How To Take Apart A Microwave

Taking apart microwaves can be dangerous, on this instructable I will show you how to take apart a microwave safely and explain the parts and what you can do with them...

I found this microwave (pictured) lying around in the streets, I took it home with me and took it apart, meanwhile, I decided to make an instructable so you can get an idea of how to take apart a microwave and what its parts can be used for.

Step 1 What equipment you will need...

You will need tools to take apart a microwave, your bare hands won't work. :-)

• A set of screw drivers with different shapes and sizes.
• Wire cutters
• Pliers
• Alligator clip
• Hammer (you don't need this unless something needs to be banged apart)

You might need other types of tools depending on the type of microwave you are going to take apart.

Comments

[bemerick]

A special screwdriver is needed to remove the cover from a Kenmore or LG. It must resemble a #8 Starz driver. I cannot find anything that works. does anyone know where I can find one?

[junior engineer]

do you have to discharge the capacitor? if so can I just use insulated screw drivers?!?!

[bobbyrae]

It is true that you could be killed or injured from the high voltage, but it is also true that if the oven is working correctly at the time, the capacitor will discharge in about a second after the magnetron shuts off and so there is no worry in that case. I firmly believe that if that ground wire (which should normally be connected to one side of the capacitor) is present AND the unit is plugged into the wall, this will also drain the capacitor pretty quickly. So a lot of these warnings are just CYA from the lawyers. It should also be noted that while the voltage in the magnetron can 2.5kV to 4KV, the voltage from the charged capacitor has nothing to do with that. It will just discharge.

[junior engineer]

is this all microwaves or just some because I'm the type of person how likes staying alive!!

[solaralternatives]

If you REALLY want to be safe, use a HEAVY bladed screwdriver (preferably one from a yardsale - cheap, and you don't care if the super-powerful electrical arc pits the metal!) then measure the voltage on the cap with a multimeter set on highest setting. Better to blow up a cheap meter (such as those sold @ harbor freight) than.. to die.

[deaks]

i've also heard it said that when one is in a tight spot (as this one looks to be) use two junk screwdrivers crossed so they are touching (hold one in each hand). that way, you don't have to get in at a right angle to the cap to touch it or get really close like with the alligator clips.

also, using two, if you are startled and drop them, they will always fall OFF of the cap. using a single screwdriver, you will occasionally weld the screwdriver to the cap you are discharging.

just some thoughts.

[Vulnic]

I'm still very concerned about discharging the capacitor. Would it make it any safer to use one of those wrist chords used when building/fiddling around inside a computer to clip onto something metal and ground you?? I mean it's not as if you get another shot at this if it goes wrong.... like they say 'There's not many DUMB electricians left in the world ... they're all dead"

[joinaqd]

oooh!!i know what u can do with them!!connect a lotta high voltage capacitors together and make over a thousand volts, then connect the capacitors wires to the timer since its a switch and set the timer and blow up stuff from far away..example a light bulb.. Reply back if by idea is nice..

[Vulnic]

Lol... yeah it sounds nice.. but also sounds dangerous. I like you're thinking though.

[Plasmana]

*replies* I have don't that similar thing to a flash tube, and the flash was intense, I got blinded for a few minuets, lol.

[TechNerd1012]

sounds plausible

[Gamer917]

i think you're a Mythbusters fan

[TechNerd1012]

oh yes, definitely!

[Derin]

BUSTED

[jupeter5]

ummm... you can use the magnetron to build a micro wave gun. basically it can also be used as an EMP device so it does have a use.

[szulli-randall]

Do you think you can show me how? I want to make a Sonic Screwdriver with one of those inside it.

[riff raff]

I believe those are "browning" tubes, to make your food more "grilled-like."

[snateraar]

Mind you, some parts of the casing of the magnetron itself like the pink-ish ring around the outlet may contain berrylium oxide which is not quite healthy.
It's safe as long as you don't inhale it though.

[riff raff]

Yeah, as long as you don't scrap off the beryllium oxide and snort it, you should be okay.

[ne171pro]

Magnetron Hardly Any Use? I'm not trying be rude but your PDF here showed me how to take apart my microwave so I could get the magnetron. (not for its magnets) Anybody out here that can help wire up my magnetron. I'm really not stupid with electricity, I cant for the life of me get it to do what I'm seeing freaking 14 year olds do. I know its not broken components (have 3 taken apart microwaves.) Is it the ground wire you touch it with? Or is just some other wire not in the circuit. Man I'm so frustrated.

