Sonic cleaner

[zzzippper]

I've been wanting a sonic cleaner for some time, with my eye on the Hornady. But today a buddy gave me one he had from an NDT lab where he used to work. The question is, what to fill it with? His only idea was water or water mixed with dish washing detergent. What is the answer? Thanks in advance.

[BPTactical]

Simple Green and water.
A word of caution, do be aware that closely fitted assemblies can suffer damage if left in a sonic cleaner for too long. The best way to deal with this is to suspend each part individually to ensure no parts are contacting each other.

[Great-Kazoo]

Simple Green and water.
A word of caution, do be aware that closely fitted assemblies can suffer damage if left in a sonic cleaner for too long. The best way to deal with this is to suspend each part individually to ensure no parts are contacting each other.

Make sure you're not putting Aluminum parts in the SG. I've had good results with Tide liquid and warm water.

[BPTactical]

Make sure you're not putting Aluminum parts in the SG. I've had good results with Tide liquid and warm water.

Did not know that about the AL and SG Jim.
Thank you.

See, old folks while slow and dangerous behind the wheel can be beneficial to society...........

[Great-Kazoo]

Did not know that about the AL and SG Jim.
Thank you.

See, old folks while slow and dangerous behind the wheel can be beneficial to society...........

Dangerous behind the wheel doen't mean one's brane capa city is falterrrrrrng

The SG if used say 1x and not for long works. However it's like using ammonia based products in a bbl . Great if rinsed immediately but hell to pay if you forget.
I've tried a few cleaning agents and the tide will work for most items, BUT not remove gunpowder residual completely. I grabbed one years ago as the 22's were filthy after a suppressor range trip.
Brownells offers a few different sonic cleaner solutions, BUT they also have a warning about use on Al.

[zzzippper]

Thanks guys. What is the ration of SG or Tide to water? This is a small cleaner, I'm guessing about 1/2 gallon capacity; certainly less than a gallon.

My first test piece is a solid steel 1950's era German derringer. The only aluminum is the grips screws so thanks for the warning. If I melt this piece I won't be out much.

[Great-Kazoo]

Thanks guys. What is the ration of SG or Tide to water? This is a small cleaner, I'm guessing about 1/2 gallon capacity; certainly less than a gallon.

My first test piece is a solid steel 1950's era German derringer. The only aluminum is the grips screws so thanks for the warning. If I melt this piece I won't be out much.

I use 4 table spoons of Tide liquid to 1 gal water. Remember it will not remove built up lead deposits. For those pieces i saturate the area with [ insert gun cleaner of choice] for an hr, wipe down then in the sonic cleaner. let it run 45 min- 1 hr then inspect.

[zzzippper]

I'm curious why Tide is the preferred soap?

[Delfuego]

I'm curious why Tide is the preferred soap?Ancient Chinese Secret!

[BPTactical]

My first test piece is a solid steel 1950's era German derringer. The only aluminum is the grips screws so thanks for the warning. If I melt this piece I won't be out much.

Are you sure it is steel? Cheap Kraut handguns were notorious for being "pot metal" ie a zinc alloy casting.

[Great-Kazoo]

I'm curious why Tide is the preferred soap?

Overall cost and results (for me) have been in favor of tide. Most if not all liquid soaps become diluted . Tide being a concentrate last longer,and you use less .

[zzzippper]

It attracts a magnet like Klinton to dirty cigars.
Are you sure it is steel? Cheap Kraut handguns were notorious for being "pot metal" ie a zinc alloy casting.