 400 volts then use high powered Mosfets to attain 240v ac, tho' find it tricky to understand some of the maths involved.

[@thescrapmeister]

Thanks for watching... Most all are 120v here in the US. Be careful repurposing them, they can knock you on your ass or kill you :-)

[@MrRedberd]

does the coating over the copper wire matter? It's not bare copper.

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes, that is one of the things that makes it #2 copper, also the size of the wire. Thanks for watching.

[@MrRedberd]

@@thescrapmeister Thanks, I get transformers from work, once in a while, lot's of food grade stainless steel $$$.

[@erickmischke38]

Can you short the whole winding up with an electric charge, and soften that glue?

[@thescrapmeister]

There is one thing everyone needs to know about electricity... You must respect it, the first time you don't it will knock you on your ass, or kill you! So no I would not try that :-) Thanks for checking out my channel.

[@MrAdamNTProtester]

in the alternative you could gang a bunch up & make a diy welder

[@thescrapmeister]

@@MrAdamNTProtester lol, I would most likely electrocute myself. Thanks for watching.

[@ScrappingwithGrandpa]

Great video. I have a few to do

[@thescrapmeister]

Gotta Love double copper :-)

[@scotthoward4836]

Most microwaves have the DOM on the sticker. Sharp and Panasonic are good one for copper

[@thescrapmeister]

Really good to know! Thanks for watching :-)

[@SvenTSchixe]

What does that mean?

[@scotthoward4836]

Which bit?

[@SvenTSchixe]

@@scotthoward4836 The DOM sticker?

[@scotthoward4836]

Oh. DOM is Date Of Manufacture

[@TheBlackstag1]

What is wrong with using kgs or do they not exist in usa or do you guys like the bigger values in pounds to make everything sound heavier

[@thescrapmeister]

I'm not really sure :-) Thanks for watching.

[@johnfagan2156]

high voltage secondary winding needs lots more insulation. Primary 120 volts secondary 3,000 v.

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes, Thanks for watching :-)

[@LEONHARD_6-9]

You spending how much in gas looking for them?

[@thescrapmeister]

Not much I get most of them from hotels that are being required to update them. Thanks for watching.

[@victoryfirst2878]

What would you charge me for 1500 to 2000 watts copper windings transformers ??? I am experimenting with electricity and need a dozen Sir. Thanks

[@thescrapmeister]

I currently don't have any. I'd check ebay :-) Thanks for watching.

[@LooseCan88]

Most Scrap yards will take the Mircowave shell as light Iron, bouns $ added in.

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes, plus the fan motor and the motor that turns the plate :-) Have an Awesome Christmas & a scrapping good New Year!

[@LooseCan88]

ty u 2, great work!@@thescrapmeister

[@RickyWhitener-e7u]

How long did it take you to get 8 microwatts

[@thescrapmeister]

Not long... I get them from my hotel customers. Thanks for watching.

[@ryan072581]

one is the high voltage coil. requires more insulation. by high voltage, i mean 2000+ volts

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes... That is what others have told me :-) Thanks for watching!

[@tylerwalker1994tw]

The one i just did was copper plate aluminum ?

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes, they always have that plating on them... have to hit them with a file. Thanks for watching keep checking them. There are still copper ones out there.

[@MrGWN7]

The coated copper wire is graded at #2 coated wire unless you strip the coating off of it. It is only worth $1 a lbs. as coated wire. If you mix it in with your #2 clean copper some yards will down grade the whole batch to $1 a lbs. And if you tell them you will take it some where's else they will tell you not to ever come back. You tried to sell them lower grade material mixed in with higher grade, claiming it was all higher grade. They don't like that. :)

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes, I'm not sure how Derek @projectshopFL gets away with it down in Florida? Thanks for checking out my channel.

[@w124mercedes7]

A friend has a farm that was used as a dumping station for ole industrial motors some that are about as big as a vw bug. I would say there is probably 2 semi truck loads. He said I could have it if I remove it. I should start breaking them down this spring. I would think there is 10k lbs just in copper. Then 5x that in steel. Cast iron and aluminum. I also have 3 huge sail boat keels I need to cut into manageable size to recycle. Probably 20k lbs in lead. Only thing I can think of is buy a cheap chainsaw and cut them up. Allot of work.

[@thescrapmeister]

Now that sounds like a honey hole... get in there and start on it as soon as you can. Things can change in a minute! Thanks for checking out my channel.