[hbell]

Jesus christ dont power up the magnetron! the electromagnetic radiation could easily kill you, as could the transformer. If you cant wire up the transformer, how would you build an enclosure for the microwaves? Im not trying to offend you, but it sounds far too dangerous.

[static]

A bit of additional info on the magnetron  This article gives detail on removing the magnets http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_micfaq6.html#MICFAQ_021  Magnetrons contain materials than can be a health hazard if they are reduced to a size where they can enter the lungs, I don't have clue to the actual risk factor, just visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetron#Health_hazards to decide for yourself.

[dog digger]

You could just look at the wiring in the microwave before you start clipping wires.
I highly recommended not to power the magnetron up!

[muttyfutty]

Chill!!!! Firstly why the hell do you want to power up the magnitron? these things are WACKO dangerous! can cause cancer, etc... Maby its best ytou leave that component alone... unless you are firing it up in a propaly shielded and controlled inviroment

[ne171pro]

 Did you know cellphones are microwaves?  

Did you know with phased array antenna, Tesla coil, microwave, oscilloscope and RF generator you can power all your house's with limitless wireless free energy, an so much more?  Even cure aids and cancer.

[muttyfutty]

Totaly Correct,
But there is a huge difference between hand/cell/mobile phones and magnetron (lol)

But, I'm not too certain on all the cure for AIDS thing...
:)

[master key]

You know I don't think a magnetron can cause cancer.

[tristantech]

Actually, exposure to high-power electromagnetic radiation can disrupt cell processes and DNA which may lead to cancer.

[muttyfutty]

Well, According to wikipedia: "Some but not all studies suggest that long-term exposure may have a carcinogenic effect"
As well as produce cataracts.
eek...
not very nice at all!
(do you know how I remove those hyperlinks?)

[static]

A bit of additional info on the magnetron  This article gives detail on removing the magnets http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_micfaq6.html#MICFAQ_021  Magnetrons contain materials than can be a health hazard if they are reduced to a size where they can enter the lungs, I don't have clue to the actual risk factor, just visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetron#Health_hazards to decide for yourself.

[tinstructable]

In the magnetron side view, you have it down as "Neodymium magnets", not ceramic like it says below it.

[bajablue]

I have a question... and you obviously KNOW what you're talking about, so here goes...

My microwave recently died. The turntable, inside light, timer bell and digital clock all work... EXCEPT nothing gets heated. I ran it with a ball of foil inside and nothing sparked.

I've already bought a new microwave and want to turn this one into something Instructably "special". It will be something that utilizes the turntable and the inside light when it's running. (lol... my ideas are keeping me awake at night!)

Is it safe to convert this microwave or should I remove some dohickey part to make sure?

Your advice would be much appreciated!!!

[Harlzter]

Ours had a similar problem, even though on the back it states no user servicable parts there is a fuse inside which had blown, a really simple fix search ebay for miocrowave fuse they are dirt cheap (about £1.50). Sadly it was just the start of problems and its just gone again altogether so I cam on here to see what I could salvage from it.

[xBrainstormerx]

What is a relay and how do you hook it up? Is it like a switch?

[Plasmana]

An relay is an high power electronic switch. Relays have many different configurations, I suggest looking at the relay's datasheet to hook it up properly.

[mengstrom]

most relays you can find for cheap are usually in tv's because of the high voltages. you can here the turn on when you hit the "on" button ( you would here a click noise). the actual connetion can handle a lot more than an actual switch of the same or smaller size.

[Warren.Sensei]

The longer wire (ie the center of the sparkler) creates a larger electric field, thus allowing for arcs to be sustained within a larger volume around it.

[Plasmana]

Somebody told me it is to do with the burnt sparkly stuff acting like an insulation therefor the burnt sparkler is acting almost like a capacitor, creating resonance with the microwave transformer thus producing longer arcs.

[mengstrom]

the smoke acts as a way for the arc to fly further, maybe thats why it long enough.
i actually use transformers only for amusement mini potato launchers, which i am thinking i should make instructions for it.

[flavors23]

the heaters are to heat the magnetron. not sure why but i know that it needs to be warmed up. the thermal fuses could be to shut them off when it gets warm