I've cleaned probably a few thousand firearms using a Crest 2.5 gallon ultrasonic. I'm not sure about those other bootleg cleaners like Harbor Freight or whatever, but I promise, this is the absolute best possible option for cleaning firearms.
Based on my experience, the following is the best possible use of an ultrasonic cleaner.
Step 1: PRE HEAT THE WATER AND OIL. Disassemble your firearm and place the parts in the basket.
Step 2. Dunk everything and run it at at about 50% heat for 15 minutes. Not sure what the temp is, but about half way on the dial.
Step 3. Take everything out to dry. If small, non-critical parts, such as screws, appear clean, set them aside.
*IMPORTANT* Because the water is very hot, the parts will be as well. For this reason, they'll most likely dry quickly. Dont sweat it if intricate parts are still wet.
Step 4. Clean parts with a nylon brush. Any carbon deposits/powder residue/gelled lube that didnt come off in the tank should come off freely. Treat any rust as you typically would with a phosphore bronze brush and/or steel wool.
Step 4. Assuming you're satisfied with your scrubbing, repeat the dunk for another 10 minutes, then dry. If not, repeat steps 2 and 3 until you are.
Step 5. I'm not sure what's available for other ultrasonics, but Crest makes an oil pan that sits in the water and allows you to vibrate your parts in oil. It's the most essential part of the process. Vibrate your stuff for about 10-15 minutes depending on the intricacy of the parts.
Step 6. Wipe the oil off with a rag.
That's about it. I cannot stress how satisfied you will be with the thoroughness of this process.
A few notes though...
I used *about* 1 part simple green to 3 parts water. Dont stress the mix too much.
I ran the water until it was the color of chocolate milk and it still worked fine. The cleaning solution helps, but the job is really being done by the vibration.
The machines are loud and extremely wife-unfriendly.
Be concious of the finish on the items you're running. I've had a black oxide AR carry handle turn white because the temp was too high. I've also had shitty bluing come off for the same reason. You shouldn't be afraid to use the cleaner, just be aware.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO PRE-HEAT THE WATER AND OIL.
None of this is an exact science. Temp, time, cleaner mix is really all just preference that you'll acquire over time.
Based on my experience, the following is the best possible use of an ultrasonic cleaner.
Step 1: PRE HEAT THE WATER AND OIL. Disassemble your firearm and place the parts in the basket.
Step 2. Dunk everything and run it at at about 50% heat for 15 minutes. Not sure what the temp is, but about half way on the dial.
Step 3. Take everything out to dry. If small, non-critical parts, such as screws, appear clean, set them aside.
*IMPORTANT* Because the water is very hot, the parts will be as well. For this reason, they'll most likely dry quickly. Dont sweat it if intricate parts are still wet.
Step 4. Clean parts with a nylon brush. Any carbon deposits/powder residue/gelled lube that didnt come off in the tank should come off freely. Treat any rust as you typically would with a phosphore bronze brush and/or steel wool.
Step 4. Assuming you're satisfied with your scrubbing, repeat the dunk for another 10 minutes, then dry. If not, repeat steps 2 and 3 until you are.
Step 5. I'm not sure what's available for other ultrasonics, but Crest makes an oil pan that sits in the water and allows you to vibrate your parts in oil. It's the most essential part of the process. Vibrate your stuff for about 10-15 minutes depending on the intricacy of the parts.
Step 6. Wipe the oil off with a rag.
That's about it. I cannot stress how satisfied you will be with the thoroughness of this process.
A few notes though...
I used *about* 1 part simple green to 3 parts water. Dont stress the mix too much.
I ran the water until it was the color of chocolate milk and it still worked fine. The cleaning solution helps, but the job is really being done by the vibration.
The machines are loud and extremely wife-unfriendly.
Be concious of the finish on the items you're running. I've had a black oxide AR carry handle turn white because the temp was too high. I've also had shitty bluing come off for the same reason. You shouldn't be afraid to use the cleaner, just be aware.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO PRE-HEAT THE WATER AND OIL.
None of this is an exact science. Temp, time, cleaner mix is really all just preference that you'll acquire over time.
![[rofl]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/013.gif "ROFL [rofl]")
