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Posted: 3/23/2017 8:40:03 PM EDT
I just spent over an hour cleaning my Tacsol Axiom after shooting about 500 rounds. I took it apart and let it soak in Mineral Spirits for two days, used a pick, bronze brush, lead removal pad and a hell of a lot of elbow grease.
I can't imagine having to do this much work after every 500 rounds. What are you guys using to clean yours? Wet tumbler with stainless pins? Vibratory with media? A Blowtorch! 
Any advice you can provide will be greatly appreciated. 
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Posted: 3/23/2017 8:50:40 PM EDT
[#1]
http://www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
Great write up. If you don't want to read the whole thing, basically you need to buy a rotary tumbler and stainless steel pins. Add a bit of powdered dishsoap and enough water to barely cover your baffles. Set it to run 3-6 hours depending on effectiveness. If you want to make cleanup easier, read the above link about using silicone oil. Note that this information only works for stainless steel or titanium baffles like the OP's. Aluminum users have to find another way 
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Posted: 3/23/2017 8:52:03 PM EDT
[#2]
I clean mine after every use in my ultra sonic cleaner, it doesn't come out spotless, but I don't have to spend hours cleaning it either.
I have SS baffles. |
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Posted: 3/23/2017 8:58:00 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I clean mine after every use in my ultra sonic cleaner, it doesn't come out spotless, but I don't have to spend hours cleaning it either. I have SS baffles. |
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Posted: 3/23/2017 8:59:48 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
http://www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html Great write up. If you don't want to read the whole thing, basically you need to buy a rotary tumbler and stainless steel pins. Add a bit of powdered dishsoap and enough water to barely cover your baffles. Set it to run 3-6 hours depending on effectiveness. If you want to make cleanup easier, read the above link about using silicone oil. Note that this information only works for stainless steel or titanium baffles like the OP's. Aluminum users have to find another way |
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Posted: 3/23/2017 10:56:26 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thanks. Great and thorough write up. Now it looks like I just need to spend another $300 to clean my suppressor. Oh well, nothing related to suppressors is cheap I guess. At least I can also make all my cases look like new as well. |
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Posted: 3/23/2017 11:30:27 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Get a rotary tumbler from harbor freight and the ss oins on amazon. Under $100. Ran mine for 6 hours yesterday and the baffles came out almost spotless. |
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Posted: 3/23/2017 11:49:11 PM EDT
[#7]
I got the dual drum one. Some people have made a single long tube out of pvc pipe. I put probably 2 lbs in one drum with water and dawn soap. It was my first run so still learning. Probably had 1000 rounds without cleaning my form 3 suppressor.
Wait until its on sale and use a 20% off coupon which are all over the internet. |
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Posted: 3/23/2017 11:51:07 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I am guessing you are talking about one of their rock tumblers? The dual barrel one looks interesting and is only a few $ more. How many pounds of media do you use per barrel? what liquid do you use? |
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Posted: 3/24/2017 12:41:52 AM EDT
[#9]
Don't worry about it, it doesn't need to be that clean. Just make sure the threads are clean.
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Posted: 3/24/2017 6:04:46 AM EDT
[#10]
Out of curiosity (since my rimfire can is still in jail), would it be easier to clean my rimfire can if I only ever ran plated .22 ammo through it (to reduce the amount of leading)? Or is .22 ammo so dirty regardless that they will always get significantly dirty and be a bit of a pain to clean?
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Posted: 3/24/2017 7:19:43 AM EDT
[#11]
^^^^ Rimfire ammo is some nastily dirty stuff. I will say I have seen some minute difference between copper plated and copper washed.
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Posted: 3/24/2017 9:11:09 AM EDT
[#12]
An hour for 500 rounds? I would say you're probably WAY over cleaning that thing.
Just get the big chunks of lead out, there's no need to get it perfectly new looking. |
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Posted: 3/24/2017 9:25:12 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
An hour for 500 rounds? I would say you're probably WAY over cleaning that thing. Just get the big chunks of lead out, there's no need to get it perfectly new looking. I see far too many people over cleaning and stressing over every carbon spot. |
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Posted: 3/24/2017 10:08:26 AM EDT
[#14]
I have an spectre that I clean once a year. It gets 4,000 rounds a year on full auto 22 through it on a 4.5 inch barrel. It is nasty as hell but after 12 hours in a tumbler with SS pins 98% of the junk is gone. Like others said there is no point in getting it squeaky clean.
