How to Get Cheap Motors

Bring a kid that can't have a job or just not having a lot of money is hard so I am always looking to save money. I like going to the arc or goodwill to save money.

Step 1: Shopping

Whenever I go to a second hand store I always look for things like 99 cent cassette player or the cheap VCR rewinders or even for a little more money dvd or cd players.

Step 2: Tearing It Apart

There are many useful things in all the items listed previously. The things I have found are: motors, gears, wires, circuit boards, LCDs, LEDs, and switches.

Step 3: Shopping Again

You can also find many rc cars although a lot of times they do not have their remotes. But they can still be very useful.

Step 4: Tearing It Apart Again

When you get into the car their are usually many useful things. Although on occasion somebody has already taken parts from it. The things I have found are: gearboxes, wheels, motors, circuit boards, wires, and gears.

Step 5: Be Creative

There are many other things you could salvage parts from. I've gotten fans, a walking toy dinosaur, and a walking dog.

Comments

[Phil B]

How do you determine the operating voltage of motors you find?

[ironsmiter]

First, look at the devices battery compartment.
multiply the number of batteries by 1.5 volt, and that is your starting point for testing.

If that doesn't work, first try reversing polarity on the wires.
then proceed to the next voltage.

If the device is designed to run on batteries, the voltages to try will be 1.5, 3, 6, 9(if there is a nine volt connector, like in alarm clocks) and 12. Unless it is a much larger motor, taken from a power hungry device(like a weed wacker) then the only motors above 12 volt will be AC powered. and they should have a nice clear label on them telling you voltage AND amperage, and even polarity.

If the device is AC only(like a VCR, etc) first check for labels right on the motor. If you can't find one, look inside the device for a stepdown transformer directly connected to the power cord. The transformer should be labeled for output voltage.

If all else fails, apply 1500V AC, and watch the sparks fly!
it may not be as useful, but it sure is fun :-)
No, really kids, do NOT apply mythbuster style voltages to salvaged items in your home. Even as trained professionals, Mythbusters have managed to shoot a cannonball through peoples homes.
Let someone with catastrophic liability insurance do the high voltage destruction for you, and watch it in the safety of your livingroom.

[Phil B]

Thank you.