Ultrasonic Cleaners

J Gleeson

Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby J Gleeson » Sat Jul 23, 2016 9:19 am

I normally use Tarn Off-a proprietary brass cleaner to neutralise flux acidity and as an aid for paint preparation. I have obtained an ultransonic cleaning bath to speed up and improve this area.
I usually use Carr's fluxes and solders.
Can members advise on their procedures for cleaning up soldered work, and especially if they have experience of u/s cleaning?
So far suggestions I have received include using diluted white vinegar and also dilute ammonia solutions.
Anyone else had experience with this equipment?

User avatar
Guy Rixon
Posts: 909
Joined: Sun Mar 27, 2011 6:40 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby Guy Rixon » Sat Jul 23, 2016 6:21 pm

I have a cheap ultrasound tank, as sold by Maplins. I've been using fragments of a dishwasher tablet to clean metal parts. This does not remove tarnish like the special cleaning-solutions, but I remove the tarnish mechanically, the tap-water+dish-soap solution then gets rid of all crud and finger grease. I find that the paint goes on quite well after that, and blackening solutions work evenly.

jasp
Posts: 141
Joined: Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:24 am

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby jasp » Sat Jul 23, 2016 8:22 pm

Many fluxes are acidic so use some fairly dilute caustic soda solution ( a strong alkali), remembering to add the soda crystals to the water, not the other way round. Very cheap for a bag, and helps clear blocked drains too!
Rinse the model and the bath well afterwards.
Jim P

User avatar
Paul Willis
Forum Team
Posts: 3033
Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:00 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby Paul Willis » Sun Jul 24, 2016 6:26 am

Similarly to Guy, I also have a cheap ultrasonic tank from Maplins, which seems to do the job very well.

I treat the two processes separately. To neutralise fluxes, remove fingerprints, etc, then I first clean the model using either Carrs Neutralising Rinse (bought in the 1 litre size, so pretty cheap for the quantities we use) sloshed on all over and poked using an old brush into the corners. Or I use Shiny Sinks to clean the metal, This was a tip that I picked up from courses at Missenden Abbey, and produces a lovely finish. This sounds to be the same approach as you use with "Tarn Off" which I admit to have never heard of.

In either case, as much as possible of the cleaner is washed off under the tap. I then use the ultrasonic tank with plain water in it. That may dislodge extra crud, glass fibre bristles trapped in corners, and hopefully any residues from the cleaning. I also dry the model with a quick blast from the domestic hairdryer, as the water around here is as hard as a Millwall fan and I don't want scale marks developing, which has in the past if left to dry naturally. Sounds a bit of a phfaff, but in reality takes seconds.

After that, and before painting, I aim only to handle the model with cotton gloves. It seems strange to clean all the grease off them put it back on with fingers.

HTH
Flymo
Beware of Trains - occasional modelling in progress!
www.5522models.co.uk

User avatar
David B
Posts: 1509
Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2008 5:30 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby David B » Sun Jul 24, 2016 7:46 am

I, too, have a Maplins cleaner. I clean the model first with Shiny Sinks if the etches are grubby through age or have finger marks on them, using a chunky glue brush to get in to corners and detail. I do this every so often after modelling sessions. Preparing the finished model for painting, I soak it for a while in some caustic soda, bought for unbunging drains. Do remember to put the plug in the sink! I have in the past used caustic soda in the cleaner.

I then rinse the model thoroughly in clean water, usually leaving it to run for a while as one used to do with photographic prints, before giving it a few minutes in the cleaner, again with just water. I do use the heater. I place the model on some kitchen towel to get rid of most of the water before putting it under a plastic cloche (designed for seed tays) to dry off. Unlike Paul (Flymo) in Hertfordshire, the water here in Devon is beautifully soft.
Last edited by David B on Tue Dec 27, 2016 8:47 am, edited 1 time in total.

J Gleeson

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby J Gleeson » Sun Jul 24, 2016 11:40 am

Thank you for taking the trouble. One reason you may not of heard of Tarn Off is due to the fact that I live in Melbourne. I will try the methods that you described, and report the results.

J Gleeson

Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby J Gleeson » Mon Dec 26, 2016 8:39 pm

I have purchased an ultrasonic cleaner and am using it for cleaning up soldered assemblies-brass, N/S and WM.
Very useful, and a real time saver compared to a toothbrush and glass fibre pencil.
i am using an alkaline based cleaning liquid-baking powder and water, and would like to know of other user's experience.
Also I would consider using Coca Cola as a cleaning medium, but am unsure what effect this would have on WM and solder.
Observations on this, please!

