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I have a pile of ups transformers from apc backups. Unusually just saw off one end of the copper windings and kicked the rest out. Anyone have any faster or easier ways to cut through them. I uses a sawzall. But blades go fast I'm using blades that cost $2-3 each and they still wear out quick.
I would use a grinder.Quote:
Originally Posted by azgard
A good Sawzall blade should cut through copper for a VERY long time. Takes a feel for the material you are cutting. If you don't have the feel/patience a cut-off wheel on a 4" grinder might be your best bet. Just remember gloves and safety eyewear! Best of luck to you!
Someone mentioned using a bandsaw, how slick and easy it was. That Sawzall blade should be lasting a lot longer than that tho.
May be dragging it along the metal, dulling the blade from the sides rubbingQuote:
Originally Posted by Mechanic688
I normally use an angle grinder because I also wore out sawall blades far too quickly. If I had on of those portable(hold in your hand) band saws I would use that instead. Mike.
Grinder. Much quicker. Buy better blades. Mike, that's called a ports-band.....I think.
For transformers with a weld on the side:
Lay the transformer on its side. Take a small hatchet (I use a 10lb hammer/axe combo)
A big hammer alone will work. too
Give the weld a few good whacks with the hatchet
The weld will break and you can knock off the metal, giving you easy access to the windings
Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cPLEK8hfNM
It is really easy!
Not all Transformer have welds on them... so.. the hatchet is not always the key.... I would think band saw.. would be the best... grinder wheel... takes too long to cut a 7 inch transormer.
Ive been just doing the ones with the weld and breaking it with a hammer. The other ones without the weld I just recycle as is with out breaking down.Quote:
Originally Posted by pcscrapper
I had good luck with the hatchet and the grinder methods. My sawsall was worn out, so the blade had some wander to it and did a terrible job.
Sometimes I have trouble knocking out the "U" after I cut the end off.
Watch out for the @!%#% aluminum ones, and the ones with 1 al coil and one copper coil
For motors (and transformers that I can't break apart), I cut the windings (Not the steel core) using an angle grinder with a concrete cutting blade. It works great and doesn't wear out so quickly.
I use the hammer method to break the weld. To knock out the "U" I use a vice so the copper coils are resting on the jaws and pound the "U" down. The other thing I've found is that the copper tightens around the core when it gets cold, making it hard to pound out. I lay a bunch of them on the wood stove. When they've warmed up, they practically fall off the cores.Quote:
Originally Posted by MattInTheHat
I have been using a bandsaw to cut the edge off the copper windings, and using a punch to tap the copper through the hole. It is the simplest way to do it that I have found. A big transformer will take less then 5 mins if you have a good blade. Some times I use a wedge under the winding after cutting it to pull it through the hole
sorry send me a message
I see mention of concrete sawblades, would a miter saw with a concrete blade (or any other) be effective for this?
The only other suggestion I can think of is, a carpenters chisle and hammer.
OK, lotsa bashing and the odd miss where you smack your left first finger joint..
But, I was doing that at the start, with a 1 1/4 inch wide chisle and a bench vise.
Pro's.
You don't waste any Copper, there's no 'cut width' of Copper getting ground out.
The Copper comes off easy, the ends of the strands are not melted into the plastic insulation..
No electricity needed (yes you can do it on the side of the road!)
The ends of the wire are neat, not frayed with plastic stuck to it like with a grinder.
Less noise, well less than a grinder..
No consumables needed.
If you cut one side of the winding on both sides, you can pick the wire out without needing a punch, most times.
The Copper wire falls downwards if it falls off. Not sideways like with a grinder.
Cons
You keep bashing your left hand with the hammer when you miss.
Takes a little longer.
You get sweaty, and a oversized right bicep.
Bwaaaahahahaaaa!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by eesakiwi
I was just reading through some old posts & came across this.
Good one!