I'm interested in getting an ultrasonic cleaner to help with cleaning 3D prints up and cleaning models, plastic and white metal, prior to painting.
Has anyone got any ideas on ones to look for and ones to avoid? Potentially big enough for a coach although it's likely to be mainly long/short wagons I'd be doing.
All suggestions, information gratefully received.
Ta.
I've had one for ages, think it came from Maplin. Was also available on Amazon. I've found it not always as effective as I would have liked, so don't often bother with it these days.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/518cxAMoQ9L._SL1200_.jpg)
Blimey! That must leave hell of a ring on yerarse :goggleeyes:
Get a stainless steel one so you can put IPA or other solvents in it. Some have heaters which is useful when you are using water or a detergent, but don't heat if using IPA or similar.
Good deals on eBay and Banggood.com
https://wiki.ezvid.com/best-ultrasonic-cleaners
Quote from: tutenkhamunsleeping on December 12, 2019, 12:53:50 PM
Blimey! That must leave hell of a ring on yerarse :goggleeyes:
I don't think it's meant for cleaning that :D
Quote from: chrism on December 12, 2019, 01:11:09 PM
Quote from: tutenkhamunsleeping on December 12, 2019, 12:53:50 PM
Blimey! That must leave hell of a ring on yerarse :goggleeyes:
I don't think it's meant for cleaning that :D
They use ultrasounds to break up gallstones.
I have a GT Sonic 2L (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133021363720) stainless steel one from ebay. It has a 60 minute timer and heater. The temp readout is very useful, as even with the heater off the tank and contents will rise in temp - Physics 101: energy cannot be destroyed, only converted and in this case the untrasonic energy is converted to heat.
Quote from: RailGooner on December 12, 2019, 02:04:03 PM
I have a GT Sonic 2L (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133021363720) stainless steel one from ebay. It has a 60 minute timer and heater. The temp readout is very useful, as even with the heater off the tank and contents will rise in temp - Physics 101: energy cannot be destroyed, only converted and in this case the untrasonic energy is converted to heat.
Is it this one?
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/85/5604-121219150210.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=85050)
What sort of vehicles can it hold? i.e. can it take a coach for example?
Ta muchly.
Quote from: Snowwolflair on December 12, 2019, 01:15:40 PM
Quote from: chrism on December 12, 2019, 01:11:09 PM
Quote from: tutenkhamunsleeping on December 12, 2019, 12:53:50 PM
Blimey! That must leave hell of a ring on yerarse :goggleeyes:
I don't think it's meant for cleaning that :D
They use ultrasounds to break up gallstones.
and kidney / bladder calculi (stones) - lithotripsy
That's the one. It comes with a wire basket that sits in the bath. I can fit a Mk3 coach or Class 66 body in the basket diagonally on the level. Obviously, if I don't use the basket they still fit and with the bonus that you'll need less fluid. I tend to place my bodies in coffee filters rather than the basket - when small details like window wipers fall off, they're easier to recover.
:beers:
@emjaybee (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5604)
Quote from: RailGooner on December 12, 2019, 04:02:57 PM
That's the one. It comes with a wire basket that sits in the bath. I can fit a Mk3 coach or Class 66 body in the basket diagonally on the level. Obviously, if I don't use the basket they still fit and with the bonus that you'll need less fluid. I tend to place my bodies in coffee filters rather than the basket - when small details like window wipers fall off, they're easier to recover.
:beers:
@emjaybee (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5604)
Thanks for that, that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for.
Do you find it cleans well?
It does the job well enough for me. I use IPA almost exclusively in mine - the yellow warning panels on a Dapol Class 66 take some shifting. Here's one I prepared earlier (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=47441.msg604447#msg604447).
They are very good for removing/loosening fine details part too.
Guess what the wife's just bought me for Christmas?
:D
I'm just off to tell her.
Quote from: Snowwolflair on December 12, 2019, 12:54:39 PM
Get a stainless steel one so you can put IPA or other solvents in it. Some have heaters which is useful when you are using water or a detergent, but don't heat if using IPA or similar.
Sound advice that, mine has a plastic lid and 'outer casing' and it developed huge cracks within a week of use. Largely aesthetic, but I'd definitely go for an all metal one next time.
I was thinking about investing in one of these - are they worth the money? Do they simply save labour or are they more effective at cleaning than a toothbrush say?
Many thanks
Paddy
I really like mine for cleaning 3D prints, it's more gentle than a toothbrush on small detail and markedly more effective.
Thanks @njee20 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=1147)
I may look to get one in the New Year then.
Many thanks
Paddy
Having 'unexpectedly' received one of the aforementioned cleaners for Christmas I've been having a bit of a play on some grubby/oily/greasy bits and bobs in the workshop.
But now down to the serious business of using it for paint stripping and 3D print cleaning, so I've a couple of questions to direct at forum members.
@RailGooner (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5427) when you use yours for paint stripping, do you just use it in straight IPA? And do you strain the IPA and re-use it or just dump it.
@njee20 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=1147) what solution do you use for cleaning 3D prints, and what sort of time do you leave it in for?
Cheers fellas!
I use neat IPA for post print cleaning - mine has a 3 minute timer, which seems to suffice. Then I rinse under warm water with a toothbrush. I've left models in there overnight before (not with the machine turned on, mind) with no ill effect.
I've used one in the past to clean my golf clubs and it was brilliant! I hope that helps :doh:
Quote from: Trainfish on January 07, 2020, 11:33:32 PM
I've used one in the past to clean my golf clubs and it was brilliant! I hope that helps :doh:
St Andrews or Trump international?
Erlestoke and Basset Down for me I'm afraid.
Quote from: njee20 on January 07, 2020, 11:30:44 PM
I use neat IPA for post print cleaning - mine has a 3 minute timer, which seems to suffice. Then I rinse under warm water with a toothbrush. I've left models in there overnight before (not with the machine turned on, mind) with no ill effect.
I didn't realise you could use IPA on 3D prints.
Do you recycle the IPA after or just dispose of it?
Yep, absolutely. I used to just swirl the print around in a jug of it for a while, but the ultrasonic cleaner is far better.
I re-use it until it's more resin than IPA :-[
The current batch has done probably 50 prints! You find after a quick scrub with a toothbrush they're perfectly clean. Fresh IPA is marginally more effective, but I'm just too tight!
Thanks for that.
I'm all for reusing chemicals, or anything else for that matter. It all costs money and consumes resources.
:thankyousign: