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I know there have been 2 previous questions (From what used/junk equipment can I salvage solenoids from? and Taking apart old electronics) on this, but this one is a bit different.

Also, questions about salvaging parts are on topic.

I always have lots of old electronics to take apart and salvage expensive or hard-to find parts (motors, solenoids, vacuum fluorescent displays, etc.) from. However, I have not been impressed with the amount of these parts I find in certain devices.

For example, I recently took apart a laser printer. Here are the usable parts that I got from it:

  • 3 solenoids
  • 1 2-inch fan
  • 1 large brushless motor (questionable)
  • 7 beam interruption sensors

This seems to be much less than other people get from taking apart laser printers. This one contained 10 motors, 10 beam interruption sensors, 9 microswitches, 2 electric clutches, and more parts.

What are the best devices to take apart to find these parts (list below)? Where is the best place to obtain these devices?

  • DC motors
  • Solenoids
  • Stepper motors
  • Brushless motors
  • Vacuum fluorescent displays
Community
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  • Ugly thing with salvaging is that when you subsequently use the parts in a design, it will not be scalable. Many parts will be custom-made for the large laser printer manufacturer, and will not be freely and cheaply available in your location. – Vorac Nov 26 '15 at 17:36
  • Few more posts about low merits of salvaging components out of random junk these days: [this](http://electronics.stackexchange.com/a/27214/7036) and [this](http://electronics.stackexchange.com/a/87190/7036). (Applies well to US.) – Nick Alexeev Nov 26 '15 at 17:59
  • Old VCRs are good for the parts you want to strip . – Autistic Nov 26 '15 at 19:08
  • How is this different? – Passerby Nov 26 '15 at 20:24
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    Junk the junk and buy new parts. – Andy aka Nov 26 '15 at 23:12
  • Are you playing a RPG? looks like something you might need for a Rock-it-launcher from Fallout. More serious: Printers always do fine. – Weaverworm Nov 27 '15 at 15:15

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Back when I was in junior high some 55 years ago, I got hold of a pinball machine that had been seized in a raid and took it apart. Back then they were 100% electromechanical. Used the many relays, counters, solenoids, and micro switches to build all sorts of interesting stuff. One of today's arcade games, if you could get a hold of a non-functioning one, would probably also yield tons of interesting stuff. Or maybe you could still find one of the older ones too.-

tcrosley
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