Ultrasonic cleaners?

[Conductor562]

I've seen in several posts people talking about ultrasonic cleaners. The concept intrigues me but I know absolutely nothing about them. So for someone in my position I have the following questions:

1. What is their range of use?
2. What are their general limitations?
3. Are they used in conjunction with special chemicals, only water, or does it depend on the application?
4. What is a nice unit for general use and how much does it cost? I'm not looking for a cheap *** model but I don't need a top notch model either.

Just looking for general info

 

[CJKaz]

Read up:

http://www.emersonindustrial.com/en...n-cleaning/bench-top-cleaners/Pages/faqs.aspx

These are industrial quality units, with pricing to match.

 

[930dreamer]

Search on YouTube, some use them for cleaning blinds, filters, carbs etc.

 

[Davefr]

http://www.lrultrasonics.com/AppNotes/index.html

The cleaning solution depends on what you're cleaning.

The price goes up exponentially as size increases. For good brands look at Crest or L&R. They are the leaders in the category.

 

[Conductor562]

Can anyone recommend a decent affordable model? HF has one that looks ok for $75 but you'll have to forgive me for being a bit skeptical. I'd like one a little deeper than the HF model as well.

 

[Pantsfall_McFixit]

Amazon has a few models from $30 and up, but they're small. Would be useful for cleaning parts.

 

[Conductor562]

I don't care to spend a couple hundred bucks on one, but all I'm finding on my searches are cheap base models under $100 and industrial models that cost hundreds. There doesn't seen to be a middle ground.

 

[srmofo]

check with " graymills - greg ". hes a member here and IIRC he builds them in chicago.

I was looking into them for some time and like you didnt find anything in the middle. Sure theres units out there for $400-$500 but they barely fit a soda can in the tank.

I broke down and bought a cheap HF model to see how well it actually worked and whether or not I would find it useful enough to justify the cost. It does a hell of a job clean small gun parts. It even cleaned cosmoline out of a buddies SKS. I used a solution of 50/50 simple green. The real cleaning power is right in the center of the tank so I place everything in a glass mason jar with the solution. Fill the tank with water and give it a few cycles.

 

[SMKS]

I have the bigger of the two HF models. It works great and I've used it a lot in the last three years. I use it to clean tools, so I use a mix of degreaser and water.

The HF units appear to be ones that are relabeled under various brands. I think I've seen very similar models with different names.

The only downside is that it isn't big enough to fully submerge 1/2" ratchets. You'll have to submerge one end or the other.

 

[Skin]

I don't care to spend a couple hundred bucks on one, but all I'm finding on my searches are cheap base models under $100 and industrial models that cost hundreds. There doesn't seen to be a middle ground.

for a quality unit, a few hundred bucks is about as low as you're going to get. The HF one is a piece of junk.

 

[Conductor562]

for a quality unit, a few hundred bucks is about as low as you're going to get. The HF one is a piece of junk.

That may explain why I can't find one

 

[SMKS]

The HF one is a piece of junk.

What are you basing this on?

Mine has worked very well. I'm sure there are nicer and more expensive models, but the HF unit has worked well for me.

To the OP-
There are other threads on the HF units. Check those out. The HF unit may be a good place to start to see if it's worth investing in a larger model in the future.

 

[Conductor562]

What are you basing this on?

Mine has worked very well. I'm sure there are nicer and more expensive models, but the HF unit has world well for me.

To the OP-
There are other threads on the HF units. Check those out. The HF unit may be a good place to start to see if it's worth investing in a larger model in the future.

I'm kinda leaning toward the HF model (as bad as it pains me to say that) simply because it seems to be about my only option without dropping several hundred dollars on something that I'm unsure how much I'll use.

 

[Davefr]

I'm kinda leaning toward the HF model (as bad as it pains me to say that) simply because it seems to be about my only option without dropping several hundred dollars on something that I'm unsure how much I'll use.

I now have a high end 400 watt/3.2 gallon L&R unit along with a 2 qt Crest.

However I started with the 2.5 liter $79 HF unit.

The HF unit is actually pretty decent. It has heat and the ultrasonics work well. The unit is not designed for continuous operation. It will shut off if it overheats. The internal fan on mine became noisy but a drop of oil on the bearing cured it. If your usage is only occassional and if the tank size is big enough then you really can't go wrong for the price. Just don't get their low end $40 model because it's junk.

 

[Skin]

What are you basing this on?

Had one go up in smoke shortly after it was purchased. Its not worth the fire hazard.

If i remember correctly Bull got one also and his simply ceased to function. If i'm wrong maybe he'll chime in with how its doing.

With any electronics you can tell a lot by how the manufacturer stands behind it. The HF UltraSonic Cleaner comes with a spectacular 3 month warranty.

Got a sharpertek unit (around $400) and been very pleased with that.

 

[shovelhead91701]

We use a DTI model UC2/3G it is 2/3 of a gallon and we use it for cleanig carburetors primarily. It works fantastically! I stuck the breech plug out of my BIL's black powder rifle that had been fired numerous times last year and then stored loaded until season this year. It was NASTY! I put it in the cleaner and set the timer for 10 minutes, came back and it looked brand new! There was a little bit of deposit way down inside the fire tunnel that I scraped with a pick and it came right out. I love the little machine.

 

[2Tailfins]

I bought the $75 HF one with a 20% off coupon- I put a 50/50 mix of Simple green and water in mine- When I first got it- My daughter and I went through the garage looking for grimy stuff to toss in it- everything came out great! I have used it to clean carburetors and I am sure the $400 units are great but I am cheap and since I have nothing to compare it too- I am very happy with mine!

 

[Crow Horse]

I also have the same model as the HF unit. Have it a bit over a year an d use it every day. Clean everything from firearm parts, sockets and other tools, nuts and bolts, glasses and jewelry. It does have some limitations but knowing what I do now, I would buy it again. I looked at the L&R units as well as others in the same category and the prices were out of sight. I'll bet their good, but the HF unit is cost effective for my purposes....

 

[markitsnappy]

I say look out for a used one. I just got an l&r for 50.00 and I love it.

 

[J66442]

My police department had an armorer that believed all of the slides of our Glock 17's needed to be run through the ultrasonic cleaner. I held out and refused to let mine go in, I kept it clean enough. Next time at the range a large amount of front sights fell off while shooting since the blue locktite holding the small bolt failed.

Moral to the story: beware what you put in the cleaner...

I think our cleaner came from Brownells, I don't remember the price but thought it was expensive at the time, we used some oil free cleaner.