Parts Washers - Sink on a drum vs tank type

[2slow]

I have a cheapo GRIP partswasher that basically looks like this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/media/...b33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_22684.jpg

It still works fine, but is looking kinda rough so I started thinking about getting a new one. Apparently all the new ones at the ~$150 price point are not set up for solvent based cleaners and require water based. I don't want to start a debae, but I have used both and strongly prefer the solvent based. (I use Agetine 141)

So getting a solvent based washer, brings up 2 basic styles, the sink on a drum:
http://www.fountainindustries.com/CleanMaster_230/

and the tank type:
https://www.zoro.com/graymills-parts-washer-solvent-5-gal-length-30-in-hk150-a/i/G1769643/

What are the advantages / disadvantages? I have only used my tank style and when I drop a part into the tank I have to go fishing. The sink on a drum looks like it would prevent that, but how do you drain them, is there a false bottom? What if you want to soak a part, do you just pump fluid into another container?

Thanks,
-Joe

 

[bobcatdan]

Both styles are fine. Given a choice, I like cabinet style where I can submerse a part in the fluid to soak. I have a small Gray Mills unit I bought off CL. Best part is its a free standing unit that only uses five gallons. By design it has a tray that sits just above the fluid, but if I want soak, just lift the tray out.

 

[2slow]

Thanks for the advice. I have only ever had the cabinet style and it seems to work fine. I was also worried about the stability of the sink on a drum style. Their footprint is not as wide relative to the sink as the cabinet style.

I like the Graymills one, but it is spendy at $700. Would have to wait for a Zoro flash sale to even consider it...

I found a nice sink on a drum for under $400 new, but did not pull the trigger because I never used that style. For those that have used both, keep your opinions coming.

Thanks,
-Joe

 

[dodge610]

My first was a sink on drum style had that for 15yrs, Now i have the tank type like the tank type much better. The sink on drum type was just a pain allways seemed a little unstable to me now that i have had both I will stick with the tank type. Much easier to see when i need to add solvent than the sink on drum type.

 

[txvwnut]

I've had the sink on a drum type and ditched it to get a large Gray Mills tank unit. The tank unit fits my needs better as it allows me to submerge soak engine cases and such while still using it like the sink on a drum type.

 

[bobcatdan]

I have the Grays Mill the OP posted. I didn't realize what I deal I was getting for $35 until I looked it up.

 

[Skin]

Tank types are nice since you can submerse. I will say though, if you use a good (expensive) solvent good filtration is also paramount.

 

[ADSR]

Tank type here.

 

[2slow]

Tank type seems to be the best.

Sink on a drum style is less stable, can't soak, and to change fluid you have to lift the sink off, and dump out the tank. Just don't see any advantage.

Thanks,
-Joe

 

[Capt Chrysler]

I worked with the Safety Clean sink over drum for 17 years. I have a tank style now. (It was cheap years ago.) Guess if I was going to buy one today, it would be a drum type. No real reason, guess I just like a clean "sink" with flowing solvent.

Capt. Chrysler