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Posted: 3/24/2017 11:15:10 AM EDT
[#15]
After cleaning mine by hand 2x I decided I would finally get a wet tumbler since I already needed one for cleaning brass. Can't wait to clean it again and not have to spend hours trying to get it spotless.
And you don't have to spend $300 on a wet tumber. I think I spent $100 for my entire setup (HF dual drum for about $70 and SS pins from Amazon/GunTap for about $25). |
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Posted: 3/24/2017 11:40:16 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
An hour for 500 rounds? I would say you're probably WAY over cleaning that thing. Just get the big chunks of lead out, there's no need to get it perfectly new looking. |
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Posted: 3/24/2017 11:51:54 AM EDT
[#17]
Get the Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler. It's direct drive, the drum is awesome, and it's only like $125-150 and comes with stainless pins.
I do the silicone oil thing too. I've learned not to get too anal about cleaning all the oil off completely squeaky dry too, just do the best you can with a couple paper towels. |
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Posted: 3/24/2017 6:41:48 PM EDT
[#18]
I have an axiom with around 1000 rounds and I just recently knocked the chucks out of it. Really no need to clean it at 500 rounds. In fact it got quieter after about 200 rounds due to the crap on the baffles.
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Posted: 3/27/2017 2:26:20 AM EDT
[#19]
Lead vapor depositing is impressive, but not in a good way.
I have a Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler with stainless steel pins, powdered dish detergent, wet. I generally clean rimfire cans about every 1500 rounds if I feel like it. Just finished my Axiom baffles today. I kid you not, I have been rolling those baffles off and on for over a week, ~10-15 hours per day. Dumb 3-hour timed switch which I've been too lazy to defeat and change. Just knocked off the big chunks and didn't do any pick scraping. Distal baffles clean inside and out within the first few days. The blast baffle and next in line are clean outside with heavy lead deposits through inside, just starting to wear. I said screw it, called it good. I've been looking for some small ceramic media, more aggressive than stainless pins. Mineral spirits is worthless. Oh yeah, don't rotary tumble your Axiom baffle sleeve. It rolls the tube inward taking it out of round. Baffles don't seem to fit as well. No big deal. Mask baffles currently in Dip jar. Wish I could do the same with Axiom baffles, but I like my Axiom enough that I don't mind the extra effort. |
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Posted: 3/27/2017 8:28:44 AM EDT
[#20]
I cleaned my MASK last Friday. It took me about 45Min from start to finish. Wasn't bad at all just took a little elbow grease. I used some bronze and nylon brushes and a dental type pick with a flat end. I had well over 500rds thru mine closer to 1,000. I never really kept count. It has been used on my CZ455 17HMR less than 20RDS and the rest was all 10/22 & M&P22c using Agulia Subs & Standards in the rifle and random bulk pack stuff in the pistol. I did do the pre-treat of the baffles in the oven then dipped in Dot 5 brake fluid. After cleaning this time I skipped the heating method and just soaked them in the brake fluid for 2-3 min. Some of the pics show the baffles half clean. I did go back and clean them all to the level of the most shiniest one shown. The only one that was a real bugger to clean was the first baffle with the weird little ring on the bottom. The lead bulid up was pretty bad and I was tired when I got to it. (it was the last one I done)
I will be buying a tumbler in the future but as of now this method will have to work. Not as bad as others have made it out to be.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
free uploader |
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Posted: 3/27/2017 1:31:38 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I cleaned my MASK last Friday. It took me about 45Min from start to finish. Wasn't bad at all just took a little elbow grease. I used some bronze and nylon brushes and a dental type pick with a flat end. I had well over 500rds thru mine closer to 1,000. I never really kept count. It has been used on my CZ455 17HMR less than 20RDS and the rest was all 10/22 & M&P22c using Agulia Subs & Standards in the rifle and random bulk pack stuff in the pistol. I did do the pre-treat of the baffles in the oven then dipped in Dot 5 brake fluid. After cleaning this time I skipped the heating method and just soaked them in the brake fluid for 2-3 min. Some of the pics show the baffles half clean. I did go back and clean them all to the level of the most shiniest one shown. The only one that was a real bugger to clean was the first baffle with the weird little ring on the bottom. The lead bulid up was pretty bad and I was tired when I got to it. (it was the last one I done) I will be buying a tumbler in the future but as of now this method will have to work. Not as bad as others have made it out to be. https://s12.postimg.org/y6g35wyrx/IMG_2339.