Good parts washer 200-300 range

[Musky_Hunter]

Is there anything that stands out in that range or should I just go with the cheap one on amazon/ebay?

 

[toyotadriver]

I got one from Summit. I wanted one on wheels. Best price I found. I modified it to turn the entire tub into the washer and a 5 gallon bucket under it to hold the solvent using some threads on here as a source for my plan.I also got a real solvent pump. I use PSC 1000 for the solvent. Works fantastic.

Price has jumped a lot since I bought mine. I bought it about 6 months or so ago and paid $169.

Pardon Our Interruption

 

[FredWanaker]

decide what kind of solvent you want to use first. I use stoddard solvent so for me I found a good used Safety Kleen parts washer for $75. Another $50 in new hoses and filters and it was up and running. About 10 years later I had it re-powder coated because it was out in the sun. Still works like a chanp to was parts.

 

[racecougar]

decide what kind of solvent you want to use first.

Agreed. That decision really dictates the path you take forward.

I have the older HF 20 gallon unit that looks identical to the Summit one posted above, just in red instead of black. I added a ball valve to the drain port, a flow-through brush, a seal around the lid, and run PSC 1000 solvent. No complaints whatsoever. I only paid $20 for the washer itself (FB Marketplace).

 

[toyotadriver]

I basically did what this poster did to my brand new washer from Summit. Couple things different but this thread was most of my inspiration. If I can upload some pics later I’ll post some

My parts washer redux

This started out as a $20 Craigslist parts washer. It happens to be a Performance Tool brand but I think its just like the Harbor Freight and all the rest. I don't think it had seen much use but had been sitting around all apart for quite a few years. I wanted to use regular Stoddard solvent...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[toyotadriver]

I had to install the in line shut off because the pump had too much flow and sprayed everywhere. The shut off slowed the flow down and I can close it down to a trickle if I need to.

The drain is a NPT thread so I was able to buy a fitting that screwed in perfectly. The shut off enables me to fill the tub up with some solvent if I want to soak something. There is a grit trap in the bottom of the bucket (same as post that I used for my inspiration) that raises the pump out of the settling grit and gunk.

The fitting on the side is just a shower 90* elbow. The flexible spout came off the original pump.

The paper towel holder is just the magnetic holder from Harbor Freight in black.

 

[FredWanaker]

if you will run a flammable solvent, a special motor is needed. Also a top that self closes in case of fire.

 

[brownbagg]

i got one from advance auto years ago, but its so big, cost too much in liguid, i been eyeballing the HF bench top cleaner.

have you ever google something like this, its amazing the price change by color, the same one $59- $225, only different is color

 

[toyotadriver]

i got one from advance auto years ago, but its so big, cost too much in liguid, i been eyeballing the HF bench top cleaner.

have you ever google something like this, its amazing the price change by color, the same one $59- $225, only different is color

I have one of those small metal ones as well. I use it for cleaning guns. It works really well for that.

My modifications to the large parts washer above makes the working capacity about 4 gallons. It'll run on a little less but 4 gallons is perfect. If I used it as originally designed, 5 gallons wouldn't be enough. It would need at least 6 gallons to work properly and 7 would be better.

 

[Mr. D]

Let's break this down

Good
Parts Washer
$200 - $300 Range

Need to get rid of one of those, you can buy a parts washer for $200-$300 or you can buy something good for $200-$300 but it won't be a parts washer.

Problem with a cheap parts washer is they are not intended to be used with flammable solvents. Industrial grade cleaning Solution (non-Flammable) runs about $110 for 5 Gal and you will need 3-5. The Eastwood 20 or 40 Gal parts washer is a fair deal and are the same as the Redline and Homak.

I bought a 40 gal that was similar to the Eastwood 40 for $200 used and it cost me $250 for solvent. I used PD680 (Tractor Supply) that is flammable which I guess I should not have used but never had a problem.

I think the above Eastwood with mods is the way to go if the size works for you. This is one of those items that is better to buy used if you can find one for sale.