Low Cost Ultrasonic Cleaner?

[ultralight]

Read enough to know I'd like a ultrasonic cleaner to clean out my reels.

Would a cheapie ebay unit with 35 watts such as this work well for reels? Or do I need something much better?

Thanks,
UL



http://cgi.ebay.com/DIGITAL-ULTRASONIC- ... dZViewItem

[ChuckE]

ultralight,
The price on that model is good, but I'm not sure it would be big enough for a reel frame, if that's what you have in mind. When I UC a frame, I like to make sure it doesn't touch the walls and is completely covered. A 2 pint or larger unit is probably going to be big enough for a frame.

35 watts is the bare minimum I'd look for. 50 would be better because it will have a better duty cycle and less tendancy to overheat...

s/h is about twice what I'd expect to pay... looks like that is how the vendor is reducing eBay fees.

Chuck

[Thor]

Agree on all points. There are some units that provide uniform cleaning everywhere in the envelope, rather than just the center. Cheap and good quality typically do not come together.

[ultralight]

Thanks! Can you guys suggest some models? Again, this is not going to be used for a business or commercial enterprise so extreme duty ability is not necessary. I know that some units can cost in the many hundreds.

Thanks,
UL

[Thor]

UL,

Don't concern yourself with marketing hype and terms, such as, "industrial". Get one you can afford and use it, only then will you know if this application works for you.

I know a guy who loves to clean "stuff" on his back porch during pretty days, and I mean, for hours. I take no pleasure in cleaning things, it is simply something that needs to be done, so ultrasonic cleaners work for me.

Branson makes a few tabletop models that are in the $150 area. Ask the vendors specific questions, determine the level of expertise and customer service, follow the directions and never use water alone. Good luck.

[REEL LIFE]

Thor wrote:

...and never use water alone.

How come? Because it doesn't work well or because it will cause a problem of some kind?

[Thor]

Water, alone, does not work well. Cannot say if any damage would result but, then again, have not tried aluminum foil in the microwave either.

[ChuckE]

reellife wrote:

How come? Because it doesn't work well or because it will cause a problem of some kind?

Ultrasonics do seem to work better if a wetting agent is added to the water. Soap is a good wetting agent.

Chuck

[ChuckE]

Here's a little more info on ultrasonics:
http://www.tmasc.com/ultrasonic_cleaning_process.htm

Chuck

[matrix]

I almost bought a similar one last year in Taiwan, pretty cheap too. If you end up getting one UL, do let us know how useful it is

[GAMEOVER]

Are those the same things used by home made ammo makers? I think they throw the bullet shell caseings in there to polish and/or clean them before they are made into a live round. If they are I think I have one laying around at my ma's house.

[matrix]

Your local Optometrist should have one

[REEL LIFE]

Thor and Chuck thanks guys, I'm looking at buying a good ultrasonic soon and just trying to get all my research done. Thank you again.