Ultrasonic Cleaners

[D45]

I want to pick up a used ultrasonic cleaner

Just for small parts, nothing big at all

What features are a must?

Timer?

Strainer basket?

Heated?

Capacity?

 

[LeonardY]

All.

I use the heat occasionally.

The capacity is really a personal preference. If you know roughly what the largest part is that you would want to clean then something that can fit it. If I need more capacity, I put a beaker in mine with cleaning solution. Glass is transparent to ultrasonic for the most part.

I bought a decent one not overly expensive. I would stay away from plastic jewelry cleaning ones.

 

[csp]

There are several threads in the Tools forum

 

[FredWanaker]

HF has a nice small one. I use it to clean some old small auto parts and tools.

 

[PZ 1]

No matter what size you get - you will end up with things to clean that don't fit.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Watts per gallon is an indication of cleaning power when comparing similar sized units.
Ideally you want a tank that is just large enough to easily hold the parts you are cleaning. With very small items my small (1 qt) cleaner works better than my larger unit.
For small parts you can put a smaller container (like a beaker) in a large tank to hold the parts and use less solution. (Fill large tank with water, fill beaker with cleaning solution). I have used glass, plastic and metal containers all seemed to work.

 

[D45]

Thanks

I'm hoping to pick one up this week

Do these cleaners destroy plastic parts?

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Thanks

I'm hoping to pick one up this week

Do these cleaners destroy plastic parts?

Plastic is fine but it may depend on your choice of cleaning solution. I usually use common water based cleaners (Pinesol, simple green).
You shouldn't use gasoline or solvents.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I used to buy lots of hand tools on Craigslist. I like to freshen the tools up before I put them away. I bought and use an ultrasonic parts cleaner. The unit I have is a 30 liter model. I would say heat is important and having a strong ultrasonic action is also important. The wire basket is an important part of the cleaning.
EVAPORUST works many times faster in an ultrasonic cleaner. Hours of waiting time can be reduced to minutes. I bought my unit of a Craigslist seller. This guy is a regular CL advertiser and he has lots in stock. He offers a good warranty. This is my second unit from him. My friend bought my first ultrasonic from me. I up-graded to larger and more powerful.

6.5 L Ultrasonic Cleaner with Timer & Heater Stainless - tools - by...

New DURASONIX Brand 6.5 Litre Ultrasonic Cleaner <<<<< This attractive robust device, comes with Stainless Steel Basket, is a commercial grade, built totally with stainless steel....

vancouver.craigslist.org

 

[fteufert]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GC6HF3P/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Plenty of choices on Amazon

I got one without a drain valve. I add hot water from the sink or water heater, although the built in heater works OK. I just like to save time.

Simple green, vinegar, soapy water, citrus cleaner......I've used a bunch of stuiff with no issues.

Use the basket, never let metal hit the insides, and clean it out if after use. Small items can go in a glass jar

 

[nadogail]

I first encountered an Ultrasonic Cleaner in a teletypewriter repair shop in 1965. To the best of my knowledge nothing better has been invented yet.

 

[rburke65]

Question….you can put small parts in a glass jar and then set the jar into the filled ultra sonic vessel and the parts w8ll still clean? Thanks.

 

[crewchief888]

i have one that ive been using for cleaning gun parts. hasnt damaged anything. i been using dawn dish detergent, or hornady gun parts formula. it takes several cycles (max 480 seconds) to get everything clean. i run several cycles, with an occasional brushing, in between cycles. couple of my guns have had 3000+ rounds of 22LR through them last season.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I prefer to not use glass containers in my ultrasonic cleaner. ZIP-LOC bags filled with the cleaning solution then placed into the ultrasonic bath, work really well.

 

[csp]

Question….you can put small parts in a glass jar and then set the jar into the filled ultra sonic vessel and the parts w8ll still clean? Thanks.

Yes, but the jar will need to be filled with fluid as well. I just use water in my ultrasonic reservoir and put parts in jars with my choice of cleaning solution in the jar with the parts. This was the machine doesn't have to be cleaned out as often.

 

[C.L S2000]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GC6HF3P/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Plenty of choices on Amazon

I got one without a drain valve. I add hot water from the sink or water heater, although the built in heater works OK. I just like to save time.

Simple green, vinegar, soapy water, citrus cleaner......I've used a bunch of stuiff with no issues.

Use the basket, never let metal hit the insides, and clean it out if after use. Small items can go in a glass jar

i know im resurrecting the dead with this post date, but when you say Simple green, vinegar, soapy water, citrus cleaner, do you use all at same time or just individually for whatever task you are doing at that time ? I have a few butter knives starting to get small rust spots i want to try my new ultrasonic cleaner on and looking for the best solution to tackle that small task..

 

[RPH]

EVAPORUST does has a manufacturer warning about flame, heat, sparks. The heat produced from cavitation collapse can cause ignition.
Do not use flammable liquids in any ultrasonic cleaner. You can’t beat physics no matter how smart one thinks they are.
Stay alive and save a shop!

