Ultrasonic Cleaners

[Goldtanker]

Anyone ever use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean their folders? My youngest son, in between his regular job as an Army Ranger, repairs watches – and he introduced me to the science of ultrasonic cleaning. I got one of those machines and tried it out on two old (circa 1950) slip joint folders that have been in the tool box for years. The “gunk” (highly scientific term) that came out in the water was considerable. I followed up the cleaning with a blast of compressed air and a shot of WD-40. They work like new. Kind of like the old days when we took the metal parts of the M-1 into the hot showers of the barracks to clean them. I haven’t used this system on any serious knives yet, but I would think that it would be especially effective on knives that were used to clean game, etc. Any thoughts or experiences?

 

[Gollnick]

Not for use on Mother of Pearl.

 

[Goldtanker]

Gollnick - You are correct sir. The instructions warn against using the cleaner on soft or fragile materials/stones such as emeralds, opals, amber, and pearls. Does a great job on an electric shaver head too.

 

[Larry S.]

Ultrasonic cleaners can loosen screws too....also be sure to protect any polished surfaces from resting on the bottom of the cleaner for long periods of time as the vibration can cause the polished surface to develop small areas of "cloudiness" or "dull scratches". Use a plastic basket to avoid this problem.

 

[Point44]

They're great for that once in awhile cleaning of your folders. I sneaked into my university labs to use their ultrasonic bath to clean my folders. Nice to see all the gunk from my leatherman coming out. After that it just feels good to re-lubricate a clean folder.

However for the cleaning that you do often i'd just go with a toothbrush and soapy water.

 

[Daniel Koster]

does it work only with water? or can you use oil?

I'd be concerned about getting water trapped in inside a folder......but I have zero experience with the ultrasonic cleaners...

 

[Point44]

I've never seen an Ultrasonic bath with oil in it. I think it's just for water. If your folder can't handle a bit of water in it then you probably shouldn't use an ultrasonic bath.

 

[severtecher]

You can ultrasonic any liquid if you want to. We use MEK in a jar to clean fuel injection nozzles. Use water in the cleaner tub to act as a transfer medium to the jar.

NOTE: This is a great way to clean your Sharpmaker ceramic rods. A little soap and water in an old instant Nestea jar. Buzz for about 20-30 minutes and lightly scrub what's left with some Scotchbrite and they look like new.

 

[Point44]

So you can use oil? But not directly?
Hmmm....will have to try that sharpmaker thing. Maybe i'll have to sneak into university again.

 

[uncle Alan]

Not for use on Mother of Pearl.

Been a numismatist since '43 & have always been leery of coin cleaning because it is evident & devalues the coin. I have a 1865 5 cent piece I found at the site of an almost forgotten railroad station in Orange City,Florida,I couldn't use my Garret because of buried junk.I picked up a washer & was absently thumbing the rust off & discovered it had no center hole.I rinsed it & discovered this almost perfect coin. It had rust flakes on it & a small scratch that big dummy had made while rubbing it . This was 30 years ago. Peers have deluged me with helpful [?] hints ranging from Iron-Away to driveway cleaner. I am very disciplined & have waited.
You young folks might have opened a new door for me.
Anyone know if this will work on coins? I imagine some jewelry stpres use this ?

Uncle Alan

 

[TOMBSTONE]

Ultrasonic cleaners can loosen screws too....also be sure to protect any polished surfaces from resting on the bottom of the cleaner for long periods of time as the vibration can cause the polished surface to develop small areas of "cloudiness" or "dull scratches". Use a plastic basket to avoid this problem.

Laying anything on the bottom will destroy the transducers ,as well as possibly make rub marks on item.Alway's use a parts basket that does not rest on bottom of Ultrasonic tank.If marks are a concern,lay on cloth in parts basket.

