Ultrasonic Cleaners

[oskar]

What tank size would you guys recommend?

Mike

[Twice Shooter]

Mine is about 3 quarts or so and work great. Cheers, Tom

[oskar]

Thanks Tom. See that Harbor Freight has a unit for $75. Never used one of these. Should the cleaner be used with the heat on? If using Simple Green should it be used full strength or diluted?

Mike

[Toothsmith]

Mine is 3 3/8 quart tank capacity which is the most common size in dental lab applications. I can clean complete bolt carrier assemblies from an AR-15, whole auto pistols, revolvers with 4" barrels or any shotgun receiver in it. Its best to suspend the parts in the solution with a wire basket. It gives better cleaning results and keeps the parts from rubbing against the stainless tank. Small parts I put in a small plastic jar with solution in it and just float it in the main tank. I use the Simple Green full strength and just add water as it evaporates. Heat will accelerate the cleaning action but again will tend to tarnish brass if left too long. The ultrasonic action will generate quite a bit of heat if left running for a while. When buying ultrasonics the rule is pretty much the same for optics. You get what you pay for, with the exception that if its dental related you over pay for what you get. Brownells lists a Hornady 3 qt unit for $239.99, $228.61 with the discount. A Lyman 1.6 gal unit is $269.99, $255.77 if you get the discount. Comparable units are $400 and up in the dental lab catalog. If mine ever gives up I'll probably get the Lyman for its value and bigger tank.

[Twice Shooter]

I use water with a few drops of Dawn dish washing liquid. I've never used anything else. I may try what listed in this thread that others use. Cheers, Tom