 

[aka Larry]

i have one that ive been using for cleaning gun parts. hasnt damaged anything. i been using dawn dish detergent, or hornady gun parts formula. it takes several cycles (max 480 seconds) to get everything clean. i run several cycles, with an occasional brushing, in between cycles. couple of my guns have had 3000+ rounds of 22LR through them last season.

This is what I bought mine for as well.

I bought the HF unit and works well. I place the parts in zip-lock bag with simple green and water. This method keeps you from ever having to clean the cleaner so-to-speak. Mine's heated and after about 2-3 of the 480 sec cycles, the parts get pretty damn hot. Not sure how hot is "too hot" for stuff that's plastic, but all my parts are metal.

 

[Hooked]

Good old thread. I've had my HF model for years, mostly for cleaning fishing reel parts and gun parts. My bride also has me drop some jewelry items in there for cleaning on occasion. I use 50/50 Simple Green and water most of the time. Hadn't thought of using Evapo Rust for small parts.

 

[gleman]

EVAPORUST does has a manufacturer warning about flame, heat, sparks. The heat produced from cavitation collapse can cause ignition.
Do not use flammable liquids in any ultrasonic cleaner. You can’t beat physics no matter how smart one thinks they are.
Stay alive and save a shop!

I've ziplocked Evaporust in freezer baggies and put it in glass jars to clean my parts. Are you saying we shouldn't do that?

 

[gleman]

i know im resurrecting the dead with this post date, but when you say Simple green, vinegar, soapy water, citrus cleaner, do you use all at same time or just individually for whatever task you are doing at that time ? I have a few butter knives starting to get small rust spots i want to try my new ultrasonic cleaner on and looking for the best solution to tackle that small task..

I'd go simple and gently first, Dawn and water or diluted Simple Green and work my way up from there as needed.

 

[RPH]

Yes, the ultrasonic cleaner works by collapsing the micro bubbles in the solution. When they collapse a tremendous amount of heat is created and suction during this process. Just like the people that died in the titanic sub dive. The one that just occurred. When the front of the sub tore off the water pressure is extremely high. The air in the sub was compressed, just like diesel engine, ignition occurred.
The same thing occurs in the ultrasonic at a smaller but many times per second. My cleaner is an older medical unit that was scrapped due to leakage current. It worked but couldn’t meet hospital specs. Mine runs at approximately 19 kHz. This is noisy and can drive us and the dogs crazy. It works like a charm. Newer units tend to be above 22kHz. We don’t hear it but the sure do!
Best thing to do to operate the cleaner is by degassing the water. We would run them for 5-15 minutes with the top off prior to the start of cleaning.
I use pure ethylene glycol for mine and it works great on carbs as it dissolves the gums left behind with the sonic action.
Stay safe and save a shop.

 

[RPH]

Good article from Crest Ultraconic cleaner company.

User Safety For Ultrasonic Cleaner for Flammable Solvents

To safely perform ultrasonic cleaning with flammable solvents, you need to invest in an explosion proof ultrasonic cleaner. Learn more here.

crest-ultrasonics.com

 

[rayra]

lulz, this place can complicate anything.
who in the hell is putting flammable solvents in an ultrasonic cleaner? And why?

/


I'm using this machine for gun parts / suppressors, for about 18mos, it's working great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HGNM5WE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Typically with Simple Green or some Purple stuff. And hot water. 30MIN max cycle and has a heater. They have several sizes available.

 

[Sumboodie]

Thanks

I'm hoping to pick one up this week

Do these cleaners destroy plastic parts?

No, barely even clean them.

Fine for jewelry and delicates, but not going to clean a grease caked SBC block.

 

[Sumboodie]

Thanks

I'm hoping to pick one up this week

Do these cleaners destroy plastic parts?

No, barely even clean them.

Fine for jewelry and delicates, but not going to clean a greasy SBC block.

Tried clearing some 7.3L injectors. Was an utter waste of my time and $$.
Ended up cleaning then 3x. Twice in the ultrasonic "cleaner" and one with brake clean.
Brake clean would have done it alone just fine.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I want to pick up a used ultrasonic cleaner

Just for small parts, nothing big at all

What features are a must?

Timer?

Strainer basket?

Heated?

Capacity?

Ultrasonic cleaners are not expensive. I would not buy a used one without doing some checks. I do not see why a used USC would be for sale. I might take a chance on a used one if the price were $100. Bigger the better but not stupid big. Stay around 30 liters.
Heat, timer and parts basket are important.
If possible, get the seller to run the ultrasonic for 20 minutes. Older electronics have the possibility of opening a circuit as the temperature rises.
When you get a good unit, you will never regret the investment.

 

[fteufert]

i know im resurrecting the dead with this post date, but when you say Simple green, vinegar, soapy water, citrus cleaner, do you use all at same time or just individually for whatever task you are doing at that time ? I have a few butter knives starting to get small rust spots i want to try my new ultrasonic cleaner on and looking for the best solution to tackle that small task..

Different cleaners for different parts. Some cleaners will ruin certain types of metal.

