Ultrasonic question?

[jbpmidas]

I have seen pictures of folks using beakers in their ultrasonic cleaner. What beaker are you using and where did you get it? Do you place the brass flash hole or case mouth up?

 

[dmickey]

Personally, I was never real happy with the results of using an ultrasonic cleaner. The cases might have been clean but dull. I used a wire mesh basket in mine.

 

[Scott Harris]

You need a thin glass to minimize the attenuation of the glass and maximize effect on the brass. Any cheap thin glass will work: don't need a beaker. I tried using a wire mesh but found glasses to work better.

 

[bsekf]

I use the thin plastic cups, like they use in the deli section for ground peanut butter. I have never used glass because the thin ones are so fragile....and I had trouble finding them.

Bill

 

[TheSnake]

The ones I use are mixed drink glasses. I have several different sets and they are all thin glass. I am pretty sure you can get a set at most larger retail stores or liquor store. I fill the machine with hot water with the glasses sitting in it to about 2/3 up the side of the glass and fill the glasses with the cleaning mixture so it does not require alot of solution. Turn on the heater for a few minutes before turning on the machine. I place mine case head down so the cases sit apart and don't touch each other for the most part and don't over pack the glass with cases. Mine only has up to a 480 seconds on the timer so I have to restart it 3 more times.

 

[drumcorpschamp]

Never used any "containers" in my ultrasonic cleaners. Since using a solution of Citranox (at the suggestion of some of the folks at Williamsport) my cases come out very clean and shiny after 2 cycles of 480 seconds as opposed to some of the chemical recipes that I have seen floating around on the net. Yes, it cleans the junk from primer pockets very well. So I stopped experimenting.

The recipe is 48 ounces of hot tap water and a 1/4 fl. ounce of Citranox. I do use the integral heater in the ultrasonic unit. I have best results only covering about 2/3 of the floor of the tank with brass cases. Run one cycle of 480 seconds, stir the brass, run again for 480. Get the brass out of the tank and into clean tap water. I dry them in the oven at about 175 deg. F for about 3/4 of an hour.

Not trying to hijack the thread, just thought I'd pass along my positive experience.

Jerry

P.S. When I started using the ultrasonic, my cases had been fired lots of times. Amazing how much crap came out of them and how black the solution becomes with pollution from the case insides. Took a couple firings and cleanings to get them clean and bright inside at the case head. With new brass and cleaning after every firing you can cut back on the Citranox.

 

[ColWhitecakes]

After seeing the suggestions about using a beaker, I decided to give putting them in a container a try myself. At first, all I had on hand was plastic deli containers. Although it seemed to take an extra cycle or two, compared to just dumping them in the tank, the ease of changing solution along was well worth the effort. All you have to do is pull out the container, put your hand over the top, and pour it out while holding the brass in, then rinse. Then, you can place them back in for a baking soda run or two, and repeat with straight water. Couldn't be easier. PLUS, it uses less solution!
I went to a couple of local flea markets (because they always have lots of junk glassware) and found a small beaker-like, thin-walled glass that I now use and it is much better than the plastic. Look for one with straight sides, a flat bottom, and a sharp transition at the side/bottom junction to allow the cases to stand evenly. I have also found that I can "tune" the cleaner by varying the depth of the solution in the container and tub by varying the amount of fluid in both.

 

[markm87]

I used freezer bags when I was torturing myself with U/S. I'm glad those days are behind me. ;D

 

[bsekf]

Stainless steed beakers?????? Why did I think SS would stop the US waves, guess I was thinking microwave. Does the thickness make any difference? You are saying SS works better than glass and much better than plastic?

Bill "too soon old, too late smart"