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Old 01-30-2019, 11:22 AM   #1
Quarry Creeper
 
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Default Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

So it seems like an ultrasonic cleaner may be a great investment to help clean dirty bearings and parts, but I'm looking for recommendations from those who have used one.

I'm looking for something big enough to clean multiple parts at a time (i.e. a-arms) but "budget friendly" if possible, since I don't plan to use it more than a few times per month.

Thanks in advance.
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Old 01-30-2019, 11:32 AM   #2
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

Second hand industrial grade. (2.5 - 10 liters)
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Old 01-30-2019, 11:57 AM   #3
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

I bought a no-name 500w 10L ultrasonic cleaner (~$150) a few years ago specifically for cleaning motorcycle carburetors and single cylinder engine parts. I think the heat does just as much for cleaning as anything, so definitely get a unit with heat... but you may want to leave the heat off when dealing with plastic parts. If you just intend to use it for small/rc parts, one of the 2L cleaners ($50-$80) should be plenty big enough, but you might find more uses for it, so consider a larger unit than you think you need (space allowing.) While they will clean the gunk out of bearings, you'll need a reliable way to displace the water, which is not as easy as some WD40 on tiny "sealed" bearings. I use aluminum safe/aircraft Simple Green (yet it's purple?) as a degreaser, followed up by a hot water rinse, finishing with the blowgun for drying.
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Old 01-30-2019, 12:03 PM   #4
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheLetterJ View Post
I use aluminum safe/aircraft Simple Green (yet it's purple?) as a degreaser, followed up by a hot water rinse, finishing with the blowgun for drying.
I have Simple Green, but it sounds like I need another type of Simple Green? I'll check that out.

I'll look for a heated unit, although, I see some people simply adding hot water in the tub. I guess that wouldn't be very consistent.

Thanks for the ideas!
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Old 01-30-2019, 01:13 PM   #5
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

Harbor freight has one a friend picked up for gun parts. he likes it, works very well with the Dollar Tree Awesome Orange cleaner in a 50/50 mix with water
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Old 02-01-2019, 07:30 AM   #6
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

Totally forgot; jewelry cleaners are very handy and super cheap.
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Old 02-01-2019, 07:36 AM   #7
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

Thanks for all the replies!

I ordered a 2.5L heated unit from Amazon and should have it this weekend.

I'm looking forward to cleaning all the things!

Side question: For a degreasing solution, is all-purpose Simple Green going to work or should I go with the Pro HD or industrial version? I'd like to stay away from solvents if possible.
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Old 02-01-2019, 07:49 AM   #8
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

Simple green or dish soap will work just fine.

Don't turn the heat up too high because a lot of plastics will warp.
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Old 02-01-2019, 07:55 AM   #9
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 4wd4ws View Post
Don't turn the heat up too high because a lot of plastics will warp.
Yeah, I'll probably only feel comfortable with it being "warm" rather than hot.
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Old 02-25-2019, 12:58 PM   #10
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

Just to update this thread. I ended up getting a 2.5L unit and have been cleaning everything from electric shaver blades to RC car parts and this thing is amazing.

I can't wait to use it in the summer, where my fast RC's tend to get dust and dirt in every single crevice and my crawlers will most definitely get dirty
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Old 08-15-2019, 01:24 PM   #11
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

Recent updates on how you're liking the cleaner?
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Old 08-15-2019, 01:29 PM   #12
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

Quote:
Originally Posted by mtdriver View Post
Recent updates on how you're liking the cleaner?
While it's not something I use "all the time", it's been an amazing investment!

I picked up a used SCX10.2 in "mint condition" that was dirty as heck, and I stripped it down and put pretty much all the parts in the ultrasonic and they came out looking like new!

I've been using it for cleaning tools, and will soon try it with a rusty bike chain.

I only ever use one of a combination of the following: water, vinegar, dish soap, simple green. Haven'g tried any other solutions, but these have worked well for just about everything.
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Old 08-22-2019, 10:15 AM   #13
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

Great idea and thanks for the update!
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Old 09-05-2019, 09:30 PM   #14
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

I use this one I got off Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is very effective at cleaning stuff. Something I've learned is that you can use water, then put your part to be cleaned in a plastic zip lock bag with the cleaning solution and dunk it in the tank. The ultrasonic cleaner will clean the part as well as if it were just submerged in the tank. I guess the sonic waves travel through the plastic bag without any problems. Sure makes clean up of the tank much easier.
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Old 11-13-2019, 10:52 AM   #15
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

I've found placing parts in a small tub like a peanut butter jar keep you from wasting cleaning solution for smaller parts.
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Old 11-20-2019, 06:55 AM   #16
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Default Re: Can you recommend an ultrasonic cleaner?

I should also mention if getting a cheaper unit always go for the one with analog dials...the digital ones suck and don't last as long. Same with soldering stations the digital ones take too long to adjust and just feel cheaper.
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