 

[C.L S2000]

Different cleaners for different parts. Some cleaners will ruin certain types of metal.

what would you suggest for my small task ? i meant to try simple green this weekend but with the rain and everything, i got ******* with other things. Hoping to get some time this week to try it before the rain comes back.

 

[Sumboodie]

I used some $40 a jug "best ultrasonic cleaner" that people recommended.
If that's the best, would hate trying to use anything worse.
If you were nearby, id give it to you, it's useless for me.

 

[RPH]

I used some $40 a jug "best ultrasonic cleaner" that people recommended.
If that's the best, would hate trying to use anything worse.
If you were nearby, id give it to you, it's useless for me.

It all depends what you are cleaning. When I did medical equipment, the soap used was designed to clean blood protein's on the instruments. Didn’t do much to grease though. So the soap will change depending on what gets cleaned. Mine mostly does carburetors. I use glycol in it and it does a tremendous job on them.
De-aerating the fluid will help every ultrasonic cleaner function better.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Different cleaners for different parts. Some cleaners will ruin certain types of metal.

The degreasers that C.L S2000 list are probably safe for all metals, Carburetor are either cast out of aluminum or "pot metal" (a zinc alloy, relatively low melting point), maybe some brass jets and steel brackets, butterflies and screws. If you are concerned, drop the carb in the solution and wait a couple of minutes before turning the machine on. If you see fizzing/foaming that cleaning agent is doing BAD THINGS !

 

[Metallitubby]

I mention this in various threads, but I use one of my sponsor's water-based products in both my parts washer and USC and it has worked well for carburetors, bolts, wife's jewelry, etc..

G-Tech Cleaner

GTech

buygtech.com

 

[isb cornbinder]

Adding soap lowers the water's surface tension. The surface tension becomes weaker and breaks apart.
Unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer, soap is not a solvent. Adding too much soap may not improve the ultrasonic cleaning action, but may help to clean out your wallet..
The pictures are of early 1950s International Harvester door latch and lock assemblies. They were covered with overspray and hard grease and dirt. I put them in my 30 liter with a half cup of Simple Green. The ultrasonic cleaner ran for 15 minutes and this is what I got.
The red marking is from a Sharpie. I was trying to make a key lock for the drivers doors.
I have so many small IHC truck parts that need or needed cleaning, USC is a good fit, here.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I prefer to not use glass containers in my ultrasonic cleaner. ZIP-LOC bags filled with the cleaning solution then placed into the ultrasonic bath, work really well.

https://www.evapo-rust.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Evapo-Rust-Safety-Data-Sheet-2015.pdf

Evaporust is not flammable, as I understand. The dissolved greases may give off flammable gasses as the ultrasonic action and heat loosen them. This is where ventilation and caution are a good idea.
The reason I do not like or use glass containers in ultrasonic cleaning is the vibration transferring through the glass gives me concern about the glass container shattering. I have saved a bunch of snap top plastic 650ml containers that came with Door Dash food deliveries.

 

[csp]

I have hours of ultrasonic cleaning in jars with zero issues.

Plastic absorbs the ultrasonic vibrations, that's why people use glass to begin with.

 

[Sumboodie]

This is what I got.

Wasn't good on oil.

Edit... STILL not fixed that it won't show screenshots.

Its called clean 2020 master stage. Was about $45 for a gallon.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have hours of ultrasonic cleaning in jars with zero issues.

Plastic absorbs the ultrasonic vibrations, that's why people use glass to begin with.

If the plastic absorbs the ultrasonic vibrations, where does this action go? Is it possible the vibration absorbed by the plastic might be transferred to the contents of that plastic bag?
I do not have the amount of experience that you do, but in my simple world, ZipLoc works.

 

[csp]

I didn't state that it completely absorbs the ultrasonic vibrations, but it certainly dampens them.

 

[gtr1999]

Back when I worked for a manufacturer, I spec's out some nice custom-made ultrasonic machines made by Bluewave in Davenport IA. I have since left that job after 30 years and have my own shop. The systems we had made were 30 khz Magno restrictive transducers that would last a very long time. Most are bonded to the tanks and don't last more than a couple of years before cavitation erosion blows a hole in the tank or the transducer fail.

These little Chinese tanks are knockoffs of Brandson Sonic table tops and not as good. For a limited use they may work, the power levels I am not sure of, maybe 40 khz? You need heat and a soap that will degas fast. Water has air in it, if you add soap that won't degas or bleed out, it will impair the action of the tank. If you run them low on water or dry, they will burn out. SS containers or glass work well, plastic blocks the waves.

A quick test of the action of your tank is to use a piece of aluminum foil in the water for 30 sec, then a minute and compare the pin holes in it from the implosions. Are they large or small, spaced apart or close?

When the company I worked for sold out to the French they started to cut people and jobs since they only care about profit and using the cheapest labor they can find worldwide. The machine shop was removed, those machines were sold for next to nothing and I maintained like new. $40k to build, sold for under $1000. I wish I had the room to buy one. They were set up for oil removal, oil skimming, and only needed pm filter changes every 2-3 months when used every day for 8 hours.