What is the advantage/disadvantage of sonic cleaners? Are they worth the money?
- Thread starter 45ACP_Marine
- Start date
Re: Sonic Cleaners
To each his own. I like to have my brass clean inside & out, so I like ultra sonic cleaning.
OFG
To each his own. I like to have my brass clean inside & out, so I like ultra sonic cleaning.
OFG
Re: Sonic Cleaners
The proof that the inside doesn't need cleaning is BR shooter only clean the outside by hand and brush the necks out, if the inside super clean was an advantage to shooting itty bitty groups they would do it, also the left over carbon in the neck after brushing aids in bullet release, ie lower SD/ES, I use SS media to clean blasting ammo(pistol/AR), precision ammo is tumbled in Walnut shells or cleaned by hand with a Krazy Klothe, don't let the bling blind you, your targets and chrono numbers are what matter.
The proof that the inside doesn't need cleaning is BR shooter only clean the outside by hand and brush the necks out, if the inside super clean was an advantage to shooting itty bitty groups they would do it, also the left over carbon in the neck after brushing aids in bullet release, ie lower SD/ES, I use SS media to clean blasting ammo(pistol/AR), precision ammo is tumbled in Walnut shells or cleaned by hand with a Krazy Klothe, don't let the bling blind you, your targets and chrono numbers are what matter.
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Re: Sonic Cleaners
I borrowed a Hornady cleaner, I didn't see where it got the inside of the case clean, after three runnings.
IMHO, I thought it was junk, the owner's view also.
I borrowed a Hornady cleaner, I didn't see where it got the inside of the case clean, after three runnings.
IMHO, I thought it was junk, the owner's view also.
Re: Sonic Cleaners
Pretty much a waste of time I use mine after I tumble in stainless and size and only to get the lube off the cases. I have an industrial model from a previous employer and while it's heavy duty compared to the ones people buy/use for brass it's still worthless in terms of cleaning carbon off brass. The primary use of a U.S. cleaner is to remove grease/oil which you shouldn't have on you fired brass anyway unless it's left over lube. Bottom line: if I didn't have one that was free I would never spend the money to buy one.
Pretty much a waste of time I use mine after I tumble in stainless and size and only to get the lube off the cases. I have an industrial model from a previous employer and while it's heavy duty compared to the ones people buy/use for brass it's still worthless in terms of cleaning carbon off brass. The primary use of a U.S. cleaner is to remove grease/oil which you shouldn't have on you fired brass anyway unless it's left over lube. Bottom line: if I didn't have one that was free I would never spend the money to buy one.
Re: Sonic Cleaners
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The proof that the inside doesn't need cleaning is BR shooter only clean the outside by hand and brush the necks out, if the inside super clean was an advantage to shooting itty bitty groups they would do it, also the left over carbon in the neck after brushing aids in bullet release, ie lower SD/ES, I use SS media to clean blasting ammo(pistol/AR), precision ammo is tumbled in Walnut shells or cleaned by hand with a Krazy Klothe, don't let the bling blind you, your targets and chrono numbers are what matter. </div></div>
Still substantial junk in the neck after I SSM clean. I am more concerned about the burr. I never thought about the residual stuff in the neck as being a positive.
To be sure... benchresters tend to work up a load that day and do not go for max velocity note like we do. This means that as long as the buildup is pretty consistent with them, they don't care. For us, where we have to keep consistent dope and continue to fit in all the powder without crackling any kernels during seating it matters a little bit.
We can take a lot away from benchresters, but you have to be careful about what you take away, lest you will find yourself throwing charges and seating in the middle of a comp.
Personally, I like having brass clean on the inside and primer pockets clean.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The proof that the inside doesn't need cleaning is BR shooter only clean the outside by hand and brush the necks out, if the inside super clean was an advantage to shooting itty bitty groups they would do it, also the left over carbon in the neck after brushing aids in bullet release, ie lower SD/ES, I use SS media to clean blasting ammo(pistol/AR), precision ammo is tumbled in Walnut shells or cleaned by hand with a Krazy Klothe, don't let the bling blind you, your targets and chrono numbers are what matter. </div></div>
Still substantial junk in the neck after I SSM clean. I am more concerned about the burr. I never thought about the residual stuff in the neck as being a positive.
