Looking for an ultrasonic cleaner reccomendation

[muskrat man]

In the market to get a good ultrasonic cleaner, what do you use with success? looking to clean out blade wells, get caked grime out of bone jigging, and just generally flush the knife out well without the need for disassembly. Working on 75-120 year old knives that have a lot of gunk and crud. Also interested in hearing about cleaning solutions that wont harm handle materials or if its better to just stick with soapy water?

[Doc B]

I got a bit bigger one...so I could clean other tools, if needed. It has a heater...I don't know if thats a real plus or not. It has a good basket and I got it in early 2019. It's worked well. The only thing that was a little problem, at first...was it has a faucet drain on the side. The first time I put small crews in it...one went in to the drain. I was able to get it out. I fabricated a cork plug...so now it's not a problem. I just use a mild soapy solution.
https://www.ebay.com/c/1374624726

[Bill DeShivs]

I have been using the $80 Harbor Freight model for years. It bit the dust a couple of weeks ago, and I replaced it with this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/6L-400w-Indust ... 2749.l2649

It's a larger model and that comes in handy for bigger parts.

I use a strong solution of Simple Green and water, but it can discolor parts. A solution of water with a drop of Dawn and a cup of ammonia works very well. Ammonia seems to be hard to find lately.

www.sra-solder.com also has a selection of U/S cleaners. I have one of theirs also. It's a good unit and has held up well.

Get the heater. It helps.

[Mike1234]

Might be a dumb question but can you put the hole knife in there without hurting it?

[Bill DeShivs]

Usually, yes- depending on the knife's materials.

[Mike1234]

What materials will it hurt. Will bone and stag be ok

[Doc B]

I've been ok with bone and stag. The only thing I've ever seen it destroy...was taking off shallow, surface (paint?) design...on an old (cheap) celluloid knife.
I would think if you had deteriorating celluloid...it could affect it, as well.

[Mike1234]

Thanks

[Bill DeShivs]

Dyed bone could lose some color. Anodized aluminum's color can be damaged. Plating can be flaked off.
If unsure, test in a small spot by hanging the piece over the tank and only dipping a small part.

[orvet]

I got a sonic cleaner from Grizzly several months ago when they had them on sale. I think it was a special purchase because it was only $35 but it's a better unit than others for which I paid that much.
I checked to see if they had it on their site still and they don't. The least expensive ultrasonic cleaner they have this a two liter one for $69 but if has controllable temperature on it also.
It looks like a very good unit and I would get it if I didn't already have three or four of them now.