Yesterday I cut up 7 fridge compressors using one 4 1/2 dia x 1/8th cutting off disc in a grinder. (used the whole disc up)

Then I used a 4 1/2 dia ultra thin cutoff disc to cut the ends off the loops of the windings.

After pulling the windings out & cutting off the string, the whole job took 2 hours.

I have found when cutting off the windings end loops, but I don't recommend it..
That I can use a worn disc to its full potential by cutting around the outside of the loops, then removing the disc & taking off the guard (dangerous) & then cutting the rest of the end loops off by putting the disc in the inside of the motor & finishing off the cutting of the loops from inside.

Cutting those loops off is dangerous because the grinding disc will grab the individual wires & fire them out directly at you.
I'd take a eye out in a split second, I use ear muffs & fully enclosed safety glasses.
They end up stuck, arrow like, into my clothing.

I'd use a full face shield as well if I had one..
Actually thats my next dumpster jumping job, found a dumpster with over 20 brand new ones with ear muffs attached, great find.
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AC compressor, not easy, this jobs a vertical one, probably from a freezer unit, 3 phase.

I looked at its side & noticed 3 x 7/8 dia spot welds, holding something in I guess.
So I would some paper tape around with one edge on the centreline of the welds, then I use a marker to make a line around the casing, inline with the welds.
Then I cut around the marked out line & broke the compressor in 1/2.
The armature fell out, its not fixed in place.



Next, to get the motor windings out, it turns out they are not welded in place, they just sit there.
So I picked up the top part of the compressor casing & dropped it onto the concrete surface with a bash.
Did that a few times & the windings were touching the concrete, the whole windings unit had slipped down the casing.

Then I put a large dia shaft up the center of the compressor & kept dropping it onto the concrete till the windings unit dropped out.

Easy, loud & thumping, but easy as.

I'm going to use the casing as a ornamental cannon.