Is this ultrasonic any good?

[aridan]

Trying to decide on an ultrasonic cleaner, I came across this Canadian one on e-bay:
ht tp://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260517494337

Comes to $115 with shipping & taxes. I think the same one (looks identical, except for the logo) can be had from Harbor Freight for $69US if shipped to a US address (I do have this option):
ht tp://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95563

The tank is 2.5L, roughly 25X15X8cm. This seems OK for small (50-60) case loads or handgun parts. I suppose I could even stand the handgun frame upside down and clean the trigger group without disassembly.

Anyone has any experience with this unit? TIA.

 

[aridan]

Well, I decided to try it - got exact same one from an e-bay Canada auction for $109 shipped. It arrived 3 days ago. The lid has a crack, but that shouldn't affect the performance, right?

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/FigRig/Ultrasonic/IMG_1005.jpg

I did a bit of reading and decided to do a 'foil test' as described here:
http://www.bransoncleaning.com/faq.asp

Cut three small pieces of aluminum foil about 4" x 8" each. Fold each piece over a rod that you will use to suspend the foil in the tank. A clothes hanger works well. Your cleaner should be filled with an ultrasonic cleaning solution, degassed, and brought up to normal operating temperature. Suspend the first "square" in the center of the tank and the other two a couple of inches from each end of the tank. Make sure that the tank is filled to the fill line, and turn on the ultrasonics for about ten minutes. Remove the foil and inspect: All three pieces of aluminum foil should be perforated and wrinkled to about the same degree.

Here's the inside of the tank:
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/FigRig/Ultrasonic/IMG_1007.jpg

Well, in my case, the strips looked totally different. 10minutes my a*s, the strip over the middle of the tank had a gaping hole in it in about 1 minute!:
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/FigRig/Ultrasonic/IMG_1009.jpg

That's the strip on the left. The one on the right was positioned over the right end of the tank.

Lastly, the strips positioned over the left end (where the big rectangle is) had seen very little cleaning action:
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/FigRig/Ultrasonic/IMG_1010.jpg

So if I put a beaker in the middle of the tank, it will see the most action. The question is though: is it safe??? I understand, the foil is thin and all, not like a brass cartridge, but still...

I'll have to find a place in Toronto that sells beakers, then give it a try with 50% vinegar followed by a rinse in baking soda.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/shafror/brass_45/IMG_0983.jpg
Yummmm...

 

[medic1050]

I bought beakers at Efton science supply next to the Yorkdale mall, it is the place with the giant telescope on the roof. I bought 400ml beakers and I can do 25 rifle cases per batch. I run the 6mmbr clean and shiny method. works great. If I add the lid and raise the beaker about .5cm from the bottom of the tank then the cleaning action is greatly improved but otherwise, 30 min water vinegar and dish soap, 20 min water and Birchwood-Cassey Brass Cleaner. Then a good rinse with HOT water from the tap until the water is no longer foaming the cases dry on a jerky rack that has small square mesh so they are held upside down, drying can be sped up with an air compressor.

 

[kfn]

I find a hair dryer ($5 at Value Village) does a great & quick job on drying the brass especially if you use the high setting so the hot brass evaporates any residual moisture. Thanks for your great report on the cleaner.