 

[TOMBSTONE]

Been a numismatist since '43 & have always been leery of coin cleaning because it is evident & devalues the coin. I have a 1865 5 cent piece I found at the site of an almost forgotten railroad station in Orange City,Florida,I couldn't use my Garret because of buried junk.I picked up a washer & was absently thumbing the rust off & discovered it had no center hole.I rinsed it & discovered this almost perfect coin. It had rust flakes on it & a small scratch that big dummy had made while rubbing it . This was 30 years ago. Peers have deluged me with helpful [?] hints ranging from Iron-Away to driveway cleaner. I am very disciplined & have waited.
You young folks might have opened a new door for me.
Anyone know if this will work on coins? I imagine some jewelry stpres use this ?

Uncle Alan

Yes,it will remove heavy encrusted debris from coins.I have used it myself after some trips with my Detector-Pro Diver.It will not do as much for removing tarnishing,but the coin comes cleaned up very well.I'm running a 3 quart heated Crest Ultrasonic right now,there are alot of poor quality machines out there.It is best to do alot of research and homework before considering a purchase.It does great on knives,gun parts,rings,coins etc.There are some materials that you can not use them on, pearls are one,no emeralds,no tanzanite(can fracture),some plastics.People don't realize how powerful Ultrasonic cleaning can be,and don't stick your fingers in the tank when it is running.If you want to send the coin to me with return postage,I would be happy to run it through my Ultrasonic a couple times for ya.Let me know.


p.s. this is one of the types of equipment that treasure hunters use to "clean" coins and such,but not to destroy value of artifacts etc.

 

[uncle Alan]

Yes,it will remove heavy encrusted debris from coins.I have used it myself after some trips with my Detector-Pro Diver.It will not do as much for removing tarnishing,but the coin comes cleaned up very well.I'm running a 3 quart heated Crest Ultrasonic right now,there are alot of poor quality machines out there.It is best to do alot of research and homework before considering a purchase.It does great on knives,gun parts,rings,coins etc.There are some materials that you can not use them on, pearls are one,no emeralds,no tanzanite(can fracture),some plastics.People don't realize how powerful Ultrasonic cleaning can be,and don't stick your fingers in the tank when it is running.If you want to send the coin to me with return postage,I would be happy to run it through my Ultrasonic a couple times for ya.Let me know.


p.s. this is one of the types of equipment that treasure hunters use to "clean" coins and such,but not to destroy value of artifacts etc.

Let me try in my little burg first . Does your detector do the X-ray bit ? My Garrett was the premier one in the late '70's. Would take the kids on the beach & they'd scoop for me for a few minutes,constantly looking at the ocean so I'd cut them loose . I was beginning to suffer from a spinal cord injury dating back to the Korean war but it wasn't combat related. I was having a battle with my detector because the leverage pressure--tried to devise a wheel to support the weight off my back but failed. Sold the rig & almost recovered the investment.
Discouraged,I didn't give up. After a Nor'easter you could walk the beach & the coins would be partially exposed ,tilted at a 45 angle,heads North. Sweet pickings ! Haven't searched after the 'canes but it might be a good idea.
If I could buy a featherweight with a discriminator ,might go for it today.

Thank you for your kind offer.


Uncle Alan

 

[Andrew Taylor]

People don't realize how powerful Ultrasonic cleaning can be,and don't stick your fingers in the tank when it is running.

I am one of those people that has to check if the paint is wet if I see a sign. So what happens?

 

[TOMBSTONE]

I am one of those people that has to check if the paint is wet if I see a sign. So what happens?

The guidelines state to never stick your hands in the liquid while it is running.I can't remember exactly why,but I imagine it may get the little air bubbles into your blood stream through the skin and could kill you.

