Ultrasonic Cleaners
Ultrasonic Cleaners
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?
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?
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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.
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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
Rinse the model and the bath well afterwards.
Jim P
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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
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!
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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.
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.
Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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.
Ultrasonic Cleaners
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!
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!
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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!
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!
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enemy of truth....
Albert Einstein
Perfection is impossible.
But I may choose to serve perfection....
Robert Fripp
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PadgateWorks/
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
There was a discussion on this very subject back in July this year. See here: https://www.scalefour.org/forum/viewtopic.php?
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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.
Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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
DT
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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
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
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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.
Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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.
Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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
Philip
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
I use Seaclean cleaner, it was recommended by Ozzy O on RMweb, he builds '0' gauge loco's for a living.
Cheers Phil.
Cheers Phil.
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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
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
Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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.
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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.
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Re: Ultrasonic Cleaners
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
http://cpc.farnell.com/james-products/u ... dp/SA02613
Mark Tatlow
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