Ultrasonic cleaner for small parts questions

[jkoenig]

Ultrasonic cleaners have been used in my industry for decades to clean printing ink out of ceramic print rollers. There are three machine features that affect the cleaning: time of exposure, sonic frequency, and temperature. Cleaning fluid is a variable outside of the machine control.

The more control you have over the three features, the better. That being said, we had a pitiful one early on where I worked when I got my 126, and I cleaned many parts in baggies of Dawn/water floating in the tank of very expensive ink cleaner. They cleaned up nicely that way, and I didn’t have to clean the grease off of my ink rolls...

 

[mpatterson]

I have same one as Matt, just Simple Green in it works for me. Drain it when done, leave the last bit of dirty crap in tank and clean out with rag. I reuse the solution each time, store it in its own jug. Thibk I am up to 6 carb cleanings now. Likely change it up soon. I like the Simple Green solution.

 

[eweiss]

I have been told by tech reps from Echo, Briggs, and Kawasaki not to go stronger that 1 part Simple Green to 10 parts water or you may turn some of the aluminum carbs black. Not sure, haven't check it myself, but what I have been told.

They will turn black if left to long. I use dawn dish washer soap. Good for wild life and parts

 

[Neil Mullins]

I forget the size. I have 1 that the tub is about 14”L X 12”W X 10”D. As most heated, dip basket, etc. I usually just put clean water in tub, & heat. Then I use ziplock bags, peanut butter jars, etc. to put simple green,or almost any detergent + whatever parts, carburetors, bearings almost anything. In the tub with only clear heated water. It is simply amazing how well this works.

I rarely have to clean the ultrasonic unit itself.

 

[Neil Mullins]

I have wanted to try using “straight” awesome household cleaner. Available at dollar general stores, dollar tree, etc. Cost is about 2.00$ per 1/2 gal.

 

[Jay Fetters]

I bought one for cleaning firearms a few years ago. I just used straight Hoppes #9 for a while, with very impressive results. I now use Davies dc99 and it lasts much longer.