[@dan827]

I'd be all over that

[@gerdberg4188]

That sounds like it’s worth doing . You will need a piece of equipment

[@JonDingle]

Do you include your time and transport for collecting microwaves in that $360 an hour?

[@thescrapmeister]

LOL, no... when I get them they mainly come from hotels that up grade. So not a lot of time picking them up :-) Thanks for watching.

[@fastpace386]

Get yourself some digital scales, more accurate and can weigh up to 2kg or more depending which ones you buy!! Great work.

[@thescrapmeister]

Thanks for the tip! I do have them :-)

[@jeffreyMagnum460]

How long does it take to remove transformer from microwave?

[@thescrapmeister]

@@jeffreyMagnum460 about 7 minutes to get that and 2 other motors... thanks for watching

[@ge3z3r94]

what brands should we look out for? also have you found any solution or trick to melt the crud off

[@thescrapmeister]

My yard didn't have a problem with the paper tape crud on them :-) Avanti brand double copper transformers, Sanyo Brand - Copper / Alum. Hope that helps a little.

[@ge3z3r94]

@@thescrapmeister was just wondering cause sometimes the wire is thick enough to be bare bright if there was no crud

[@thescrapmeister]

@@ge3z3r94 They will always be #2 do to the shellac on the wire :-(

[@ge3z3r94]

@@thescrapmeister makes sense it sucks though. but theres always other treasures

[@johnbagewll2321]

So how much money is 16LBS of # 2 copper windings? Asking for a friend.

[@thescrapmeister]

I'd say to explain to your friend that #2 copper is a commodity and the price fluctuates up and down. One can not gain all the knowledge contained in a book, by reading 1/3 of it :-)

[@johnbagewll2321]

@ Gee thanks buddy. My friend will be disappointed that he could not even get a guesstimate, but such is life. FYI, my friend can’t read. He’d appreciate a little help from the high and mighty’s of this world. 00.

[@drowningpooralice5505]

If they're newer at least half that is aluminum. Sometimes one side is copper.

[@thescrapmeister]

Yes, Must always check both... Thanks for stopping by the channel!

[@deanharbord3591]

Size of copper makes it #1 or #2 pencil lead size like house wire and up is #1 fine wires less size than house wire is #2

[@thescrapmeister]

The shellac on the wire in transformers will make it #2 even if it is a larger size wire.

[@dyeballer777]

What do you do with all those (empty??) cans??? I know you said you sell them on ebay? People buy empty cans on ebay?

[@thescrapmeister]

You bet they do! People collect them. in the 70's beer can collecting was bigger than coin and stamp collecting. I also sell a lot of them to Hollywood for props in movies and commercials. Check out the BCCA.com :-) Thanks for checking out my channel.

[@E-BikingAdventures]

Sometimes the primary coil(the thicker gage, less wrapped coil) will be aluminum while the secondary is copper. So don't discount the transformer if you only check the primary.

[@thescrapmeister]

@@E-BikingAdventures you got that right... I get a lot that are half and half. Thanks for watching.

[@anthonygrau2506]

Unfortunately you didn't add up how much time it takes to remove it from the Microwave

[@invertedlxxk5650]

im guessing the cardboard is for insulation

[@thescrapmeister]

yes, I think so too... Thanks for watching.

[@RoyVoth]

How do u make 360 an hour,and,where do u get all the microwaves?

[@thescrapmeister]

@@RoyVoth I have a lot of hotel clients, and it is a hypothetical, seeing how the copper can be liberated in less than a minute. Thanks for watching.

[@jimmyconner2444]

Thats $47.50 in copper in my state. Not bad for a little extra work

[@thescrapmeister]

It's harder to find them, than it is to get the copper out :-) Thanks for watching.

[@ruid2571]

That winding that is well protected can produce enough power that is used in an electric chair

[@thescrapmeister]

Good to know... Thanks for stopping by my channel :-)

[@juntjoonunya9216]

Well how much do you get for a pound?

[@thescrapmeister]

Back then about $3 a pound thanks for watching.

[@SilientShadow]

I once rewired a few microwaves to try to build a welder with it

[@thescrapmeister]

That is above my pay rate :-) Thanks for watching.

[@SilientShadow]

@@thescrapmeister It was probably one of the riskiest things I've ever done, lol