User avatar
iak
Posts: 570
Joined: Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:28 am

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby iak » Mon Dec 26, 2016 9:03 pm

If you can get hold of it, the best stuff is Neutracon.
Mind, I used it professionally so that probably explains that. I have tried a very dilute solution of Soda Crystals which certainly deals with fluxes residue but the case is debatable about actual cleaning.
The well known soft drinks always have the issue of all that sugar... Sticky whitemetal - yuk!
Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest
enemy of truth....
Albert Einstein


Perfection is impossible.
But I may choose to serve perfection....
Robert Fripp


https://www.facebook.com/groups/PadgateWorks/

User avatar
jon price
Posts: 641
Joined: Mon Jun 07, 2010 2:34 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby jon price » Mon Dec 26, 2016 9:21 pm

Anything to cut down on the tedium of scrubbingh away. So what Ultrasonic cleaner do people recommend. I can't tell if the bath is going to be too small.
Connah's Quay Workshop threads: viewforum.php?f=125

User avatar
David B
Posts: 1509
Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2008 5:30 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby David B » Mon Dec 26, 2016 10:12 pm

There was a discussion on this very subject back in July this year. See here: https://www.scalefour.org/forum/viewtopic.php?

User avatar
grovenor-2685
Forum Team
Posts: 3918
Joined: Sun Jun 29, 2008 8:02 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby grovenor-2685 » Mon Dec 26, 2016 11:02 pm

Topics merged.
regards
Regards
Keith
Grovenor Sidings

billbedford

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby billbedford » Tue Dec 27, 2016 8:52 am

J Gleeson wrote:Also I would consider using Coca Cola as a cleaning medium, but am unsure what effect this would have on WM and solder.
Observations on this, please!


Colas are acidic, and can be used as flux in emergency. Diet varieties have no added sugar and are to be preferred.

David Thorpe

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby David Thorpe » Tue Dec 27, 2016 9:24 am

I bought some stuff like this - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ultrasonic-Cl ... 257507d88c . I've nothing to compare it with, but it seems to do the job. Allendale Electronics, who specialise in soldering equipment, do something similar - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ultrasonic-Cl ... 2156517597 - but it's more expensive and I suspect very similar.

DT

garethevans1986
Posts: 92
Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2016 9:18 am

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby garethevans1986 » Sat Dec 31, 2016 11:25 am

iak wrote:If you can get hold of it, the best stuff is Neutracon.
Mind, I used it professionally so that probably explains that. I have tried a very dilute solution of Soda Crystals which certainly deals with fluxes residue but the case is debatable about actual cleaning.
The well known soft drinks always have the issue of all that sugar... Sticky whitemetal - yuk!


We ordered our latest batch from camlab.co.uk, it took some time for them to get it back in stock but its good stuff.

Gareth
Gareth O. Evans
IT Consultant/Director of Web46 IT Solutions
Croes Newydd Yard

Diesel Crank

User avatar
steamraiser
Posts: 558
Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2009 4:49 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby steamraiser » Sat Dec 31, 2016 6:26 pm

I am using iso propol alcohol (IPA not sure about the spelling.) purchased via the internet.
This seems to do a nice job.

Previously I have use paraffin for land Rover parts and screen wash for models.
A friend told me that screen wash contains salt so not a good idea.

Gordon A

User avatar
David B
Posts: 1509
Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2008 5:30 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby David B » Sat Dec 31, 2016 8:37 pm

steamraiser wrote:I am using iso propol alcohol (IPA not sure about the spelling.) purchased via the internet.


Iso propyl alcohol, Gordon, also called isopropanol.

billbedford

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby billbedford » Sun Jan 01, 2017 3:13 pm

steamraiser wrote:I am using iso propol alcohol (IPA not sure about the spelling.) purchased via the internet.
This seems to do a nice job.


Be careful of using IPA, its listed as a fire hazard if used by itself. You can, however, put the piece to be cleaned into a plastic container with IPA and then put the container into water in the ultrasonic.

junctionmad

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby junctionmad » Sun Jan 01, 2017 4:39 pm

billbedford wrote:
steamraiser wrote:I am using iso propol alcohol (IPA not sure about the spelling.) purchased via the internet.
This seems to do a nice job.


Be careful of using IPA, its listed as a fire hazard if used by itself. You can, however, put the piece to be cleaned into a plastic container with IPA and then put the container into water in the ultrasonic.


good advice, add a little surfactant, to the water and remember to degass this first

Philip Hall
Posts: 1947
Joined: Mon Aug 10, 2009 7:49 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby Philip Hall » Sun Jan 01, 2017 10:13 pm

Just spotted this topic. I have used cider vinegar which worked quite well. No particular reason for cider vinegar, just what we keep in the kitchen. Seemed to work a little better than plain water.

Philip

Phil O
Posts: 363
Joined: Sun May 05, 2013 5:23 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby Phil O » Mon Jan 02, 2017 2:28 pm

I use Seaclean cleaner, it was recommended by Ozzy O on RMweb, he builds '0' gauge loco's for a living.

Cheers Phil.

