Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Any suggestions? Looking for something that is decent value but gets the job done. What are you guys using?

Saw a generic one on Ebay one that is stainless steel. Anyone test one out? 

I have 2 of the SS ones from eBay. They work great and have a great heater if needed. It's been 6 months..

Quote from: handi2 on February 07, 2016, 10:17:21 PM
I have 2 of the SS ones from eBay. They work great and have a great heater if needed. It's been 6 months..

Nice, that's what I was hoping to hear!

How many liters do you recommend?

I bought the larger one and its plenty big. You can get by with the smaller one.

I use a large, powerful model from Fisher Scientific. ..

http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=613.0

No heater, analog timer, drain.. but simple, powerful, and high quality unit.  There is a place on the mainland that sells refurbished units from labs at a reasonable cost.  I would have got mine there, except they refuse to ship to HI.  I bought mine from a guy that used it to clean motorcycle parts in southern CA.

Quote from: Tightlines666 on February 07, 2016, 11:48:11 PM
I use a large, powerful model from Fisher Scientific. ..

http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=613.0

No heater, analog timer, drain.. but simple, powerful, and high quality unit.  There is a place on the mainland that sells refurbished units from labs at a reasonable cost.  I would have got mine there, except they refuse to ship to HI.  I bought mine from a guy that used it to clean motorcycle parts in southern CA.

Thanks John. I'm reading that thread now. Some good info in there.

I use the L&R units. These have been used every day for the last 16 years+. I have nothing but good things to say about these. I'm using the non-ammoniated rinse and cleaner from L&R also. The cleaner is a bit costic and needs to be recycled a on hazmat day, but it does an excellent job on the parts for my business(survey instrument repairs). I've been using this particular setup for over 30 years in the business and 16 on my own. Hope this helps.

Bob

There are likely 3 to 5 good brands out there.

L&R, Branson, and some others.

My information may be outdated -- and there may be better units out there today.

Like Bob, mine is an L&R -- analog mechanical dial (no digital to go out), no heater to burn the heating element out in (not needed, the sonic action creates some warmth anyway), SS, drain, large array of HD solid state electronics (more powerful).  

These can be purchased succesfully from companies that supply them to Dental and Physician offices.

They take good care of them, and the supplier gives them a small credit as trade-ins -- and cash usually talks well in person.

Look for a dental supply wholesaler in your area -- or ask your dentist who his supplier is.

You need to tell them up front what your intended use is -- this eliminates a lot of red tape.

And you need to talk directly to the shop foreman, worker, or owner.

Phone calls are not worth their time, generally.  And cash does talk.

Generally, a high quality, tested unit can be bought for around $100 to $200.

Mine has lasted for 16 years also -- and works very well.

Best,

Fred

We're in the 4th quarter of the super bowl. What are you doing posting here about ultrasonic cleaners?

I don't even know who is playing -- Jaguars and somebody else?

Just got back from Roger Rocka's Community Performance of 9 to 5 in Fresno.

The dinner show was good, and a lot of fun.

Plus, I make good points every time I go with my wife.

The points have a swift shelf life, however.  Generally must be redeemed within a few hours.

Best,

Fred

I found out the hard way that you should not run them empty.  I though it would be a great idea to put an eighth inch of acetone in one to clean bearings.  There was like an acetone mist or fog coming out of the tub so I ran to get a fan.  By the time I got back it was dry and the vibrator had stopped working.... forever.

Funny and relatable, the points thing Fred.  We didn't celebrate Football Day either.
-steve

Thanks for the tips. Next time I see my dentist (which is going to be soon) I will ask him if he knows where I can get one.

I only use mine for small items including reel bits - It is a 3l with 120w ultrasonics and a 80w heater - controlled by digital electronics. Came from fleabay - works well filled with water and components in small jars with IPA or diluted cleaner:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321262728443?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648&var=510189376633&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I may end up going the Ebay route if I can't find something good locally.

Size wise I want it to be able to fit a 130 frame.

What brand is the Ebay one that you guys are using? I saw a few on there.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Stainless-Steel-6-L-Liter-Industry-Heated-Ultrasonic-Cleaner-Heater-w-Timer-/311013126895?hash=item4869d3b2ef:g:~mwAAOxyNo9Sq~MI


This is the one I have but it was cheaper from another eBay seller.