Ultrasonic cleaners: what to put in them?

[craigolio1]

Hey all. What do I put in an ultrasonic cleaner?

Can I hasten the stripping of a shell by putting alcohol in it? Or Pine-Sol for a Kato? What about for general cleaning prior to paint? Can I use dish soap and water or do I have to use the special cleaners they sell which are intended for these devices.

Thanks.

Craig

[MK]

Pretty much anything you want bearing in mind the caution inherent with the particular fluid you are using, e.g., flammability for alcohol, etc.

[Chris333]

I fill mine with soapy water and set smaller trays of other stuff (alcohol or Bestine). The ultrasonic transfers right through.

[craigolio1]

I fill mine with soapy water and set smaller trays of other stuff (alcohol or Bestine). The ultrasonic transfers right through.

That's awesome. I didn't know you could use a smaller container within the main one. Good to know.

[garethashenden]

That's awesome. I didn't know you could use a smaller container within the main one. Good to know.

Ice cube trays work really well. If you have an old one you can cut it down to fit in a smaller cleaner. They float on top but the ultrasonic waves will still clean whatever is in the trays.

[central.vermont]

I use old pill bottles and put the parts into them. Just make sure that the bottle is filled completely with your preference of cleaning fluid or they will float to the surface and not transfer the sonic cleaning properly.

Jon

[craigolio1]

Great tips! Thanks.

[peteski]

I cautiously use Naphtha (aka Ronsonol LIghter Fluid or VM&P Naphtha paint thinner from a hardware store).  I use it to clean locomotive mechanisms and to get the wax off Shapeways-printed FUD parts.  I have not used it for paint stripping.