Ultra sonic cleaner recommendations?

[Kimi]

Is anyone of you using ultra sonic cleaners to clean bearings? I've never done it but I know some people use it and I'd like to give a try as well.

Does someone have some feedback? I need to make an Argos order tonight and I was thinking about ordering an ultra sonic cleaner as well. My only consider is the quality of this machine.. seems a bit small and powerless!? All ideas are welcome. I'd prefer something handy.

Here's the link for argos cleaner I was talking:
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2108869/Trail/searchtext%3EJEWELRY+CLEANER.htm

[Barrie]

Mike did a revue some time ago.

http://www.londonskaters.com/review-ultrasonic-cleaner-cleaning-skate-bearings.htm

[Kimi]

Thanks Barrie, but what about the ultrasonic cleaner itself? I was wondering if the argos one is good enough (anyone has got it?) or should i go for something better? I know there are differences in the frequencies for example.... some around 5.000Hz and some over 50.000Hz. I have no idea how big difference it makes.

I was hoping to get some answer tonight because I need to make an order anyway tonight or tomorrow morning...

[Barrie]

A bit off topic... but how is 5kHz ultrasonic?  Surely that's going to make a really annoying noise?
By definition I'd expect around 20kHz upwards...

Though what effect that has on it's ability to clean I've no idea...

Wikipedia Ultrasonic Cleaning

[Kimi]

You might be right Barrie, Probably those small ones are just "sonic cleaners" and not ultrasonic.

I've seen some proper ultrasonic cleaners where the frequence is normally around 40khz. Like the cleaners here:
http://www.ultrasonic-clean.co.uk/

What I'm worried about is that this argos one for example might be having something like 5khz (not detailed on webpage) like some other small cleaners online (i saw some jewellery ultra sonic cleaners online which were 5khz).  I was looking for something small and handy but maybe I should go for one of those proper and a bit bigger ones then...?

[Barrie]

I had a quick look on Amazon.co.uk... there's a few described as ultrasonic for <£50 with a few decent enough reviews, but they still don't say their frequency.

Amazon Ultrasonic Cleaners

I've been tempted with these, but I just sit down with some Flash liquid, a toothbrush, some oil, and most importantly, a fun DVD to watch...

[peterc]

I'm with Barrie, cleaning stuff (but a nail brush for me) some good music and a beer.

Mr Angle Grinder is also surprisingly good at freeing up siezed wheels, happy to tell anyone who has one the technique.

[Kimi]

[stephen1210]

I use an ultra sonic cleaner its 50,000 hz and its cleans my ceramic bearings really well. Although there expensive there far easier to clean and last far longer.

[Naomi]

Im not a fan. I used one when I was at uni (um... 8 years ago?) and found that there is no alternative to surgical gloves, a toothbrush, and a bowl of meths.

And Douglet bought one, and it broke 2 weeks later.

[danceskater]

I have one and I love it. It works great.

I use a citrus cleaning fluid that is not flammable to cover the bearings and run it a few times to get them really clean.

Afterwards I rinse them with hot watter and dry them with a hair dryer before lubing again with oil.

I am also thinking of putting them in the dishwasher. I don't see a problem as long as you get them out right after the cycle.

[Kimi]

So what ultra sonic cleaner do yo use? or what's the frequence?

Why do you all wash the liquid off? what about just blow drying them for example before putting the oil?

[danceskater]

the cleaning fluid would become sticky while drying and gum up the works.

[danceskater]

gave the diswasher idea a go with some old bearings and they are quite clean. After the cycle I took them out, dried them and sprayed them with WD-40

They spin great.