Ultrasonic cleaner

[WBAR]

Just wondering if anyone is using one of the ultrasonic cleaning machines to clean gun parts like AR bolts? The one I'm looking at is a Lyman model available at Midway (#225214).

If you are using one of the machines, what cleaning solution are you using? Mix your own?

[leatherneck448]

In my personal opinion, you dont really need an ultrasonic cleaner except for the "worst of the worst", as far as parts go. Really efficient if youre cleaning a bunch of gunky cases, but for individual parts, unless youre the kind of guy that goes a few thousand rounds without cleaning his guns, its really not necessary. I swear by SLiP 2000 products, they're pretty pricey, but IMHO theyre pretty much the best you can buy. I've seen their products at bowers from time to time if you are interested.

[Great-Kazoo]

why pay for the "Lyman" name when you can buy the same item w/out it for less. do your homework and not rely on "name brand' before spending more than you need
FWIW. HF's warranty is better than Lyman or anyone else. I have been rebuilding & servicing medical equip for some time. After contacting my usual resources for a larger sonic cleaner than the one linked i located a 4qt that HF was selling for $400 less than my suppliers and their basic warranty was 6 months longer than "name brand" YMMV

http://www.harborfreight.com/25-liter-ultrasonic-cleaner-95563.html

[WBAR]

Thanks for the info, guys. Jim- can you tell me how the HF machine is working & holding up? The Lyman machine that I referenced is on sale for less than $100. Since all I'm going to be doing is putting relatively small gun parts in it, I may not need a larger machine like yours. However, I'm guessing that I could put a whole pistol (Glock) in the HF machine!

[Great-Kazoo]

Thanks for the info, guys. Jim- can you tell me how the HF machine is working & holding up? The Lyman machine that I referenced is on sale for less than $100. Since all I'm going to be doing is putting relatively small gun parts in it, I may not need a larger machine like yours. However, I'm guessing that I could put a whole pistol (Glock) in the HF machine!

i have an older model that is all stainless which i have been running for 3 years. The one i linked to, also tagged using Lyman nameplate is a basic unit that will hold the slide and probably the lower half, but not at the same time. I suggest using Tide liquid detergent and hot water in the u8nit out of the gate. This way you already have a warm temp bath for cleaning. otherwise you are wasting time using room temp / cool water, which never gets any cleaning accomplished.
Di keep in mind a wipe down with gun cleaner after is good as the sonic cleaner will not remove heavy lead or fouling deposits. The up side is using the sonic cleaner does remove a lot of the shit you notice after doing the bbl and extractor area. I purchased the cleaner as a way to minimize cleaning my suppressor host firearms. It is also great for cleaning magazines that have aquired a lot of dirt an grime from doing "tactical:)" mag changes

[funkymonkey1111]

Just wondering if anyone is using one of the ultrasonic cleaning machines to clean gun parts like AR bolts? The one I'm looking at is a Lyman model available at Midway (#225214).

If you are using one of the machines, what cleaning solution are you using? Mix your own?

well, did you get it? do you like it? Jim seems to like his. am also thinking of picking one of the harbor freight ones up

[Great-Kazoo]

well, did you get it? do you like it? Jim seems to like his. am also thinking of picking one of the harbor freight ones up


+1 for the HF units I understand some folks will never buy anything made in china. good for you.
Try this on for size
Lyman digital caliper $43 and change + S&H

http://www.amazon.com/Lyman-7832218-Electronic-Digital-Caliper/dp/B000GU74LM

HF digital caliper $20 + tax
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-digital-caliper-47257.html

Both are Made in China or Heche en China for my brothers and sisters who Habla Espanol'

I saved approx $22.00 just from buying generic. Go with the HF save some coin and use that saved cash for more components.

I did not reply regarding my water soap ratio so..........
2 tablespoons of Tide Liquid detergent to 1 gal of warm water to clean. Works great on my suppressor host, AFTER i give them a quick wipe down.

[Circuits]

I've got a 7.5gal ultrasonic I can dump handguns, subguns and broken-down rifles into. But that's overkill and more money than most people are willing to spend just to avoid a little scrubbing.

I use mine mostly to clean up the guns and mags after a weekend-long MG shoot, where everything's filthy and covered in windblown dust and dirt.

[rondog]

I have the large unit from HF, reckon it holds maybe a quart? It has a heating element, so it heats the solution. I use stoddard solvent in it out of my parts washer for nasty gun parts. It'll make short work out of cosmoline stuck in all the nooks and crannies of milsurp rifle parts. Just used it last night, as a matter of fact.....

[jerrymrc]

I have an old dental one that works great. I does great things on Carburetors and those old SKS bolts and actions did not stand a chance.[Flower]http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/jerrymrc/canning316Medium.jpg

[Circuits]

My tank and xducer controller. Heat control is on the tank, proper.