 

[TOMBSTONE]

Let me try in my little burg first . Does your detector do the X-ray bit ? My Garrett was the premier one in the late '70's. Would take the kids on the beach & they'd scoop for me for a few minutes,constantly looking at the ocean so I'd cut them loose . I was beginning to suffer from a spinal cord injury dating back to the Korean war but it wasn't combat related. I was having a battle with my detector because the leverage pressure--tried to devise a wheel to support the weight off my back but failed. Sold the rig & almost recovered the investment.
Discouraged,I didn't give up. After a Nor'easter you could walk the beach & the coins would be partially exposed ,tilted at a 45 angle,heads North. Sweet pickings ! Haven't searched after the 'canes but it might be a good idea.
If I could buy a featherweight with a discriminator ,might go for it today.

Thank you for your kind offer.


Uncle Alan

I'm not sure what it means to have X-ray bit.The Diver unit can be used in 100 feet of water.All the electronics are housed in the waterproof headphones which allows the rod and coil to be so light,no health issues for arms or back when using this unit for long periods of time like traditional detectors.The gentleman that makes them lives 15 minutes from me,and used to manufacture the Minelab underwater explorers I believe they are called.In any case best units for the money hands down.

http://www.detectorpro.com/

www.crest-ultrasonics.com/


some links.

 

[Point44]

The guidelines state to never stick your hands in the liquid while it is running.I can't remember exactly why,but I imagine it may get the little air bubbles into your blood stream through the skin and could kill you.

I never realised i came so close to death. I must go home and pray now.

Seriously though, what could happen? I've never been careful with the ultrasonic bath since it's just water and it looks harmless and we never really read the manual. We use it a lot to mix compounds in test tubes and i've sometimes held the test tubes with my hands in the water. Damn the lecturers endangering our lives like that.

 

[uncle Alan]

I'm not sure what it means to have X-ray bit.The Diver unit can be used in 100 feet of water.All the electronics are housed in the waterproof headphones which allows the rod and coil to be so light,no health issues for arms or back when using this unit for long periods of time like traditional detectors.The gentleman that makes them lives 15 minutes from me,and used to manufacture the Minelab underwater explorers I believe they are called.In any case best units for the money hands down.

http://www.detectorpro.com/

www.crest-ultrasonics.com/


some links.

A friend said he has a rig that scans & outlines the found object or discriminates between good & junk.
Sounds like you have gone almost deepsea diving with yours. Sure eliminates most competotors.
Had a friend from the city that showed me about 3/4 of a pound of gold jewelry he found at an obscure beach there. Have forgotten the name but he said it was a small Jewish beach. One item was a braclet with detatchable mobiles of religious objects. He named most; a Torah, a Menorah etc... I tried to buy one or both because they were truly beautiful & very well crafted. He laughed !
How pricey are those units with little wand weight ?

Uncle Alan

 

[TOMBSTONE]

A friend said he has a rig that scans & outlines the found object or discriminates between good & junk.
Sounds like you have gone almost deepsea diving with yours. Sure eliminates most competotors.
Had a friend from the city that showed me about 3/4 of a pound of gold jewelry he found at an obscure beach there. Have forgotten the name but he said it was a small Jewish beach. One item was a braclet with detatchable mobiles of religious objects. He named most; a Torah, a Menorah etc... I tried to buy one or both because they were truly beautiful & very well crafted. He laughed !
How pricey are those units with little wand weight ?

Uncle Alan

Oh,you can get the wader model that is waterproof in shallow water for about $520.00 and about $620.00 for the diver model.Worth every penny and then some.Most units have adjustments to discriminate,and different items sound,well,different.Basically you can tell when you get a good signal for a coin or a bottle cap.

 

[TOMBSTONE]

I never realised i came so close to death. I must go home and pray now.

Seriously though, what could happen? I've never been careful with the ultrasonic bath since it's just water and it looks harmless and we never really read the manual. We use it a lot to mix compounds in test tubes and i've sometimes held the test tubes with my hands in the water. Damn the lecturers endangering our lives like that.

It is possible your units are not working properly.I would not stick my hands in the water while it is running if it were me,but hey if your the type that has to stick your tongue to a metal pole in winter just to see if it will stick,more power to ya.