11-06-2011, 04:00 PM
(11-06-2011, 11:04 AM)beam me up schottky Wrote: I used similar methods but may I make a recommendation, an ultrasonic bath. Small ones are now quite cheap, they are very effective, quick and produce amazing results. Of course they are useful for cleaning almost anything that will fit in the bath, mine was originally bought to deal with old motorcycle carbs that stubbornly refused to yield their blockage causing crud to any other technique. 10 mins in the US bath and not only were the blockages gone but the surfaces looked almost new. You won't regret buying one.
I’ve tried a couple of the ‘budget’ ultrasonic cleaners over the years – one came from Aldi – the other from Maplin. Both went back the same day – utterly useless. They’re under-powered and only stay on for about 3 minutes at a time. I took the plunge last Christmas and asked Santa to bring me a proper one, as used in labs etc, and he did. Very good it is too. I’ve tried it on such things as cleaning variable caps and the like and they come out like new. It has a heater and a timer and 70 Watts ultrasonic power, and the tank is a sensible size for most bits and bobs. In ‘old money’ the tank is 6” x 5” x 4” deep. It came with a free lid, but the basket was a bit extra, and is essential so as not to damage the tank.
The spec is:
• Ultrasonic Frequency: 40,000 Hz
• Tank Capacity: 2 L
• Timer: 1-30 Minutes
• Ultrasonic Power: 70 W
• Heating Power: 60 W
• Unit Size: 176 x 185 x 212 mm
• Tank Size: 150 x 135 x 100 mm
I bought it from Allendale Stores who advertise in Everyday Practical Electronics.
They also sell a range of cleaning fluids which you dilute, and can store and re-use. It you pour it into a container and leave it for a while, the dirt sinks to the bottom and you can re-use the fluid till it gets too dirty.
I bought it from here:
www.pcb-soldering.co.uk
The one that I bought is here:
http://www.pcb-soldering.co.uk/ultrasoni...acity.html
The full range that they sell, and cleaning fluids is here:
http://www.pcb-soldering.co.uk/ultrasonic-cleaners.html
Interesting website – they sell lots of other stuff of interest.
A complete extravagance of course, but as Liberace famously said: “the only difference between men and boys is the price they pay for their toys”. Not wrong there then.
David.
