Today someone told me about ultrasonic cleaners. I’m curious if anyone has ever used them, what they think of them? This is completely new to me and I just started looking at them and realized there is a wide range of options.
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Today someone told me about ultrasonic cleaners. I’m curious if anyone has ever used them, what they think of them? This is completely new to me and I just started looking at them and realized there is a wide range of options.
I use them for lots of different cleaning tasks just make sure you have the right solution in it so it doesn't eat your components
I use one of the Harbor Freight 2l units for small parts and pistol barrels. I use water and a little dish soap and everything cleans up pretty nicely. Not a necessity but useful for me.
I’ll likely start researching ultrasonic cleaners. Need to get one for work to clean carbon from the inside of small parts. My current method involves a lot of time and manual labor. I’m hoping an ultrasonic and the right solvent will work well and will free up some of my time for more important things.
The one my buddy has is a Hornady.
I had no idea what this product was until about three hours ago.
I have used a Hornady (middle one) just about since they came out. The trick though, is the right solvent. Petroleum based solvents blow the doors off of the water based ones. Not cheap initially, but in the long run, much less $. I use the Lucas Bore Solvent/Ultrasonic product. I have over 50 uses on the current batch and it is still working great. No need to use a water dispersion dip afterwards like when you use the water based products. I have held a torch over it with the heater at 200F and no flash...pretty amazing stuff.
One use for me is 3-4 BCGs and a pistol barrel or a complete 1911. When I am finished and the solvent has cooled, I pour it into a 1/2 gallon glass jar and let it sit for a few days to allow the solids to go to the bottom, then pour the liquid back into the reservoir until next time. Doing this, I lose an ounce or less per use and just add an ounce here and there. The shops that have changed over to using Lucas and this method have been vary pleased with the results.
I use the Lyman version...works great...variety of different solutions for jewelry, gun parts, brass, etc
Have a 1 gal. s/steel unit and small hornady one, each has it's purpose. The hornady has an 8 min timer, lg unit either timed or continuous. If it's going to see any use, save some money so you can buy a larger one.
One thing to note is that the sound is very high pitched I actually have to have plugs in when I am around mine, but i also have pretty sensitive hearing.
Much win. However, I have also had success with zippo fluid when in the Army. Especially for the star chamber. Unsure if this is ill-advised on commercial-spec stuff lacking similar metal treatments/coatings, or has a bad effect otherwise. Seems lighter fluid is recommended across the internet. Learned that from a crusty old platoon sergeant who learned it from a crusty old platoon sergeant, etc. ad infinitum.
I was always able to finish long before the guys using just CLP, which was basically just smearing around the carbon residue instead of breaking it down.
When using them with new solution for the first time, run it empty for a few minutes. This rids the solution of tiny air bubbles that retard the effectiveness. The manufacturers call it "de-gassing".
I have both an RCBS vibratory and ultrasonic cleaner. The ultrasonic is excellent for cleaning guns/gun parts, but not so great for cleaning brass (especially the primer pockets). Also, ultrasonic cleaners are just that, cleaners. They don't shine parts/brass. I know lots of folks use a combination of ultrasonic cleaners followed by vibratory cleaners in walnut media for their brass. For brass I'll either be buying or making a rotary tumbler using stainless steel media pins as I hear they work excellently for brass.
If you're considering an ultrasonic cleaner, research which solvents to use for which applications; the wrong solvent can/will harm finishes on parts and weaken brass. If you'll use it for brass, remember to de-prime before putting in the ultrasonic cleaner as the primers tend to absorb/hold moisture. Also, while the price goes up dramatically with the size of the cleaner, consider what you plan to use it for before choosing one too small or you will be regretting the smaller size and looking to upgrade (pay once, cry once). I learned that lesson the hard way.
We use Aqua Vantage 815 GD cleaner. We use it at a 1:10 rate and it cleans carbon like a CHAMP in the U.S. Cleaner. The only downside is you have to strip the rifle of all components that aren't metal. We put the receiver, barrel, and bolt assembly into the ultra sonic. Once out of the bath, rinse with water, wipe down, and apply CLP.
I'm expecting my .22 can to exit jail soon - hopefully - and need to pick something up for this.
Would be great to drop the BCG's in as well. I don't see it getting much use other than that.
I'm curious, would the cleaner break down roksett if you put a barrel in to clean carbon off a can mount? I'm thinking it would need to be suspended so just the tip (no jokes) was in the solution.
I just ordered the hornady 2L from Amazon after doing a lot of comparisons. I landed on that one because it has a good warranty as well as people seemed to feel it was high quality and had a decent enough volume fornunder $100.
I have this one. It works great so far. It’s a good buy for the money.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nagant1984
If you are not aware of it. Do not use simple green as your cleaning solution, on Al products.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nagant1984
One thing to look for, if you are getting one larger than a couple quarts, get one with a drain on the side. Sometimes it's a pain to dump one that is full of dirty water with a degreaser/cleaner in it. It's nice to just open a valve and let it drain out into the sink (or a bucket).
I originally bought one for cleaning brass, and it works great for that. I think I use it more for cleaning gun parts though. It is really handy and works great for bolt carrier groups. I just bought a cheap 2.5l iSonic cleaner off of amazon and it works great.