Ultrasonic Cleaner

wpsnts Apr 25, 2020

  1. wpsnts

    wpsnts TrainBoard Supporter

    1,002
    817
    36
    I have no knowledge or experience with these things. I'm considering the


    [​IMG]

    Fosmon Professional Ultrasonic Cleaner, Jewelry Polisher
    I want to use it for cleaning models after stripping paint or cleaning printed models before painting.
    It sells for a price that I'm willing to pay but I have no idea if it's an appropriate cleaner.
    Any ideas?
     
  2. porkypine52

    porkypine52 TrainBoard Member

    1,131
    302
    35
    While I don't have the model you've shown, I've used one for several years now and like it. It will remove most factory paint and decals. I use a water with dish detergent[Dawn] solution. There are some factory paint jobs that the machine won't touch. I have a been told that some guys put BRAKE FLUID the cleaning compartment, but I've never tried that, and NOT sure if I would anyway. There are a couple of things the ULTRASONIC Cleaner can do, remove paint, clean up trucks/frames, removes oil and grease. Just remember to CLEAN the machine after use. My machine has ALL METAL inside parts, so NOTHING PLASTIC to react with the cleaning liquid.
     
  3. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

    9,902
    29,196
    148
    I just recently purchased that exact unit. It seems to do well cleaning metal wheels using just as prkypine52 described. I tried it on a few coins with just water and some surface's did good and others nothing. Really haven't had it long enough to really give you any more than that about it.
     
  4. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

    5,685
    2,780
    98
    I have a very similar unit, and we use it for eyeglasses, jewelry, and a whole slew of modeling parts: trucks/wheels, frames (after milling), 3D model prints (before curing), etc.
     
    BNSF FAN likes this.
  5. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

    9,902
    29,196
    148
    What kinds of cleaning agents do you use in it for all those assorted items Rick?
     
  6. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

    5,685
    2,780
    98
    For household items, usually just tap water with a couple drops of Dawn dish washing detergent. For train stuff, I use a diluted (~50:50 w/ water) Mean Green ($5/gal at Lowes / Home Depot) - which is a degreaser.

    For UV-resin 3D I either use 99% isopropyl alcohol, or (due to IPA availability) I use a double run of 100% Mean Green followed by a run in denatured ethanol.
     
    Pete Nolan and BNSF FAN like this.
  7. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

    9,902
    29,196
    148
    Thanks sir! Good info.
     
  8. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

    4,333
    5,042
    93
    I've used one for 'N' scale when I had them and then to clean hand guns after a couple hours on the range. Dawn worked good on the trains and Mean Green for the guns.
     
  9. porkypine52

    porkypine52 TrainBoard Member

    1,131
    302
    35
    Had an additional thought about an ULTRASONIC CLEANING MACHINE. Question: Could I use an ABRASIVE agent in with my water--Dawn solution? Powdered pumice or CLEAN sand mixed in? A small amount maybe a teaspoon? I realize I would have to do a clean out the abrasive solution. But would that be an option?
     
  10. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

    1,540
    2,131
    46
    Putting abrasives like sand or pumice stones will wear down the machine. Ultrasonic cleaners work by cavitation, not by aeration of the liquid, so the abrasives will just sink to the bottom and do nothing. It is not like a hot tub or jacuzzi where the liquid is flowing and bubbling all over the place. Most machines work by vibrating the bottom of the tank, which result in vibration waves moving through the liquid. The waves form voids (bubbles) which then collapse (cavitation). The energy released by the collapse on the object surface is what cleans it, not necessarily the solution that it is in.

    Harbor freight has a cleaning powder for their ultrasonic cleaner, but supposedly this is dissolved in water to make a cleaning solution. It doesn’t appear to be an abrasive.
     
    BNSF FAN likes this.
  11. logging loco

    logging loco TrainBoard Supporter

    1,200
    2,717
    52
    So did you purchase an ultrasonic cleaner?
    If so which one?

    I use a Sharper Image unit I picked up for $1.00 at a yardsale. Great size for N scale.
    It's also nice for cleaning paint brushes, glasses, small bottles for reuse.
    I use Simple Green solution for most things.
     
  12. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

    4,333
    5,042
    93
    Yes 'Dawn'. Not only good for cleaning plates but what used to be on them. Toilet cleaner.(y)
     
    BNSF FAN likes this.
  13. Pete Nolan

    Pete Nolan TrainBoard Supporter

    10,587
    237
    125
    I have a similar model and have found it invaluable for cleaning resin castings and UV resin castings. I've been using 91% Isopropyl alcohol full strength on the UV resin parts, but I think that is too strong for cast resin parts, which I clean with a diluted mix. But I haven't molded/cast a part since I got my first 3D printer 2.5 years ago.
     
    BNSF FAN likes this.

Share This Page