To be sure... benchresters tend to work up a load that day and do not go for max velocity note like we do. This means that as long as the buildup is pretty consistent with them, they don't care. For us, where we have to keep consistent dope and continue to fit in all the powder without crackling any kernels during seating it matters a little bit.
We can take a lot away from benchresters, but you have to be careful about what you take away, lest you will find yourself throwing charges and seating in the middle of a comp.
Personally, I like having brass clean on the inside and primer pockets clean.
Re: Sonic Cleaners
Just used a Sharpertek SH180-6L on my handguns today. A total of 15 min in their 1220-G gun cleaner heated to 120 degree and clean them out real well. What I really like about this method over all other methods is that if you field strip the gun and put the slide and parts inside facing down, the sound waves will not only clean your gun but vibrate all the sand that gets inside your gun off. It's wonderful as I have never been able to get them this clean. Have tried washing them in the sink and blasting them with gun cleaners afterwards and some sand is still in there.
Just used a Sharpertek SH180-6L on my handguns today. A total of 15 min in their 1220-G gun cleaner heated to 120 degree and clean them out real well. What I really like about this method over all other methods is that if you field strip the gun and put the slide and parts inside facing down, the sound waves will not only clean your gun but vibrate all the sand that gets inside your gun off. It's wonderful as I have never been able to get them this clean. Have tried washing them in the sink and blasting them with gun cleaners afterwards and some sand is still in there.
Re: Sonic Cleaners
Thanks for the replies. I had thought about using them for cleaning weapons as well. has anyone ever used them for that?
Thanks for the replies. I had thought about using them for cleaning weapons as well. has anyone ever used them for that?
Re: Sonic Cleaners
My cleaning solution mixes 2 tablespoons of anhydrous (powdered) citric acid in 1 gallon of tap water, with a splash of dishwashing detergent (such as Dawn).
1. Fill the ultrasonic cleaner tank with tap water, to 1" below the maximum fill line.
2. Fill a 600ml Pyrex or Kimax laboratory beaker about half-way with cleaning solution.
3. Place the beaker in the tank and allow the cleaning solution to go through 3 or 4 8-minute cycles. This will remove the bubbles from the solution and enhance its cleaning ability.
4. Place 25-30 de-primed cases in the beaker and run for 3 8-minute cycles.
5. 1 8-minute bath using hot tap water.
6. 1 8-minute bath using distilled water.
7. Place cases (mouth up) in a loading block and permit to dry (air dry or hair blow dryer).
Works great for me.
My cleaning solution mixes 2 tablespoons of anhydrous (powdered) citric acid in 1 gallon of tap water, with a splash of dishwashing detergent (such as Dawn).
1. Fill the ultrasonic cleaner tank with tap water, to 1" below the maximum fill line.
2. Fill a 600ml Pyrex or Kimax laboratory beaker about half-way with cleaning solution.
3. Place the beaker in the tank and allow the cleaning solution to go through 3 or 4 8-minute cycles. This will remove the bubbles from the solution and enhance its cleaning ability.
4. Place 25-30 de-primed cases in the beaker and run for 3 8-minute cycles.
5. 1 8-minute bath using hot tap water.
6. 1 8-minute bath using distilled water.
7. Place cases (mouth up) in a loading block and permit to dry (air dry or hair blow dryer).
Works great for me.
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Re: Sonic Cleaners
I used the Hornady to clean bolt's and carrier'e from AR's also, it was ok, still had to thoroughly wipe them down,
Pretty sure solvent would've been quicker.
I was hoping they would be so clean, I could just swish them around, take em out, spray with gun scrubber and run them, no dice.
I used the Hornady to clean bolt's and carrier'e from AR's also, it was ok, still had to thoroughly wipe them down,
Pretty sure solvent would've been quicker.
I was hoping they would be so clean, I could just swish them around, take em out, spray with gun scrubber and run them, no dice.
Re: Sonic Cleaners
The BCG and parts are really clean with the 1220-G gun solvent.
