Ultrasonic Cleaners

[Wayne Colburn]

I use Simple Green in mine, it does an amazing job a real time saver. Give it a good rinse then drop it in some water soluble oil solution dry and lube.

[Toothsmith]

I've been using ultrasonic cleaners for 35 years for work(dental laboratory) and probably started using one for gun cleaning long before they became popular. I also use Simple Green for cleaning everything from cartridge cases to shotgun actions. Don't leave brass cases in too long as the solution will heat up and they'll tarnish. Simple Green will remove all old oil, grease and crud and reveal case colors that you didn't know were there. If you're shopping for a used ultrasonic one simple test to see if its still working is to put a piece of aluminum foil in the solution and run it. If it punches little hole in the foil its working.

[Twice Shooter]

Check Harbor Freight for an ultra-cleaner cleaner. New ones are just over $100 but made in China. Cheers, Tom

[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.