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Post by lars on Jan 9, 2021 9:44:48 GMT -8
Considering one for cleaning small engine carbs, but would be quite happy if it did double duty. Anybody use one, and if so what size is most useful to you?
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Post by nebrzephyr on Jan 9, 2021 13:51:18 GMT -8
I have a small one I think it's labeled as "jewel cleaner" style/size. Primarily use is to clean the "peanut butter" grease out of gears. Years ago I had a much larger one that I could use in stripping rolling stock/locamotive shells.
Bob
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Post by edwardsutorik on Jan 9, 2021 16:14:21 GMT -8
Bob,
Paint stripping sounds interesting. How'd it work? What kind of solvent? Did it all just "fall off", or did you still have to do that work thing? I suspect that NO ONE likes to strip paint, and so something that makes it less unpleasant can get a person's attention.
Ed
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Post by edgecrusher on Jan 11, 2021 6:50:30 GMT -8
I have a very old one that's about a two cup size. I mostly use it for cleaning carburetor parts. But aside from cleaning gears and such, I've found that its great for taking the wax film off of 3D printed parts.
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Post by nebrzephyr on Jan 11, 2021 8:11:06 GMT -8
Bob, Paint stripping sounds interesting. How'd it work? What kind of solvent? Did it all just "fall off", or did you still have to do that work thing? I suspect that NO ONE likes to strip paint, and so something that makes it less unpleasant can get a person's attention. Ed ED....this is WAY back before we knew the wonders of 91% alcohol. I use a variety of "strippers" including the commercial hobby stuff and other de-greasers. Also, found out real quick NEVER use Pine Sol.
As to effectiveness, you still needed to use the tooth brush to really get all the nooks and creases clean.
Bob
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Post by edwardsutorik on Jan 11, 2021 12:17:04 GMT -8
As to effectiveness, you still needed to use the tooth brush to really get all the nooks and creases clean. In my best Maynard G. Krebs voice: WORK! Ed
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Post by lars on Jan 11, 2021 18:49:55 GMT -8
Great! Sounds like I don't need anything bigger than what I was considering for small engine work.
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Post by fr8kar on Jan 11, 2021 19:00:05 GMT -8
I have a very old one that's about a two cup size. I mostly use it for cleaning carburetor parts. But aside from cleaning gears and such, I've found that its great for taking the wax film off of 3D printed parts. What liquid do you use for that?
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Post by edgecrusher on Jan 12, 2021 7:17:21 GMT -8
I have a very old one that's about a two cup size. I mostly use it for cleaning carburetor parts. But aside from cleaning gears and such, I've found that its great for taking the wax film off of 3D printed parts. What liquid do you use for that? Just straight Simple Green for about 5 minutes, works really well. Then I rinse with warm water. I actually think it was you that suggested it in the first place. I just figured doing it in the ultrasonic cleaner might speed up the process.
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Post by Paul Cutler III on Jan 12, 2021 8:24:16 GMT -8
I've used an ultrasonic cleaner to clean metal wheelsets. At my club, we have a large (300+) fleet of club-owned freight cars, and after years of use they get dirty. Instead of cleaning one wheel at a time, we took the axles out of 25 cars (100 wheelsets) and threw them in the ultrasonic cleaner. Rinse and repeat.
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Post by markfj on Jan 14, 2021 7:48:39 GMT -8
I have the 2.5 Liter Ultrasonic Cleaner from Harbor Freight. I think I paid about $40 for mine, but it currently lists for $84.99. Although I have used it for model train parts, it was primarily used to clean jewelry that I was selling on eBay about a year ago. (Side note: selling jewelry was an “adventure” to say the least. I stick to buying & selling trains now!) Product page link: CENTRAL MACHINERY 2.5 Liter Ultrasonic Cleaner Like was mentioned above, Simple Green works just fine if you’re cleaning driveline parts like gears, gear towers, or wheels and axles. I used it for final cleaning meaning I remove as much grease, oil, and dirt with rags and “Q” tips first. In other words, it is not a like a dishwasher; precleaning gives better results. It’s handy to have one, but some might say you really don’t need one for model train work. Thanks, Mark
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Post by Colin 't Hart on Jan 16, 2021 11:15:27 GMT -8
Which liquids other than water are safe to use in an ultrasonic cleaner?
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Post by edgecrusher on Jan 19, 2021 7:05:47 GMT -8
Which liquids other than water are safe to use in an ultrasonic cleaner? I have put everything acetone and brake cleaner to straight gasoline in mine depending on what I'm cleaning. That said mine is entirely stainless steel as was made in the 70's. I'd imagine on any of the newer units you'd want to stick to plastic safe chemicals.
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Jan 26, 2021 10:18:58 GMT -8
I recently picked the harbor freight cleaner, still in the box so far. I learned that there are dozens of videos on using them for cleaning fire arms ammo brass before reloading. Search clean brass on the video channel. Lots of different formulations of cleaning materials. Water, soap and some dish cleaner booster Called Lemi Shine got best results in the videos I watched. Truly a YMMV deal. Others use a brass cleaner concentrate by Hornaday the bullet maker, others used vinegar in water and combos of such. I’d say gasoline would indicate a death wish.
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Post by thunderhawk on Feb 4, 2021 14:56:13 GMT -8
I use denatured alcohol in it. Holds about a gallon. Haven't burned down the shop yet.
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