User avatar
steve howe
Posts: 911
Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2009 10:16 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby steve howe » Mon Feb 19, 2018 11:37 am

Just looking at ultrasonic cleaners, the cheaper one from Maplins is £39.99 but can be had here:

http://cpc.farnell.com/james-products/ultra-7000s/ultrasonic-cleaner-750ml/dp/SA03348?CMP=KNC-GUK-CPC-GEN-SHOPPING-JAMES-PRODUCTS-SA03348&gross_price=true&mckv=sAxUO23WS_dc|pcrid|224653462065|kword||match||plid||pid|SA03348|&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgp-WlO-x2QIVTrftCh3diQgXEAYYBiABEgJhF_D_BwE

for £24.97, it appears to be the same model. Tank size is quoted as (LxWxD): 148 x 125 x 46mm 750ml capacity. Would this be a good size to go for?

Steve

junctionmad

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby junctionmad » Mon Feb 19, 2018 12:08 pm

billbedford wrote:
steamraiser wrote:I am using iso propol alcohol (IPA not sure about the spelling.) purchased via the internet.
This seems to do a nice job.


Be careful of using IPA, its listed as a fire hazard if used by itself. You can, however, put the piece to be cleaned into a plastic container with IPA and then put the container into water in the ultrasonic.



I would go further and for amateurs , say that any flammable or potentially flammable medium should not be used in a ultrasonic bath

User avatar
Guy Rixon
Posts: 909
Joined: Sun Mar 27, 2011 6:40 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby Guy Rixon » Tue Feb 20, 2018 4:06 pm

steve howe wrote:Just looking at ultrasonic cleaners, the cheaper one from Maplins is £39.99 but can be had here:

http://cpc.farnell.com/james-products/ultra-7000s/ultrasonic-cleaner-750ml/dp/SA03348?CMP=KNC-GUK-CPC-GEN-SHOPPING-JAMES-PRODUCTS-SA03348&gross_price=true&mckv=sAxUO23WS_dc|pcrid|224653462065|kword||match||plid||pid|SA03348|&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgp-WlO-x2QIVTrftCh3diQgXEAYYBiABEgJhF_D_BwE

for £24.97, it appears to be the same model. Tank size is quoted as (LxWxD): 148 x 125 x 46mm 750ml capacity. Would this be a good size to go for?

Steve


I have one. It is exceedingly useful for cleaning small parts and assemblies up to about the size of a 4-wheeled coach-chassis. It is too short in its long axis for grown-up coaches and locos, and not deep enough to easily clean assembled bodies of stock. I'm not sure that the 46mm depth is truthful. The tank may be that deep up to the lid, but I think the useful depth of fill is a bit less. I'm away from home so can't check on my unit.

User avatar
Will L
Posts: 2516
Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2008 3:54 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby Will L » Tue Feb 20, 2018 6:05 pm

Guy Rixon wrote:
steve howe wrote:Just looking at ultrasonic cleaners, the cheaper one from Maplins is £39.99 but can be had here:

http://cpc.farnell.com/james-products/ultra-7000s/ultrasonic-cleaner-750ml/dp/SA03348?CMP=KNC-GUK-CPC-GEN-SHOPPING-JAMES-PRODUCTS-SA03348&gross_price=true&mckv=sAxUO23WS_dc|pcrid|224653462065|kword||match||plid||pid|SA03348|&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgp-WlO-x2QIVTrftCh3diQgXEAYYBiABEgJhF_D_BwE

for £24.97, it appears to be the same model. Tank size is quoted as (LxWxD): 148 x 125 x 46mm 750ml capacity. Would this be a good size to go for?

Steve


I have one. It is exceedingly useful for cleaning small parts and assemblies up to about the size of a 4-wheeled coach-chassis. It is too short in its long axis for grown-up coaches and locos, and not deep enough to easily clean assembled bodies of stock. I'm not sure that the 46mm depth is truthful. The tank may be that deep up to the lid, but I think the useful depth of fill is a bit less. I'm away from home so can't check on my unit.


I brought a much larger one (264 x 164 x 80) precisely so I could dunk a whole coach/loco and I have to say I am not over impressed with the performance. It's ultrasonic source is at the centre of tank and would fit under a much smaller bath. If you want a vigorous action you need to have the bit to be cleaned directly over the source which of course you can only do with a coach by balancing it on its end, which rather misses the point. It does work, but a big model needs to be fairly clean before you start.

Mark Tatlow
Posts: 898
Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2008 11:24 pm

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners

Postby Mark Tatlow » Tue Feb 20, 2018 7:00 pm

I bought one of these during one of Maplin's sales (about £45 I think). I wouldn't be without it; it never ceases to amaze me how much crud you find at the bottom of it after a clean!

http://cpc.farnell.com/james-products/u ... dp/SA02613
Mark Tatlow


Return to “Other Workshop Practice”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: ClaudeBot and 1 guest