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/6x4prexot/IMG_2340.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/6yenktzil/IMG_2341.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/yn1ascmj1/IMG_2349.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/3u3zo1iq5/IMG_2350.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/mayeeuyod/IMG_2351.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/73n088w7h/IMG_2352.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/8wpwwkhe5/IMG_2353.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/4c3qhmxot/IMG_2354.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/l156djua5/IMG_2356.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/c7e9wg7bh/IMG_2357.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/5i7qgflzh/IMG_2358.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/vrssz87wt/IMG_2359.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/45q1ejojx/IMG_2360.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/yoftzidql/IMG_2362.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/8u619qdql/IMG_2363.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/u586rql8t/IMG_2364.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/751jfenf1/IMG_2365.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/3mpjj0mj1/IMG_2366.jpg https://s12.postimg.org/o84bax43x/IMG_2367.jpg free uploader 
I purchased the HF tumbler and steel from Amazon. I will be ready the next time this thing needs cleaning. |
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Posted: 3/27/2017 2:29:59 PM EDT
[#22]
Can someone post a link to the TUMBLER AND PINS? Basically everything you need for this method? I am so freaking sick of cleaning my 22 cans. It has to be a health hazard too. The lead dust and chemicals. Can't be good for you.
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Posted: 3/27/2017 3:15:14 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Can someone post a link to the TUMBLER AND PINS? Basically everything you need for this method? I am so freaking sick of cleaning my 22 cans. It has to be a health hazard too. The lead dust and chemicals. Can't be good for you. |
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Posted: 3/27/2017 3:32:02 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Buy the FART - Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler. It will come with a bag of SS pins. Check Amazon or google search it. |
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Posted: 3/27/2017 3:46:12 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I cleaned my MASK last Friday. It took me about 45Min from start to finish. Wasn't bad at all just took a little elbow grease. Awww man, you just cleaned the seasoning off the baffles. |
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Posted: 3/27/2017 3:52:47 PM EDT
[#26]
I've never cleaned any of my 22 cans. They all still come apart fine.
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Posted: 3/27/2017 4:41:22 PM EDT
[#27]
A friend used CLR, the bathroom/kitchen cleaner, on his axiom baffles, most of the build up just wiped off after an hour of soaking.
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Posted: 3/27/2017 4:50:47 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thanks! And this is SAFE for aluminum parts as well? I see the article that many refer to above says very clearly he did not test this method with aluminum and has no idea what would happen with aluminum. What makes more sense to me is find a media that can remove lead but not harm aluminum. I wonder if a copper media would work. Seams like it would be tough enough to knock lead off but may be too much for the aluminum. Found this chart maybe someone can make something of it. Their seams to be alot of different types of metals between Lead and Aluminium that could possibly be used.  online photo storage
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Posted: 3/27/2017 5:37:07 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
An hour for 500 rounds? I would say you're probably WAY over cleaning that thing. Just get the big chunks of lead out, there's no need to get it perfectly new looking. Knock the big stuff out and call it good. |
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Posted: 3/27/2017 9:04:38 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Awww man, you just cleaned the seasoning off the baffles.
