My 5 year old wants to take apart an old microwave.

[wildeyed]

Is this safe? I can put safety goggles on him, but other than that, is there anything chemical or otherwise in there that might endanger him?

It is such a weird question, I couldn't think where else to ask it :shrug:

[hobbit709]

1. Not a good move

The magnetron tube could break on him.

[wildeyed]

2. Maybe he should stick to Snap Circuits then.

I googled 'magnetron tube'. Looks fascinating. Now *I* want to take the thing apart. But I can see that it might not be an appropriate toy for a five year old.

[Crabby Appleton]

3. Absolutely not - they have a high voltage capacitor

in them that can deliver a 2,500 VAC shock unless discharged properly.

[wildeyed]

4. Ouch!

I figured it was a bad idea, but I wanted to check and be sure.

He has actually managed to shock himself before taking apart various toys that were battery powered, so he will understand why I say no. I wish I knew a repair person well enough to ask them to open it up for him so he could take a look.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

5. Noooooo

it would be a little less safe to give the kid one of Ted Kazenski's bombs to open.

Read this:
http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/magnetron.html

[wildeyed]

6. Wow, look at that thing.

And it has magnets, his favorite! But don't worry, I won't let him play with it. Even if it is super cool.

It's crazy, but before now, I had no idea how a microwave works. I just mindlessly put the food in cold and take it out hot. Kids are cool, they make you think about basic things again.