Easy way to double your money on transformers and copper yokes

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

Except for all the new transformers. My yard just started checking all the bigger 2 step transformers. That's what they call the ones that have the coarse winding then a fine winding. They found out their alum. on the bigger winding. Paying as alum breakage, .15 a lb.

Yeah, the later made microwaves and also the 'twin cook' microwaves with a griller inside them have a Ali winding instead of Copper.
I always scratch the winding first to see what its made from. But I still get caught out....
Yesterday I knew the thicker wire winding was Ali, but didn't check the fine wire winding..
Both were Ali..
It sucks when after all that work, the value changes from $3 to 18 cents..

I can often tell by just the weight of the microwave now. Anything that's a 'woodgrain' finish is normally still all Copper.

Also, check to see if it is a 'Invertor microwave'. They only have 100gms Copper in their circuity.