Posted: 4/22/2017 9:21:38 PM EDT
|
Does it make a difference of the basket is stainless or plastic as far as how the cleaner functions?I
Does the basket have to hang or can it touch the bottom? I bought a used Branson 2200 and it doesn't have a basket. I don't really feel like spending $100+ for a replacement basket so I was going to order one of the plastic ones that come with those cheap harbor freight units or maybe a basket for a deep fryer |
|
Are you talking about ultrasonic case cleaner or something else.
I use the Harbor Freight unit. I take the plastic rack out and I put them in a container filled with homemade cleaner and surround the container with water. http://www.6mmbr.com/ultrasonic.html 
Brass dirty: 
Same brass clean: 
|
|
On the larger, commercial duty types the manufacturers almost always state not to lay anything on the bottom of the tank. In my work I used to use a Branson and now use a Crest and both employ a hanging basket. Stainless is more durable and can withstand higher heat, of course. The basket for the cleaners are fucking ridiculously priced, though, and always sold separately.
Ultrasonic cleaners are extremely effective, but make sure to read the instructions and now how to use it most effectively and also what it won't do. |
|
Quoted:
On the larger, commercial duty types the manufacturers almost always state not to lay anything on the bottom of the tank. In my work I used to use a Branson and now use a Crest and both employ a hanging basket. Stainless is more durable and can withstand higher heat, of course. The basket for the cleaners are fucking ridiculously priced, though, and always sold separately. Ultrasonic cleaners are extremely effective, but make sure to read the instructions and now how to use it most effectively and also what it won't do. For $15 I'll give the plastic basket a try. The basket is made for the same size tank as my unit has so I would think it should fit |
|
Quoted:
I've been reading up but haven't found any clear answers. I saw the Branson units say not to have objects laying directly on the bottom of the tank but didn't know if that included the basket or not For $15 I'll give the plastic basket a try. The basket is made for the same size tank as my unit has so I would think it should fit Quoted:
Quoted:
On the larger, commercial duty types the manufacturers almost always state not to lay anything on the bottom of the tank. In my work I used to use a Branson and now use a Crest and both employ a hanging basket. Stainless is more durable and can withstand higher heat, of course. The basket for the cleaners are fucking ridiculously priced, though, and always sold separately. Ultrasonic cleaners are extremely effective, but make sure to read the instructions and now how to use it most effectively and also what it won't do. For $15 I'll give the plastic basket a try. The basket is made for the same size tank as my unit has so I would think it should fit |
|
Quoted:
I am not sure but I would think a plastic basket laying on the tank would be fine, as long as it can withstand the heat (if your machine has a heated tank). What happens when laying things (especially metal) on the tank bottom is it can interfere with the transducers and also cause the surface to pit due to the cavitation from the ultrasonic cleaning process. |
|
Quoted:
Having used the higher end units is there a big difference in how powerful they are compared to something like the Harbor Freight unit or is it negligible? Keep in mind though that these things dislodge dirt, they don't rinse it away so you'll need to rinse thoroughly. Also, some things, like aluminum, can be damaged because the cavitation action can pit the aluminum. It can also strip off chrome plating and such. Be mindful of the solutions you use also as those can be corrosive to certain metals. Don't use solvents or anything flammable because the ultrasonic action - cavitation - generates heat and could cause the solvents to flash. If your unit doesn't have a heater it isn't the end of the world, just fill it with hot water and let the machine run for a half hour and it'll be hot enough. Keep the lid on because while it's working the water/solution can and does become aerosolized. Oh, and make sure to run it for at least ten minutes after you first fill it with water and solution to degas it. Use low foaming solutions as the suds hinder the cleaning action. Sorry that was a sit ton of text. 
|
|
Quoted:
They are definitely more powerful. If they have heat and what you're cleaning isn't heat sensitive, that's a big help too. Keep in mind though that these things dislodge dirt, they don't rinse it away so you'll need to rinse thoroughly. Also, some things, like aluminum, can be damaged because the cavitation action can pit the aluminum. It can also strip off chrome plating and such. Be mindful of the solutions you use also as those can be corrosive to certain metals. Don't use solvents or anything flammable because the ultrasonic action - cavitation - generates heat and could cause the solvents to flash. If your unit doesn't have a heater it isn't the end of the world, just fill it with hot water and let the machine run for a half hour and it'll be hot enough. Keep the lid on because while it's working the water/solution can and does become aerosolized. Oh, and make sure to run it for at least ten minutes after you first fill it with water and solution to degas it. Use low foaming solutions as the suds hinder the cleaning action. Sorry that was a sit ton of text. |
|
Quoted:
What does it mean to "degas"? |
|
Quoted:
hang works better. but plastic or metal will work. Right now I have a plastic disposable Tupperware container hanging inside the tank. That way I can fill the main area with water and only have to fill the smaller container with solution. I have an even smaller container that fits crossways too. With that smaller one I'm only using about 1 ¹/² cups of solution. So far so good. I had about 1000 or so rounds through my Spectre II since last cleaning and the baffles came out spotless. They were filthy and had a lead/carbon crust all over them. I have to say I'm impressed with the spectre. All the buildup in the baffles and the stack still slid right out of the tube with gravity, no pushing or anything. |
|
You guys are definitely right about the baskets. I can tell a difference between using a plastic container and an even bigger difference with a 2nd container inside the first.
I had a really nasty layer of carbon in the blast chamber of one of my suppressors. It didn't even budge when I tried to scrape it. I suspended it the cleaner with no basket and it actually took it all off. It took a few hours but I was still impressed. The other thing it was able to clean was the front cap of my Spectre II. That thing was filled with lead so I was surprised it got it off. That took awhile too. The baffles didn't take nearly as long and came out like new Eta: because I can't help myself I had to crack this thing open. Found a date of September 1991 in it. I think there have been two versions after this one but was still surprised it was 25 years old. |
|
I've had two, the first was a decent consumer one I got a deal on, manual said it was ok for stuff to be on the metal bottom, but the action was much stronger there so be careful with it.
Second was the harbor freight one. I guess I got a lemon b/c that thing sucks ass. |