The two thing that did not come out 100% was the carrier at the very back where the bolt slides in where the carbon cakes. The good news is it did wipe clean when I use my regular Hoppe’s Elite gun cleaner which normally would not take it off. So the soaking and US must have made a difference.
The other area was on the bolt where the boat tail is. Hard carbon still had to be scraped off but that one is easy.
The BCG and parts are really clean with the 1220-G gun solvent.
The two thing that did not come out 100% was the carrier at the very back where the bolt slides in where the carbon cakes. The good news is it did wipe clean when I use my regular Hoppe’s Elite gun cleaner which normally would not take it off. So the soaking and US must have made a difference.
The other area was on the bolt where the boat tail is. Hard carbon still had to be scraped off but that one is easy.
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Re: Sonic Cleaners
jlow,
You have a link to this Sharpertec stuff?
jlow,
You have a link to this Sharpertec stuff?
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Re: Sonic Cleaners
Hey thanks,
But for $655.00, I'd rather stick my nuts in a vice, and turn the handle to the right!
I can clean my shit for less.
Hey thanks,
But for $655.00, I'd rather stick my nuts in a vice, and turn the handle to the right!
I can clean my shit for less.
Re: Sonic Cleaners
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jlow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Holy shit! The price of that unit just went through the roof. Must have been too many recomendations by me! I got mine, the 6L ($655 now) for $395 just on the 16th of this month. Sorry guys! </div></div>
You can still get it on Ebay for that much. Reference: Ebay Link
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jlow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Holy shit! The price of that unit just went through the roof. Must have been too many recomendations by me! I got mine, the 6L ($655 now) for $395 just on the 16th of this month. Sorry guys! </div></div>
You can still get it on Ebay for that much. Reference: Ebay Link
Re: Sonic Cleaners
Good news! I would say if you are seriousely intersted buy it soon. When I order the unit, the lady had mentioned an upcoming price increase....
The advantage of this unit is that it is 6" deep which means that after you take your handgun slide off, you can place it and the frame with the trigger facing down and the fluid level will still go almost to the top of the grip. When the sand comes off, it falls through the wire basket (included) onto the bottom of the cleaning bowl.
Good news! I would say if you are seriousely intersted buy it soon. When I order the unit, the lady had mentioned an upcoming price increase....
The advantage of this unit is that it is 6" deep which means that after you take your handgun slide off, you can place it and the frame with the trigger facing down and the fluid level will still go almost to the top of the grip. When the sand comes off, it falls through the wire basket (included) onto the bottom of the cleaning bowl.
Re: Sonic Cleaners
Looks like they have two websites. I've been reminded that this is the one for the discounted prices:
http://www.ultrasonicsdirect.com/
Looks like they have two websites. I've been reminded that this is the one for the discounted prices:
http://www.ultrasonicsdirect.com/
Re: Sonic Cleaners
The Lyman unit is the same as the Harbor Freight cleaner with a different timer. I have the HF cleaner. While I will say that stainless tumbling will clean brass that has been abused, in my case picked up in the rain and put in the garage wet for a few years, it doesn't do anything that my ultrasonic does to brass that isn't tarnished or discolored. I wouldn't turn down a good deal on Thulmer but I can borrow one when I need to. All my rifle brass goes through the ultrasonic cleaner before it gets primed. Prior to depriming/sizing my brass goes through a corn cob tumble. I think walnut is too dusty even with dryer sheets.
I haven't tried gun parts in mine because they are easy enough to clean by hand.
The Lyman unit is the same as the Harbor Freight cleaner with a different timer. I have the HF cleaner. While I will say that stainless tumbling will clean brass that has been abused, in my case picked up in the rain and put in the garage wet for a few years, it doesn't do anything that my ultrasonic does to brass that isn't tarnished or discolored. I wouldn't turn down a good deal on Thulmer but I can borrow one when I need to. All my rifle brass goes through the ultrasonic cleaner before it gets primed. Prior to depriming/sizing my brass goes through a corn cob tumble. I think walnut is too dusty even with dryer sheets.
I haven't tried gun parts in mine because they are easy enough to clean by hand.
