Introduction: Build a Small Electric Fan From a Scrap Microwave Oven
Hi There,
Did you know we can salvage lots of item from an Old Microwave Oven? Yes we Can!
First, there is that large transformer which we can convert to an electric welding machine.
Second, there is a small gear motor ( that turns the carousel) where we can use for a slow speed projects like a mirror ball motor..
Third, a microwave oven has this heavy duty blower fan, where we can use as an mini desk fan, this is where our instructables is featured..
best for those who are into renewable energy, this project does not consume lots of energy..
follow on....
Step 1: Materials and Tools Needed
Materials:
1. old microwave oven.
2. any small LCD monitor stand or the like! i am planning to build one out of wood for a more pleasing design.
3. AC line cord with plug. i salvage one from a dvd player.
4. AC line cord switch. i used an AC plug adapter with switch.
Tools Needed.
1. Screw driver set. (to dismantle the Oven)
2. Wire cutter and stripper
3. Soldering iron and soldering Lead.
Step 2:
Instructables!!!
Very simple! distructables the Microwave oven...remove the small cooling fan.
mount the fan on any suitable stand..solder a line cord to the two ac terminal, add
switch if preferred.
save other microwave parts for other projects!
1. the big transfomer
2. small gear motor
3. small bulb with receptacle
4. lots of microswitches.
5. touch panel or timer switch
6. Electronic board if available.
7. pyrex round plate.
8. lazy susan roller.
9. etc, etc.
Step 3: Another Oven for Parts!
Next Victim!
12 Comments
9 months ago
Nice, but not particularly useful. Mine has 3 terminals, and there is no wiring at all here, which is damn important. Write to them R, 24, 0
Question 4 years ago on Step 1
What about the polarity
Answer 4 years ago
Ac motors have no polarity
Answer 4 years ago
Well, with AC mains power, the load gets connected between two nodes. One is named Line (L). The other is named Neutral (N).
Usually, the load will work exactly the same (e.g. a light bulb will light, a fan will spin) when Line and Neutral are swapped. So in that sense, polarity does not matter.
However, in the context of electrical safety, there is often a preferred choice for which wire connects to Line or Neutral.
The philosophy is to arrange the circuit, so those parts connected to Line, or at a voltage close to Line voltage, are in a physical place that is more difficult for the user to touch accidentally.
As an easy example, for an Edison style light bulb socket, Line is connected to the center terminal. Neutral is connected to the screwy shell, outside terminal. The reason why is because the center terminal is smaller, and down in a hole, which makes it harder for the user to accidentally touch that terminal.
The same principle guides the placement of the switch. Usually, the switch interrupts the wire connected to Line.
The reason why, is because that way when the switch is off, no part of the load is at a potential the same as Line.
You can sort of prove this to yourself if you draw the circuit diagram for these different cases, with pencil and paper, or a chalkboard, or whatever.
7 years ago
the transformer, mine is bare, no insulation
7 years ago
I made it and it is really great. When I first pulled the fan out of the microwave before reading this, I was amazed that the 120-12volt transformer was build in to it, but I needed as stand idea and needed to learn how to insulate it. How do I insulated the t
8 years ago on Introduction
Hi profpat! It's a nice project.
I also removed the spareparts of an old microwave oven. I want to use the fan as an exhaust fan (smoking issues). Yet, I am not sure about the voltage. Do I need any additional transformator, resistance etc. before I connect it directly to the 220V house plug?
Cheers.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Hi There, if the microwave is 220 VAC, it is a good chance the fan inside is also 220 VAC.. but if the microwave is 110 VAC, you may need to use a stepdown transformer to use it on 220 VAC mains.
11 years ago on Introduction
i already made one last year using a helping arm and a testube holder. i replaced the motor with a 12 small motor just to avoid insulating wires etc because 12v is way to low to get a shock from this small project
12 years ago on Introduction
to photo in step 1:
MMM... SPAM! :))
12 years ago on Introduction
you can also use the geared motor of the rotating tray to turn a whole bbq chicken.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Great Idea! another reuse of the geared motor..