How to Scrap a Blender
Do you have an old blender that doesn't work anymore? Are you thinking you should throw it in the garbage?
If your answer is yes to both the questions above, then think about this for a minute.
If your a hobbyist like me, then surely there must be some parts on the blender that is still of some use. Perhaps you could make something with the switch provided that it still works or make an electromagnet with the copper wires hidden inside. Maybe you could even make the blender into an art piece. The possibilities are endless.
What will you do?
In this instructable, I will be showing you how you can scrap a blender and extract useful items from it that would have been discarded otherwise. I will be showing just one model in this instructable, so if your want to see the rest, you can click here to visit my website for the full article.
If your answer is yes to both the questions above, then think about this for a minute.
If your a hobbyist like me, then surely there must be some parts on the blender that is still of some use. Perhaps you could make something with the switch provided that it still works or make an electromagnet with the copper wires hidden inside. Maybe you could even make the blender into an art piece. The possibilities are endless.
What will you do?
In this instructable, I will be showing you how you can scrap a blender and extract useful items from it that would have been discarded otherwise. I will be showing just one model in this instructable, so if your want to see the rest, you can click here to visit my website for the full article.
Tools
For this instructable, these were the tools I used:
- a flat nose pliers
- a cutting pliers
- a Phillips screwdriver
- a flat nose screwdriver
Getting Started
The blender I used is the Hamilton Beach 7 SPEED BLENDMASTER.
This particular blender has a seized motor shaft and a broken bowl.
Of course, make sure the appliance is not plugged in.
This particular blender has a seized motor shaft and a broken bowl.
Of course, make sure the appliance is not plugged in.
Open the Case
The two halves of the housing is fastened together by two screws on the bottom of the blender and a tab located near the power cord.
I used the Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws.
I used the Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws.
Remove the Internals
Use the cutting pliers to cut the power cord from the motor and switch. This model has two screws holding the motor in place.
Remove them.
The switch just comes out without any fasteners holding it in place.
Remove them.
The switch just comes out without any fasteners holding it in place.
Remove the Motor
As for the drive socket (the black mushroom shaped plastic on the right), I found it a bit difficult to remove due to the corrosion, so I got a little creative.
First I tired prying it off with a flat head screwdriver then with the flat nose pliers, but it proved to be a bit stubborn so I broke out the motor instead.
First I tired prying it off with a flat head screwdriver then with the flat nose pliers, but it proved to be a bit stubborn so I broke out the motor instead.
Extracting the Copper Wires
Now cut away the wires from the switch to the motor at the motor end. This prevents the wires from being ruined. The motor plastic housing has four screws holding it together.
Remove them.
Inside you will find the fan, rotor and the stator. Also, the brushes will be visible in both the plastic haves.
Remove the brushes. These may be reused in a similar motor with worn brushes. Remove the rotor and the stator.
The rotor is wrapped with hundreds of feet of fine gauge insulated copper wire. It's a bit difficult to remove in perfect condition and is probably not worth it. What is worth the time and effort though is the much thicker copper wires on the stators.
It is much more manageable and is more useful, such as using it to build a custom transformer of even an electromagnet.
Begin by cutting the wires from the terminal block. Next, unwind the wire loops one at a time unto a reel or pencil. I used an empty tread reel.
Remove them.
Inside you will find the fan, rotor and the stator. Also, the brushes will be visible in both the plastic haves.
Remove the brushes. These may be reused in a similar motor with worn brushes. Remove the rotor and the stator.
The rotor is wrapped with hundreds of feet of fine gauge insulated copper wire. It's a bit difficult to remove in perfect condition and is probably not worth it. What is worth the time and effort though is the much thicker copper wires on the stators.
It is much more manageable and is more useful, such as using it to build a custom transformer of even an electromagnet.
Begin by cutting the wires from the terminal block. Next, unwind the wire loops one at a time unto a reel or pencil. I used an empty tread reel.
Parts Inventory
It's up to your imagination what to do with the rotor.
The salvaged items includes the multi button push switch, a power cord, a couple of screws, a pair of carbon brushes, a metal fan, two bearings, and last but not least, the insulated copper wires.
The discarded items including the blender housing and the corroded metal parts.
The salvaged items includes the multi button push switch, a power cord, a couple of screws, a pair of carbon brushes, a metal fan, two bearings, and last but not least, the insulated copper wires.
The discarded items including the blender housing and the corroded metal parts.
Now for Creativity
Now to figure out what to do with these. You can join my page on Facebook for discussions and ideas. Please like, share and comment.
Click here to see more cool projects on my website.
If you have any questions, please leave them below.
You can also take a look at my other projects below:
The Case/Safe PSU Combo
EFPU
Stand Alone CD Player
CDROM Power Adapter
Portable Bug Zapper
How to dismantle a CRT monitor
Click here to see more cool projects on my website.
If you have any questions, please leave them below.
You can also take a look at my other projects below:
The Case/Safe PSU Combo
EFPU
Stand Alone CD Player
CDROM Power Adapter
Portable Bug Zapper
How to dismantle a CRT monitor