Where's the magnets?

[Mike(MI)]

Picked up a dead microwave and was told there are a couple strong magnets inside that work out well in your scoop to pick up iron trash. Problem is there's 4000 V inside the capacitor and I don't know if the magnets are worth getting fried Any easy way to get these out? Thanks for any and all help. Mike

 

[hobbes_lives]

From what I understand, they are inside the Magnetron unit, which has to be cut apart with a rotary tool to get to the magnets. I've never done it myself, though.

I use old hard drive magnets in my scoop.

 

[bdahunter]

n/t

 

[DanOsh]

Go to local Tractor Supply or other farm supply store. Get a couple cow magnets, use nylon tie to attach to scoop. Works great! Magnets from microware are way to big and will rust. Cow magnets are coated against the stomach acids.

 

[bcalton]

I use the Alnimax Stainless Steel Cow Magnets on my scoops<p> that can be purchased at some farm supply stores.<p>They work great for me.

Bill in Tenn
[attachment 72612 scoop.jpg]
[attachment 72616 scoops.jpg]

 

[hobbes_lives]

I totally thought you were making this up. I though, oh yeah, I'll go down to the feed store, ask for cow magnets, and the guy behind the counter will bust out laughing hysterically because its an old trick that is played on the city folk. I Googled "cow magnets" and now see that there is such a thing.

Good tip.

BTW, the hard drive magnet that I have zip tied in my scoop is still in great shape. It's been in there for several months now. Fortunately, I have an ample supply of them if it ever does start rusting too bad.

 

[Beachcomber]

If the MW Oven has been sitting around unplugged for awhile the capacitor will be discharged by now. Attempt at your own risk and be careful. To make sure short out the capacitor with a screwdriver. That will discharge it. (Make sure the Oven isn't plugged in!) The magnets are in the Magnetron and can usually be gotten out with a pair of pliers and a set of wire cutters. The Magnetron is the square thing with two wires going to it that has 4 screws usually phillips head holding it to the side of the Oven Cavity. Disconnect the two wires and remove the 4 screws and take the Magnetron out of the oven. In the section of the Magnetron where the cooling fins are located you will see two large round magnets. You have to disassemble the Magentron to get the magnets out. That it where the pliers and wire cutters come in Here is a picture of a Magnet from a Microwave Oven Magnetron. They are very powerful magnets so if you get them both out be careful not to get your fingers between the two magnets

HH

Beachcomber

 

[Mike(MI)]

Thanks everybody! I have a pretty good idea where they are now. Greatly appreciate the help. If it doesn't work out I can always get some "cow magnets" Mike