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd484/richard_stone/PICT0174.jpg

And a shot of the inside, with an uzi in the basket for scale.

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd484/richard_stone/PICT0175.jpg

[BPTactical]

My tank and xducer controller. Heat control is on the tank, proper.

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd484/richard_stone/PICT0174.jpg

And a shot of the inside, with an uzi in the basket for scale.

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd484/richard_stone/PICT0175.jpg

Nice setup Circuits, one of these days I need to invest in a quality US setup. I have been going to a buddies shop when I need to use one, he has two units similar in size to yours and uses perchlorate for solution, squeaky clean.

[spleify]

So is everyone using Tide soap or stoddard solvent(mineral spirits) to clean with?

I just picked up the Hornady model and I haven't used it yet but I am looking forward to trying it out. What about them solvents that Hornady and Lyman sell? Are they worth the money or just stick with the basic stuff?

How much mineral spirits do you use Ron?

[rondog]

So is everyone using Tide soap or stoddard solvent(mineral spirits) to clean with?

I just picked up the Hornady model and I haven't used it yet but I am looking forward to trying it out. What about them solvents that Hornady and Lyman sell? Are they worth the money or just stick with the basic stuff?

How much mineral spirits do you use Ron?

Well, it's my understanding that mineral spirits and stoddard solvent are NOT the same thing. Many say they are, but I don't believe it. Stoddard solvent is what we used in parts washers ever since I was a kid, and mineral spirits was paint thinner, smelled and worked totally different. Stoddard solvent is a petroleum product, and mineral spirits, well....I don't know. I know the damn solvent has gone totally out of sight price-wise! 10 fucking dollars a gallon is insane.

Anyway, I just use enough to cover whatever I'm cleaning, and never more than the "fill" line in the cleaner tank.

[spleify]

Do you reuse the solvent. I assume you could use it if it's not too dirty.

[Great-Kazoo]

Tide.
The best way to decide what to use is, run tide. if after 2-3 cleanings it's not working for you spend the big bucks.

Caveat for water based cleaners.
No Simple Green, it will chew anything Al up over time, sometimes faster that you realize

Tide works great As long as you remember the heavy dirty items need a wipe down prior to sonic cleaning. The cleaner assist removing dirt & grime AND will loosen carbon, in time.

Any sonic cleaner you buy make sure items being cleaned are off the floor of the cleaner. Direct vibration from a solid object will destroy transducers sooner than later.

I use a wire rack that has some of the slip grip? liquid rubber in a can. Or you can use some windshield wiper hose on the legs or base of what ever the gun parts will be sitting on.

[rondog]

Do you reuse the solvent. I assume you could use it if it's not too dirty.

Oh yeah. I just use nasty-ass shit out of my parts washer. After it's sat for a few months, the solids kinda settle to the bottom and I'll just gently take some of the solvent from the top in a coffee can and put it into the US cleaner.

[spleify]

Thanks for the info guys. I will be giving mine a try here very soon.

[Awesom]

[theGinsue]

How long of a cycle do you typically find it takes to clean out the primer pockets?

I've been considering getting one of these after seeing how dirty the primer pockets remain after tumbling. Even an RCBS primer pocket brush can't seem to remove most of the carbon residue.

I'm seeing here comments about Tide getting used, so my second question is, aside from the commercial Ultrasonic cleaner agents, what is the best solution to use?

[fly boy]

I have an ISonic P4820 cleaner. I bought it about 1.5 years ago for cleaning my pistols, and jewlery. It has worked great. I can break down 3 pistols and put it in. They come out warm, just wipe down with a warm cloth and they are good to go.

I saw they have brass cleaner, and once I start to reload, I will look into using it for brass as well. I think it was $80.

[Great-Kazoo]

How long of a cycle do you typically find it takes to clean out the primer pockets?

I've been considering getting one of these after seeing how dirty the primer pockets remain after tumbling. Even an RCBS primer pocket brush can't seem to remove most of the carbon residue.

I'm seeing here comments about Tide getting used, so my second question is, aside from the commercial Ultrasonic cleaner agents, what is the best solution to use?

Yes on tide say 1 tbls to 1gal of warm water. I don't do anything with the brass as it adds 3 more steps for cleaning. U/sonic remove then rinse, double check rinse then Dry. I tried it 2x and #2 has me sticking with basic dry media tumbler. Sure the sonic cleaner does a nice job, however it's ammo, not a beauty contest. perhaps any brass i part with might be worth the extra time spent, who knows.

[TriggerHappy]

Does HF have a product similar to the Lyman 6000 (12.8x8x3.9). I shoot a lot of suppressed, would like to get a SBr upper in there if I can. I really don't want to spend more than $350.

