Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 16

Thread: Ultrasonic Parts Cleaning

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    3,198
    Feedback Score
    2 (100%)

    Ultrasonic Parts Cleaning

    I picked up an Ultrasonic cleaner last week, after using it a week I honestly don't know why I waited so long to buy one.

    It does an absolutely fantastic job of cleaning AR bolts and other small parts as well as taking nearly all of the carbon out of my Octane 45HD silencer. It has a "commercial" grade transducer as well as a heater that takes the solution temp up to 140 degrees.

    Since I've only had it a week I am pretty much still in the learning phase. I am using Hornady Ultrasonic parts cleaner cut 40:1 with water, per the directions.

    How many of you use an Ultrasonic and what are your tips / tricks for cleaning AR or other firearms parts?

    Do you do anything other than lube after you dry the parts, post cleaning?

    What cleaning solution do you use?
    Last edited by HKGuns; 11-28-14 at 09:53.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Past the second cattle guard, at the end of the gravel road
    Posts
    356
    Feedback Score
    20 (100%)
    I have a refurbished German made UT cleaner I bought at a gunshow.

    I bought it for cleaning my full auto SMGs, they are blowback and get very dirty, especially with a suppressor.
    My Sterling MkV has to be cleaned every 500 rounds the blowback with integral suppressor builds up so much carbon fouling it will start malfunctioning.

    I use my wife's blow dryer to dry the parts after cleaning to get all surface film of water removed.

    Be careful with aluminum. I was doing a quick dunk on some AR charging handles and it quickly ate away the anodizing.

    Lube thoroughly, all lube will be gone.

    Never stick your hand in when running, it will damage your bones.

    I just used it to clean up an old 1897 pump shotgun I am rebuilding. Stripped it clean, looks great . But I have some spots that missed lube and has a little rust bloom where bluing is gone.
    Last edited by Ready.Fire.Aim; 11-28-14 at 13:34.
    "Jill, if there's ever a problem, just walk out on the balcony ... take that double-barrel shotgun and fire two blasts outside the house,.." VP Joe Biden Feb 19, 2013

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    3,198
    Feedback Score
    2 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by Ready.Fire.Aim View Post
    Never stick your hand in when running, it will damage your bones.
    Seriously? I've been reaching around in there moving stuff around while running.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    221
    Feedback Score
    7 (100%)
    Checked it out online and there is a reference in the manual of dental assisting that says not to submerge body parts in the cleaner while it is operating as it "can be harmful to the tissues of the hand and to the bone marrow".

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    3,198
    Feedback Score
    2 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by bowietx View Post
    Checked it out online and there is a reference in the manual of dental assisting that says not to submerge body parts in the cleaner while it is operating as it "can be harmful to the tissues of the hand and to the bone marrow".
    Thanks, I did the same and have changed my method of interaction with the Ultrasonic.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    South West
    Posts
    830
    Feedback Score
    17 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by HKGuns View Post
    Seriously? I've been reaching around in there moving stuff around while running.
    I believe the ultrasonic frequencies adversely affect the bone marrow. Just how bad a little poking around once or twice is I do not know; I do think the damage is cumulative so now is a good time to stop


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    732
    Feedback Score
    2 (100%)
    I love using ultrasonic to clean parts! I'm just a little cautious as to when I use heat. Sometimes heat can be a bad thing on certain finishes.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Posts
    2,114
    Feedback Score
    0
    There's pro's and con's to using ultrasonic cleaners like everything else.
    Frequency changes can change the cleaning ability versus damage to many surfaces.
    Time in the "bath" must be a consideration, same as amplitude of the cleaner.
    How you rinse the bath to remove the cleaners.
    How you "desiccate" the parts after it"s cleaned to remove any water.
    How you re-oil or protect the surfaces, or protect them afterward.
    It's not as straight foreword process that is posted by advertisers.
    I do use ultra sonic cleaners, but it's not as simple as many sellers claim. It's part of a process, not the whole process.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    818
    Feedback Score
    31 (100%)
    I've somehow messed with the finish on a BCM BCG. I'm sure it was my fault and I don't know what I did (maybe used too much solution/per water) but it left stains......similar to having bleach stains on a towel or something.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    N.E. OH
    Posts
    6,742
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by scoutfsu99 View Post
    I've somehow messed with the finish on a BCM BCG. I'm sure it was my fault and I don't know what I did (maybe used too much solution/per water) but it left stains......similar to having bleach stains on a towel or something.
    Even after re-lubing? If so, try putting it back in the ultrasonic bath with clean water, maybe some detergent/cleaner soaked in or something.

    Some things to consider. If using a water-based bath, diping the parts in alcohol will remove the water, and dry much faster/more complete. There's always WD40 as well.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •