Ultrasonic Cleaners

Check in drafting supplies areas. They are used in engineering offices to clean technical drawing pens.

They should work OK, but just blowing a bit of thinner through works pretty well.

We also use them extensively in ophthalmology. But cheap they aren't. They tend to start around $250 and go up pretty quick if I remember correctly. And - much like compressors - you'll get what you pay for.

Look at the ones on Ebay all the time for sale for cleaning jewelry and dentures.
From what I hear they are basically the same thing as the more expensive ones and I have seen them sell for $30-35 on Ebay.
Here's one for $13!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31387&item=4109793702&rd=1

Just type "Ultrasonic" in the search and you will find many.

Mike

Mike,

I ran across the very machine you mentioned was on ebay. Brand new it runs $49, but I suspect uilleann is right about getting what you pay for. Branson has a small unit for around $300, but I'm not sure at this point that I can justify such an expense (I'd rather spend the money on some new airbrushes!). Still, I have heard that a good unit reconditions old airbrushes to like-new quality, and getting that kind of life out of a tool might be worth the expense.

Doc

Doc,

I am no expert on ultrasonic cleaners so I couldn't comment.
I have never owned one or used one and my airbrushes work just fine.

Mike

QUOTE: Branson has a small unit for around $300, but I'm not sure at this point that I can justify such an expense (I'd rather spend the money on some new airbrushes!). Still, I have heard that a good unit reconditions old airbrushes to like-new quality, and getting that kind of life out of a tool might be worth the expense.

They probably do a great job. I know for a fact ultrasonic cleaners will break dried drafting ink loose Problem is that $300 will by several good airbrushes.

We used them on everything from eyeglasses to jewelry to surgical impliments (before the went in the autoclave!) They'd work great - until they broke. Usually no warning either. Yeah, you'll find cheap stuff on ebay all the time - it's a dime a dozen to coin a phrase. You *might* get lucky and get a hold of one that lasts for a few weeks or months....and you might get one that stops dead after two 30 second cycles. I've seen both ends of the spectrum.

The thing is, an ultrasonic is good for SO many cleaning tasks. Metal watch bands are a cinch, musical instrument mouthpieces like trumpets etc., paintbrushes, all sorts of stuff. So it'd be a great investment for the household. Make sure the wife/girlfriend/both know about it's jewelry cleaning capabilities too - they might even offer to buy it for you then!