Parts washers

[bolivier]

I'm looking into buying a parts washer. I thought that these vibrated parts in a solution to clean the parts. The ones i'm seeing are just a glorified sink with a lid. Am I mistaken on the vibrating part. Looks like they circulate the solution to clean. Maybe i'm getting the vibrating parts from the device that my dad used to clean his surgical instruments at his Vet hospital.
Also the solution, if the parts just set in it, does it kind of melt off the grime? Is it safe for the solution to contact your skin? Just trying to get some personal experience with some of these. I was thinking a 20 gal would be big enough for most parts I would need.

Thanks,
Brent

[cc_bob]

You are speaking of an ultrasonic cleaner, they are VERY nice but pricey.
Here's a good video explaining how they work. CLICK

Here's a good video showing how well they work. CLICK

If you end up getting a regular parts washer be sure to get one with a pump in it. They work a lot better.

[Maxwelhse]

Yeah, if you just want a parts washer the HF 20 gallon unit is totally great for a hobbyist and its cheap (it has a pump). The only thing I would say is to paint the spring assy as soon as you get it because after about a year its corrodes up like crazy.

I've had the HF parts bath for 15 years now and its been great. Bought mine for $99 back in the day. I think they're still under $150.

[R Bedell]

I thought this was a good idea......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EH6atYydBc

[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by Maxwelhse

Yeah, if you just want a parts washer the HF 20 gallon unit is totally great for a hobbyist and its cheap (it has a pump). The only thing I would say is to paint the spring assy as soon as you get it because after about a year its corrodes up like crazy.

I've had the HF parts bath for 15 years now and its been great. Bought mine for $99 back in the day. I think they're still under $150.

Nope, still $99

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-gall...ump-60769.html

Originally Posted by R Bedell

I thought this was a good idea......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EH6atYydBc

I wish we had a before and after of that, it looks like it would work just fine but it's hard to tell

[DoubleO7]

Originally Posted by R Bedell

I thought this was a good idea......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EH6atYydBc

Make sure you put a lid on the container.
And have a fan blowing the fumes away from the sander.
Make sure none of the solution spills onto the sander.

I have an older Rockwell palm sander that I had to fix internally.
Now it vibrates so violently it makes your hand go numb in three minutes.
I think I found a new purpose for it!

[Maxwelhse]

Originally Posted by jimbob200521

Nope, still $99

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-gall...ump-60769.html



I wish we had a before and after of that, it looks like it would work just fine but it's hard to tell

I'd go with the HF unit then.

I don't see the sander concept lasting too long and I really don't like the idea of a bucket of water sitting on top of a vibratory appliance that isn't designed for water.

Also, my gut feeling is that simply getting a tub large enough for your part and letting it soak is going to be just about as effective, but just take a little longer. That's what I do 99% of the time with the HF bath anyhow. So... Get get a giant rubbermade and just dunk your parts if you don't want a real cleaner. Should be fine for water based cleaners (the only kind I use).

[Sam Mac]

I have a HF and use TSC parts cleaner fluid in it. I've had it since about 1998 no problems.

[olds45512]

My home parts washer is full of diesel fuel, works pretty good.

[cc_bob]

BTW, adding a sander to the side of a tank does not make it an ultrasonic cleaner. While it may work slightly better than a dip tank, it will not work as well as an ultrasonic cleaner.