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Posted: 3/27/2017 10:53:16 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thanks! And this is SAFE for aluminum parts as well? I see the article that many refer to above says very clearly he did not test this method with aluminum and has no idea what would happen with aluminum. Harbor Freight also sells a small 1 or 2 drum rock polisher tumbler which is cheaper than the FART. And you can buy a bag of SS pins online. I would caution you to do your own research into tumbling aluminum parts however. |
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Posted: 3/28/2017 12:16:17 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Can someone post a link to the TUMBLER AND PINS? Basically everything you need for this method? I am so freaking sick of cleaning my 22 cans. It has to be a health hazard too. The lead dust and chemicals. Can't be good for you. Tumbler Stainless media $83 for both with 20% coupon |
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Posted: 3/28/2017 11:30:37 PM EDT
[#33]
I have a Gemtech Mist for my 10/22. Not sure if the entire barrel would fit in a tumbler, but I use a baking soda blaster. If you want to spend the time (45 min) it will look like new. Less time could be spent if you aren't picky. And it doesn't hurt the finish. Just my experience..
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Posted: 3/28/2017 11:55:20 PM EDT
[#34]
I've got a Sparrow.
Over 11k rounds, some full auto. Never cleaned. Still comes apart fine. Still works fine. Buildup isn't what you'd expect. LOVE that monocore :) |
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Posted: 3/29/2017 8:59:12 AM EDT
[#35]
Safe to put the sparrow monocore in a tumbler?
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Posted: 3/29/2017 9:45:12 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Safe to put the sparrow monocore in a tumbler? |
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Posted: 3/29/2017 10:30:21 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've got a Sparrow. Over 11k rounds, some full auto. Never cleaned. Still comes apart fine. Still works fine. Buildup isn't what you'd expect. LOVE that monocore :) |
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Posted: 3/29/2017 11:27:06 AM EDT
[#38]
I soak the baffles overnight in Seafoam and then take a brass punch to the thick crud (not with a hammer, just scraping by hand). Once the main chunks are gone I just clean up with a steel wire brush.
Not as easy as tumblers of course, but I don't clean my can enough to justify putting $100+ into it. |
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Posted: 3/29/2017 2:01:30 PM EDT
[#39]
Well, I shot another 1k rounds over the last week and just ran my Axiom baffles through the HF tumbler. It took about 3 hours, but the baffles look almost new. There are some light lead streaks here and there but certainly very clean. I imagine a few more hours and they would be completely clean, but as is said, they don't need to be that clean. This was definitely a whole lot faster than hand cleaning. I'd recommend this method for cleaning your stainless or Ti baffles.
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Posted: 3/29/2017 3:00:09 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I read on another thread that a guy was using SS media to tumble aluminum baffles and said it was 100% ok. I dont know if its safe, but would like for someone to do a test. I am strongly considering a Warlock 2 so this is some info I have been searching for with no solid proof that is does harm. 
I have a Harbor Freight tumbler and made a PVC double length tube. I tumbled the baffles dry in SS pins. I did run them a long time... guess I wanted them purdy! ETA: Went and searched for my old post - I tumbled them for 48 hours. They were filthy to begin with, though. Had I put fewer rounds through them before cleaning I probably would not have to have gone that long. |
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Posted: 3/29/2017 3:05:38 PM EDT
[#41]
I just bought the Hornady 9L ultrasonic cleaner and it's going to be delivered Friday.
They say you can use it to clean aluminum safely... but ... They do say it's absolutely safe to clean your entire AR upper, but the anodizing might protect the aluminum... don't know about bare aluminum. I am contemplating using WD40 as the liquid for ultrasonic cleaning of the baffles - my understanding is that WD40 does not harm aluminum. |
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Posted: 3/29/2017 6:17:20 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't know if you are referring to a post I made, but here are my aluminum baffles out of my Gemtech G5-22: http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s484/criley56/baffles%201_zpsj5i9yuir.jpg I have a Harbor Freight tumbler and made a PVC double length tube. I tumbled the baffles dry in SS pins. I did run them a long time... guess I wanted them purdy! ETA: Went and searched for my old post - I tumbled them for 48 hours. They were filthy to begin with, though. Had I put fewer rounds through them before cleaning I probably would not have to have gone that long. |
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Posted: 3/29/2017 6:47:02 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How much more can your double length tube handle versus the 2 that come with the HF tumbler? Also, I only have to open and close one container instead of two. |
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Posted: 3/29/2017 7:00:05 PM EDT
[#44]
I've owned a Gemtech Multimount for years, with Aluminum baffles, and always cleaned it by tumbling in SS media. Never a problem.
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