Need Info on Parts Washers

[GBertolet]

I am interested in purchasing a smaller parts washer for my shop. It's use will be mostly for small engine parts and misc tooling. I was thinking a washer around the 20 gal size, or slightly less would suit.

I understand there are two types of washers out there. True solvent type and a water based solvent type. Most of the washers I see in the lower price ranges (under $200), are water based solvent. In reading the reviews on these types, most all say the pumps are junk, and die in short order. Not very inspiring on these models.

Do the water based solvents work satisfactory, compared to the true solvent? Is there any particular type or brand of washer I should look for that has a good track rercord? I don't want to spend much more than $200, wether it be new or used. It seems that the true solvent types are considerably more expensive than this.

I see that the cost of either type of solvent isn't cheap either, at the $50 for 5 gal range.

 

[bareass172]

Do a little searching on here, there are a lot of guys who built their own or modified an existing one to improve it. I don't have much to offer, but I've learned a lot from reading what others have done here.

 

[Darius6t9]

You could see if you can find an air operated one. I have a clarke pneumatic partswasher. hook up the shop air and you have it going. Spent about $220 for it about 6 or 7 years ago at Tractor supply. Think Clarke discontinued them but you might still be able to find one somewhere. Won't have to worry about the motor.

 

[sberry]

My bud has a little 60$ hf benchtop that works good, small enough a guy can afford to fill it with solvent.

 

[JTH]

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/jobsmartreg;-parts-washer-40-gal
This is what I ended up getting. I'm happy with it and the PSC1000 solvent they carry works well is reasonably priced. welded up a mobile base with casters ands makes it much better for use in my small space.