Utra-Sonic Cleaner

[Twice Shooter]

If anyone is interested in an ultra-sonic cleaner, Harbor Freight has one on sale for $79.99 (half price). It is a 2.5 liter, item #95563. I have one (1.5 quart) made by Chicago Electric that has worked great for years. I'm sure it's made in China so good luck if you buy one. Cheers, Tom

[David Fishley]

I have the one from Harbor Freight. It works 'ok' but in instances where you might want to dunk an action for 1/2 hour or longer you would have burnt out this cleaner in 10 to 15 minutes. They are short timed cleaners based on 4 minute intervals and can overheat quickly if the 4 minute cycle is repeated a few times in sequence.

[Twice Shooter]

David, Thanks for your comment. My cleaner is a model 91957. It can be timed up to 1 hour which I normally use. I have set it for 1 hour and immediately reset it time after time and it has worked for years, never failing. I have never used this model but it appears to be the same as sold by Lyman as a Turbo Sonic 2500. I find it difficult to believe a company like Lyman would sell a product that functions like yours.
Harbor Freight guarantees this product for 90 days. Why would you keep yours when it functions so poorly?
I would not mention it on the forum if there was no recourse should a member receive a lemon. Cheers, Tom

[David Fishley]

Tom,

Let me explain. My cleaner functions perfectly. However it only has 4 settings of which the longest is 480 seconds.

[Phil C]

I also have the sonic cleaner from Harbor freight. It times for 480 seconds max. That said I just keep cycling. It's not made for everyday use but mine is 3 years old and has cleaned about 10 actions. Still going strong. I also purchased the warranty. It does a great job.

[Mike Franzen]

I too have the H F cleaner and have used it sparingly for several years. Never a problem with it. It is exactly like the the Lyman Turbosonic. In fact, I bought additional baskets from Lyman that H F didn't carry. H F stands behind what they sell.

[Kensal Rise]

One word of caution when using these cleaners: It is not advisable to clean compressed leaf/flat springs in these units. Reason: They may break along stress cracks/risers that cannot be seen with the naked eye. You might not have a problem, but the potential exists. Best to disassemble lockwork and relieve spring compression before ultra-sonic cleaning.

[John Cinkoske]

Another word of caution, the use of Simple Green Cleaner in an ultrasonic cleaner can affect (as in degrade) the appearance of blued finishes on guns...

[Eric Estes]

I used a solution of hot water and Dawn dish soap in mine and after a few cycles the case colors were streaked to the white. I have never seen anything like it.

[Twice Shooter]

Eric, I had the same problem a few years ago when using tap water. I think the water contains some chemicals that causes the streaking with Dawn. I use only distilled water and Lyman Turbo Clean now and I've never had a problem since. Cheers, Tom