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-lite...ner-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-.../dp/B000GU74LM

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