Ultrasonic Cleaners

[Prathbun]

I am interested in buying an ultrasonic cleaning machine for my greasy bolts, carb, and other grimy things that I can fit in the basket. It looks like from what I've seen on You tube vids that almost anything can be cleaned.

What things have you cleaned by this method??

Does anyone have any input on a good brand or info that would lead me in the right direction??

Thanks for the input!!

[pmpski_1]

I checked one of these out a couple years ago and they were pretty expensive. Could make up for not having to deal with chemical based cleaners though.

[mclairmo]

I've only seen them used for jewelry cleaning.

[eagleuh1]

We use them in the Nuke business to decon tools and parts. They do a pretty good job.

[pmpski_1]

I know of at least one motorcycle shop that uses them for cleaning carbs.

[fastwillie 696969]

any thing that is rusty

[Prathbun]

ttt

[Prathbun]

Ok, here is some feedback about the ultrasonic cleaner I ordered from eBay for $70.

This thing works great!!! Mine has multiple time modes and a heater. You fill it with solution (whatever you want) then put the items in and hit start (or whatever button to make it run).

Here is what I've cleaned so far with some dish soap (2 Tlbs.) in about 1 qt. of water.

Rubber watch
Fancy watches (that are water proof)
Rings, gold and silver
silver necklaces,
Glasses,
Kitchen can opener
Grill (brass) wire brush

All this stuff looked like new afterwards!!

I've read that you can put items in a glass container or plastic bag with smaller amounts of other, more caustic cleaners. This setup then goes directly into the ultrasonic cleaner water and as the sound waves penetrate, the items will get cleaned without dirtying up the main water reservoir. Haven't tried it yet but sounds cool. Doing carb. parts this way would be awesome!!!

I would really like to figure out how to use this thing to clean rusty, greasy bolts next. Thinking about testing Simple Green and Orange Cleaner. I guess you can filter this stuff afterwards and use it again.

Any ideas or solution recipes??

[Tx Firefighter]

On the motorcycle forum I hang out at, a lot of guys use Pine Sol for the solution. The before and after pics are pretty amazing.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

We use them daily here at the shop. Great for cleaning just about anything. Be careful using flamable solvents in them (must be in a water bath) We had one not under a hood catch fire about a year ago.

Our typical use is to remove lapping compounds from small parts, all of our stuff is military / space grade hardware so we cant have any contaminations.

as far as solutions, we use alchohol, heptane and acetone.

[ETsC10]

Subscribed!!
I just knew there was a better way with out
using a battery charger or rock tumbler.

[dwcsr]

I've used Ultrasoincs for 20 years or so. They work very well on complex parts that are not easy to get into and clean. I always used Mr. Clean about 2 cap fulls per quart. Pinesol works the same. Just enough to change the color of the water. You don't want it to foam up so don't use soap.

The heated units work better but you can't or shouldn't use flamable cleaners in them. Don't hold parts in your fingers when cleaning. It will find every fracture and bit of arthritis in your joints. Don't let the parts rest on the bottom of the unit it dampens the vibration and wears the tank out. If you have a heated unit you do have to remember to turn the heat off as well as turn off the unit or the element will burn out.

You can use CLR in them to derust parts or a product called Piston Klean for removing heavy carbon build up on aluminum. Don't leave any cleaner in them long term other than Pinesol or Mr Clean and water.

Using alcohol or acetone is not a good idea because the untrasonic vaporizes the chemical and puts it in the air your breathing not to mention the posible boom factor. Branson is one of the better makers. I have one thats over 15 years old and still works nicely

[Prathbun]

Any other recipes???

ttt