Need help with ultrasonic cleaner container

[GentleBen]

(I also posted this on another forum thread. But I really need some help.)

Just bought a large 2.5 quart ultrasonic cleaner, heated (a Chicago Electric from Harbor Freight) and have ordered three bottles of Birchwood Casey Brass Cleaner as advised on this site.

I have read the tacked thread on this forum, but some answers are vague, and I still have a few critical questions:

1 -- What can I use as a solution until the BC cleaner arrives?

2 -- What is the optimum time for cleaning 100-200 pieces of .223 brass? My unit allows 1.5 minutes up to 8 minutes per cycle.

3 -- My unit came with just a small plastic tray at the bottom, no container inside. So, what can I use to put my brass in so as to remove it easily after I'm done? Can I use any plastic, or glass, or metal container that fits? A mesh basket is what I am reading and hearing about, but where do you get that? Also, will any of these material block the cleaning action? Thickness of the container make a difference?

The best advisers in a case like this are usually those who've already tried something and screwed up.

Any advice of any kind would be welcome. By the way, I paid $79 for a unit that is nearly twice the size of the new Hornady ultrasonics that are now becoming popular at $99+.

Careful, Harbor Freight is an addictive "guy store."

 

[bsekf]

I have the same cleaner and use the vinegar solution with a tbs of Lemi-clean and 5-6 drops of Dawn in a pint plastic dish, like you get store ground peanut butter in. Just keep cycling it until the cases are clean. More cases, longer time. I leave the plastic tray in the tank. I rinse in HOT water and then clean again in a baking soda solution. Final rinse of HOT water and dry in a 200 oven. By using the pint plastic dish you conserve the cleaning solution and things are easier to handle. I use distilled water in the cleaning and soda solution. HOT tap water to rinse.

 

[Preacher]

To get the best use out of a US you need to keep your brass in a glass container...
I cut a sheet of P-glass to fit the top of the US and open up 2 holes in the P-glass to set the glass containers in..they should not touch the bottom of the US for the best results...

 

[Richmac]

Hi Ben
lets see if I can be helpful
1. 50% Vinegar.. + 50% Water, teaspoon salt +teaspoon washing up liquid.

Also Try 2 teaspoons of Cream of Tarter in 2.5 litres of water,that is also good
2. Three cycles of 8 minutes

3.Bundle shells in zip lock bags in lots of 50,add cleaning solution and put in cleaner.when finished cleaning recyle or throw away zip bags
I hope this helps
Cheers Rich

 

[ericskennard]

Slip 2000 carbon killer. It won't hurt the brass like vinegar and you will not have to put it through a rinse.

ERIC

 

[DennisH]

The Hornady case cleaner works pretty good. But so far the best is vinegar and a little dishwashing soap!

I usually run three cycles!

 

[Erik Cortina]

Take the little plastic tray out, put your brass in there standing up, as many as you can fit, then fill with hot water to the fill line, and put 3 teaspoons of Citranox (may be able to use less, haven't tried), run about four or five 8 minute cycles heated (until cases are clean, pull one out and check...careful, water is very hot!), and dump water out and dry cases, they will be very clean and it's very easy to do. No need to do anything else, seat primers and go to work!

A gallon of Cytranox will cost you about $40.00 from Amazon.com, but it will last you forever because you only use about 3 teaspoons everytime you clean cases. I clean 75 6.5x47 Lapua at a time, you should be able to easily do 100 or more 223 at a time!

Citranox
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000WU82I?tag=helubuy-20

 

[cfrazier77]

To get the best use out of a US you need to keep your brass in a glass container...
I cut a sheet of P-glass to fit the top of the US and open up 2 holes in the P-glass to set the glass containers in..they should not touch the bottom of the US for the best results...

Preacher, why does it work better if the glass containers do not touch the bottom?

 

[CoverDog]

I have the Hornady untra-sonic cleaner. I use the formula from 6mmBR website and also put my brass in glass beakers. I have 2-200ml, 2-400ml and 1-800ml. All depends how much brass to clean at one time.

You fill the tank with just water and the beakers w/brass with whatever solution you will be using. You will use alot less formula since only the beakers are being filled. I set my beakers in the tank on the plastic tray that came with the unit. Have not seen a difference in cleaning if the beakers are setting on the tray in the unit or if they are suspended above the bottom of the unit.

It is amazing that the ultra-sonic waves penitrate the glass beakers and do the job on the inside. If you drop a piece of aluminum foil in your unit, it will come out looking like to was shot with a shotgun in short order.

 

[Preacher]

Anything that is in full contact with the bottom of any ultra sonic cleaner will reduce the
cleaning effect, something to do with the transducer not doing what it was designed to do...

 

[DennisH]

Glass beaker or plastic zip lock bags?

Which is better?

Also, directions state not to put brass directly on the SS surface of the US cleaner!

 

[Erik Cortina]

Directions? That's just the manufacturer opinion on how to do it! ;D

 

[DennisH]

LOL, I tried putting the brass on the base without the tray, they vibrated and fell flat!!!!!!!!

Anyway, looks like a lot of good ideas, it works for me!

 

[clinker42]

You guys need to do what preacher suggested. Make up some plexiglass or any plastic sheet so your container sits in it. Your container should not touch the tank of the U/C. If your container touches the tank you are reducing the waves and even cancelling them out.

One other really important thing is dont just use glass, it will absorb the waves as well.

You really should buy these, they will give you the best result
http://www.coleparmer.com/catalog/product_view.asp?sku=3451500

 

[DennisH]

Clinker, just put your cleaning solution in the beaker and stand the round up or ????? Use regular water in the cleaner, just your solution in th beaker.

Alsol, what is the best soltion to use?

 

[clinker42]

http://www.6mmbr.com/ultrasonic.html