Ultra sonic cleaner recommendation

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. I have no clue as to what to look for in an ultra sonic cleaner as far as size or features. I'd like to clean my pocket knives, firearms parts (up to full size handgun frames), jewelry, hand tools and other odds and ends stuff.

 

[Dave455]

I’ve had one for a bit, used a couple more.

They are absolutely brilliant for some things, less so for others.

Generally, I find that if something has dirt on the outside, then unless it’s very intricate, there are better ways to clean it than an ultrasonic cleaner. I certainly don’t think I’d be using it on a handgun frame, or tools. Maybe it would be worth an experiment, provided it’s a stainless or plastic frame?

For things like watch parts, they work superbly well. No way you could clean bits that intricate, that well, that fast. Jewellery, maybe, but most professional jewellers don’t use one for that. For things like pen nibs (especially drawing pen nibs) they are awesome. They shift dried ink better than anything.

As for what type. I’ve got a small / cheap ($20) made in China one. It seems to work just fine, and has done for a few years. You can spend a bit more money (maybe $150) and get bigger / metal bodied, but still made in China, and I doubt much better.

If you spend a lot more you get one of the much better (Swiss) machines that are used in watch servicing. Bigger than mine, much better made, and heated. But way more costly.

 

[WNYflyer]

Hey guys. I have no clue as to what to look for in an ultra sonic cleaner as far as size or features. I'd like to clean my pocket knives, firearms parts (up to full size handgun frames), jewelry, hand tools and other odds and ends stuff.

I have a Branson PC 620 with internal tank dimensions of 20 1/4" L x 6 1/4" W x 10 1/2" D. Those dimensions do not include a basket. I picked the unit up cheap from the estate of a fire-arms guy who used it for that purpose. My unit is the unheated model though I wish it was heated, some folks have suggested using a fish tank heater for heat though I have not pursued that yet. Have not used it too much since most of the stuff I have been cleaning I find easier to clean in other ways. Of course for those areas you can't really access then the cleaner may be your only choice.

 

[Danglerb]

HF or skip them and go direct via ebay, lots of nice options around $100 or less depending on size and features. Big name brands lots more, Crest, Branson etc.

My general concern with firearms is that the finish could be damaged.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

What do the cheaper models not offer that the more expensive ones do? Do they just not clean as well?

 

[M6erfan]

What do the cheaper models not offer that the more expensive ones do? Do they just not clean as well?

Power, transducers and heating element.

 

[racinfarmer]

What do the cheaper models not offer that the more expensive ones do? Do they just not clean as well?

Controlled heating.
Degassing features.
Timers.
Better quality materials and components.
Service parts.

 

[todd_fuller]

Controlled heating.
Degassing features.
Timers.
Better quality materials and components.
Service parts.

I’ll add to this...

meeting the labeled spec. Not saying it 300W ultrasonic and being 80W or 120W heating and being 40W.

I bought a somewhat expensive Chinese cleaner and it was 40% the cleaning wattage.

 

[Danglerb]

The big drop in cost is I think three factors, switch mode class D amplifiers have gotten crazy cheap and small, transducers have gotten cheaper, patents have run out.

 

[sreeb]

The other thing you are buying is size.

A drain valve is also wonderful to have.