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Topic: Ultrasonic Cleaner |
Benjamin Franz
From:
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Posted 26 Feb 2019 4:47 pm |
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Does anyone have any experience using an ultrasonic cleaner on parts? I’ve just come into possession of an Emmons Black Rock that’s in pretty dire need of a good clean. I’d normally go through and do it by hand with naptha, but wondering if this might be a time saving device.
Any potential adverse effects on changer fingers or parts? Any suggestions on cleaning product to use? Thanks in advance. |
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Jon Light
From:
Saugerties, NY
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Posted 26 Feb 2019 5:51 pm
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We used to use a small ultrasonic tank for cleaning Rapidograph pens in my shop. It worked but was not what I would call a powerful treatment. Subtle, definitely effective to unclog fine nibs, but not a miracle, 'night & day' process.
I think of it as a method of cleaning an inaccessible part or surface. If I could access it, I'd rather go for the naphtha and brush. |
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Eric Dahlhoff
From:
Point Arena, California
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Benjamin Franz
From:
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Posted 27 Feb 2019 12:33 pm
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| Thanks fellas. Eric, I’m debating if it’s worth dropping the $100 (Australian) on one. From your experience it seems maybe worth trying. |
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Eric Philippsen
From:
Central Florida USA
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Posted 27 Feb 2019 2:24 pm
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| I’m also interested in this subject. For decades I’ve cleaned parts in every conceivable type of solution along with a toothbrush, 0000 steel wool, or a rag. Heck, I’m tearing apart a push-pull now that has an undercarriage full of grimy, dusty, nicotine-encrusted parts. The solution-plus-elbow-grease method works but it’s messy. It would be nice to just put parts in a device, add some solution, and then come back the following day to like-new parts that just need to be rinsed. |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 27 Feb 2019 2:27 pm
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I disassembled and cleaned the E9th changer on my Franklin about a year and a half ago. I had a Harbor Freight ultrasonic cleaner. I got some degreaser (for ultrasonic cleaners) and tried to clean the fingers but it didn't work and I had to do it manually, using (flammable) carburetor cleaner.
Back when I had a PP Emmons I disassembled and cleaned the changer fingers on both necks. Carburetor cleaner did the job on those. |
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Benjamin Franz
From:
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Posted 27 Feb 2019 2:35 pm
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| Thanks Jack. I still intend to clean the fingers by hand. I thought maybe the ultrasonic cleaner would be useful for things like springs and smaller undercarriage parts. |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 27 Feb 2019 5:11 pm
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Ultrasonic cleaners (the kind made for home use) really work best on small parts. Larger parts (or large quantities of parts) don't vibrate as easily, and the best cleaning is accomplished when both the part and the liquid are being agitated. You can get them for $75-$100, but that's a lot of money to spend if you're only doing one or two guitars.
Gunk makes a carburetor cleaner kit that works really well. It comes in a gallon can with 3 qts. of cleaning solution and a metal parts basket included, for about $25. |
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Mike Scaggs
From:
Nashville, TN
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Posted 28 Feb 2019 5:51 am
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This is the results from mine.
_________________
I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you
Zum double Hybrid 8x9, 64 Twin (JBLs), p2pAmps Bad-Dawg, p2pAmps Tremendous Reverb, Visit my website www.p2pamps.com |
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Benjamin Franz
From:
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Posted 1 Mar 2019 5:01 am
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| Wow Mike! What were you using as the cleaning solution? |
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Mike Scaggs
From:
Nashville, TN
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Posted 1 Mar 2019 9:20 am
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| Benjamin Franz wrote: |
| Wow Mike! What were you using as the cleaning solution? |
Simple Green works pretty good oddly enough.
_________________
I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you
Zum double Hybrid 8x9, 64 Twin (JBLs), p2pAmps Bad-Dawg, p2pAmps Tremendous Reverb, Visit my website www.p2pamps.com |
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