Ultra Sonic Case Cleaners
- Thread starter ASTRYX
- Start date
generally speaking I have found that my ultrasonic cleaner demands more attention. Mine only runs for 8 minutes on a cycle, and about 3 cycles are required for good results. then the brass must be neutralized (I am using a vinegar/soap/water mix, the neutralization is necessary to prevent brass discolouration) and thoroughly rinsed and dried (in the oven when the wife isnt looking)
This method also cleans the inside of the casing and the primer pocket (if you deprime first)
The tumbler requires less babysitting, I set it up on a timer to run when I am at work (4 hour cycle seems to work well) and when I get home the brass is ready. The tumbler also processes more brass per batch compared to my little ultrasonic cleaner (although in my case the ultrasonic will process more in less time) I can also add a polishing compound to make it nice and shiny when it comes out.
The tumbler does not really clean the inside, and if you tumble deprimed brass the media will tend to get wedged inside the primer flash hole (depending on the media size) witch will require you to manually remove it.
Currently I prefer the tumbler, as it does not require me to babysit it and dry the brass afterwards, cosmetically the brass is nicer with the polishing action, and did I mention that I dont have to do anything with it until I feel like it? (if you leave your brass in the ultrasonic cleaner, depending on the solution you can end up with some interesting looking metal)
I hope this helps, I am pretty new to the whole thing so I am still experimenting to find what I like the best.
Good luck.
This method also cleans the inside of the casing and the primer pocket (if you deprime first)
The tumbler requires less babysitting, I set it up on a timer to run when I am at work (4 hour cycle seems to work well) and when I get home the brass is ready. The tumbler also processes more brass per batch compared to my little ultrasonic cleaner (although in my case the ultrasonic will process more in less time) I can also add a polishing compound to make it nice and shiny when it comes out.
The tumbler does not really clean the inside, and if you tumble deprimed brass the media will tend to get wedged inside the primer flash hole (depending on the media size) witch will require you to manually remove it.
Currently I prefer the tumbler, as it does not require me to babysit it and dry the brass afterwards, cosmetically the brass is nicer with the polishing action, and did I mention that I dont have to do anything with it until I feel like it? (if you leave your brass in the ultrasonic cleaner, depending on the solution you can end up with some interesting looking metal)
I hope this helps, I am pretty new to the whole thing so I am still experimenting to find what I like the best.
Good luck.
I actually prefer the ultrasonic cleaner. I found that LAGOSTINA cleaner works amazingly well and i dont have to neutralize it after im done bcuz there is no acidic properties of it...so just that and water and boom done. And i only use a teaspoon at a time
The tumbler for me was tooo noisy and the media is messy and didn't clean my primer pickets or the inside of the case.
This is what i use
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/p...T<>prd_id=845524441892671&bmUID=1311920086999
The tumbler for me was tooo noisy and the media is messy and didn't clean my primer pickets or the inside of the case.
This is what i use
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/p...T<>prd_id=845524441892671&bmUID=1311920086999
Astryx
I use/discovered the Lagostina solution here is a link to my thread about it. I think that you will find the pictures that I have posted VERY INTERESTING.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=627575
As cigarbuff has already stated it is very easy and inexpensive solution. One pint water, one tablespoon Lagostina powder and throw some brass in for a 480 second bath. I rinse my shells after the bath as I find that they get a powdery white film if I don't.
Basher
I use/discovered the Lagostina solution here is a link to my thread about it. I think that you will find the pictures that I have posted VERY INTERESTING.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=627575
As cigarbuff has already stated it is very easy and inexpensive solution. One pint water, one tablespoon Lagostina powder and throw some brass in for a 480 second bath. I rinse my shells after the bath as I find that they get a powdery white film if I don't.
Basher
I gave the Lagostina solution a go after reading Bashers thread when it first came out. The stuff was only $4.99 so what could I lose. It works not too bad. I like the job it does in the primer pockets. I find the drying process a bit of a pain, but I developed a routine that begins with compressed air. That quickens the job.
On a side note, depriming dented cases while they're slightly damp will push some of the dents out.
On a side note, depriming dented cases while they're slightly damp will push some of the dents out.
Rotary tumbler with the stainless pins puts all other systems to shame. Lots of threads regarding this in here
I picked up my ultrasonic cleaner from ebay. It actually came from Vancouver though. I paid significantly less than anything found in the stores.
it is a 2L electronically controlled one with a water heater inside. Cost me 100$.
I was in Red Deer last Christmas and they had a stall in the mall selling my exact model and they were trying to sell it for IIRC 250$ or so for my 2L model so I was pretty happy with how much I paid.
Whatever you do, Don't buy the Hornady one, it is simply a generic model that has just been rebranded by Hornady and costs much more than its generic counterpart that just doesn't have the Hornady name on it. If you look on Ebay you will probably find one of the non-hornady cleaners that looks exactly the same but is white.
You will want something with at least 2Litre capacity otherwise you won't be able to fit much inside.
As for solutions. Right now I'm using a mix of water, white vinegar and some jet dry as suggested on here.
I was in Canadian Tire yesterday and looked for the langostina stuff but I couldn't find it. I was in the cleaning section, next time I'll look where the pots and pans are.
While I agree stainless media is probably the best case cleaning method, the best thing about the Ultrasonic though for me is that I can use it for more things than just brass. I clean smaller gun parts in it as well as my fiancée's jewelry, sunglasses, watches, and many other things. Don't limit yourself to brass with it.
I also live in an apartment so the quietness of the ultrasonic is also a big win for me.
If you are thinking about a tumbler though for sure get a rotary tumbler with stainless media.
it is a 2L electronically controlled one with a water heater inside. Cost me 100$.
I was in Red Deer last Christmas and they had a stall in the mall selling my exact model and they were trying to sell it for IIRC 250$ or so for my 2L model so I was pretty happy with how much I paid.
Whatever you do, Don't buy the Hornady one, it is simply a generic model that has just been rebranded by Hornady and costs much more than its generic counterpart that just doesn't have the Hornady name on it. If you look on Ebay you will probably find one of the non-hornady cleaners that looks exactly the same but is white.
You will want something with at least 2Litre capacity otherwise you won't be able to fit much inside.
As for solutions. Right now I'm using a mix of water, white vinegar and some jet dry as suggested on here.
I was in Canadian Tire yesterday and looked for the langostina stuff but I couldn't find it. I was in the cleaning section, next time I'll look where the pots and pans are.
While I agree stainless media is probably the best case cleaning method, the best thing about the Ultrasonic though for me is that I can use it for more things than just brass. I clean smaller gun parts in it as well as my fiancée's jewelry, sunglasses, watches, and many other things. Don't limit yourself to brass with it.
I also live in an apartment so the quietness of the ultrasonic is also a big win for me.
If you are thinking about a tumbler though for sure get a rotary tumbler with stainless media.
I also simply like soap and hot water! haha...Im using the chicago power tools unit that harbour freight sells. I bought it off of ebay for $75
I love it. and so does my girlfriend once i cleaned her jewlerry as well
just don't put her gems in it or you will be sorry... gold only.