[Great-Kazoo]

Does HF have a product similar to the Lyman 6000 (12.8x8x3.9). I shoot a lot of suppressed, would like to get a SBr upper in there if I can. I really don't want to spend more than $350.

here's the HF one. 2.5 liters of liquid. I don't see what the lyman holds .
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-liter-ultrasonic-cleaner-95563.html

The biggest issue with sonic cleaners is warranty. No matter how much or how little you spend most US only have a 30-90 day warranty. My older HF unit (looks like jerrymc's) after doing research was a better warranty than an actual name brand unit. Having repaired med equipment for a living the biggest issues with them are the transducer packs. A crappy adhesive job and they fall off real quick (not often) but they do. Look on line and see who is selling reconditioned sonic cleaners and what they offer warranty wise.

[TriggerHappy]

I pulled the trigger so to speak. Just ordered a Lyman 6000, 6.3qt. On sale from optics planet.

[TriggerHappy]

Tide.
The best way to decide what to use is, run tide. if after 2-3 cleanings it's not working for you spend the big bucks.

Caveat for water based cleaners.
No Simple Green, it will chew anything Al up over time, sometimes faster that you realize

Tide works great As long as you remember the heavy dirty items need a wipe down prior to sonic cleaning. The cleaner assist removing dirt & grime AND will loosen carbon, in time.

Any sonic cleaner you buy make sure items being cleaned are off the floor of the cleaner. Direct vibration from a solid object will destroy transducers sooner than later.

I use a wire rack that has some of the slip grip? liquid rubber in a can. Or you can use some windshield wiper hose on the legs or base of what ever the gun parts will be sitting on.

Does it have to be Tide? Can any liquid detergent work? I have "All" at home.

[jerrymrc]

Also. If anyone would like to check there cleaner I have a set of rings to test them. Now the small ones only have a few transducers so normally when one goes bad you know it. I have a couple of large units that have 36 heads and when one goes bad it can be a pain to locate it.

So I have a set of 5 ceramic rings to test with. [Flower]

[Great-Kazoo]

Does it have to be Tide? Can any liquid detergent work? I have "All" at home.

Why not? I don't run out and buy "X" because everyone else does. If it's on the shelf at home i'm making use of it.

[RonMexico]

Finally started using my Lyman ultrasonic cleaner today. Took me about 30 mins to clean 1500 cases with one change of the solution. My question is, how do you all dry your brass? Does it need to be dried well or is a few drops of liquid ok on the cases?
I am using the Lyman solution but a friend recommends I use simple green.

[Great-Kazoo]

Finally started using my Lyman ultrasonic cleaner today. Took me about 30 mins to clean 1500 cases with one change of the solution. My question is, how do you all dry your brass? Does it need to be dried well or is a few drops of liquid ok on the cases?
I am using the Lyman solution but a friend recommends I use simple green.

Forget the SG. While it's a nice cleaner, there are too many issues i have found using it for periods of time on metal. It's very unfriendly to AL, brass why risk it?
Drying i use a LARGE Screen and place in the sun, or over a fan. I also spray down with 90% Alcohol, if you sonic cleaned unprimed to help dissipate water in cases.

You are rinsing with clean water only, yes?
Everyone has their way of wet cleaning. That's how i did it. I went back to dry media, less steps to achieve the same thing, clean brass.

[Dlesh123]

This version of SG is supposed to be safe around aluminum and brass.


Extreme Simple Green
Motorsports Cleaner & Degreaser


Extreme Simple Green® Motorsports is a cleaning and degreasing product that is extremely aggressive on grease and heavy soils, but won’t harm the high end surfaces found on motorsports equipment. This product is effective for use on motorcycles, ATVs, sports cars, RVs, watercraft, bicycles, aftermarket parts & equipment and more! Extreme Simple Green Motorsports meets compliance standards for Boeing spec D6-1748P. Originally developed for the aircraft industry and geared toward safely cleaning high end aircraft exterior and engine surfaces, this product is an ideal choice for all of your motorsports cleaning and degreasing needs.

[82ndShooter]

I use hot water and Dawn liquid detergent. It works like a champ!!!

[Great-Kazoo]

This version of SG is supposed to be safe around aluminum and brass.


Extreme Simple Green
Motorsports Cleaner & Degreaser


Extreme Simple Green® Motorsports is a cleaning and degreasing product that is extremely aggressive on grease and heavy soils, but won’t harm the high end surfaces found on motorsports equipment. This product is effective for use on motorcycles, ATVs, sports cars, RVs, watercraft, bicycles, aftermarket parts & equipment and more! Extreme Simple Green Motorsports meets compliance standards for Boeing spec D6-1748P. Originally developed for the aircraft industry and geared toward safely cleaning high end aircraft exterior and engine surfaces, this product is an ideal choice for all of your motorsports cleaning and degreasing needs.

Your money. Liquid dish or laundry detergent in stock vs drive to store spend money.

[TriggerHappy]

Would straight kerosene work? Dangerous? My suppressors are pretty dirty...