Tumblers / Ultrasonic cleaners

[MartyJ]

Hi guys,

I've been looking into getting a tumbler (vibrating tub type) for taking playfield cleaning to the next level.  It would be used for cleaning and more importantly polishing metal posts, brackets, screws etc basically anything and everything metal which will fit in.  I've done a bit of research and decided on a Lyman 1200 Pro:
http://lymanproducts.com/lyman/tumblers/1200-pro-tumbler.php
There is a local wholeseller - and they're about $160 with cleaning medium.

I've also been looking at the Ultrasonic cleaners.  I understand they are good for cleaning metal and plastic parts.  I've previously done the nifty soak on plastics and metals and got them reasonably clean.  Will an ultrasonic do a better job than (a) the tumbler or (b) nifty soak?  I understand for the commercial guys it makes sense to dump parts in move onto next task.  I'm quite happy doing this, but I want to know I can get better results.  An ultrasonic cleaner through my supplier retails for about $225.81.  Its listed as commercial grade, but I suspect it is noname import type.  I should be able to get it cheaper than that if required.  However my primary goal is for metals to get that brand new polished appearance.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[Strangeways]

go the Tumbler - at least !

I have a "Graf" Tumber - which is a re badged Berry Tumbler. 

There are a couple of others - like Lyman - and they all do the same job.

I have not used an ultrasonic cleaner - but I am interested in looking at one.

[Retropin]

I have an ultrasonic cleaner and a tumbler.
Tumbler allows for bigger items to be cleaned. Problem with the ultrasonic is that you still need to use the correct medium and youll need to experiment to find what dissolves the dirt, sometimes hot water and detergent will do the trick, but if cleaning metal parts then the same base that is in metal polish is the go. A silversmith i know uses water and ammonia.
The tumbler is a purely mechanical action - personally, i much prefer this method

[StuartT]

I use a Lyman tumbler and get great results.
Ultrasonic cleaners I thought require you to suspend / hang the parts in the bath.
I have used a Sine brand ultrasonic for cleaning plastics posts etc but felt a nifty soak would be quicker.

[MartyJ]

go the Tumbler - at least !

I have a "Graf" Tumber - which is a re badged Berry Tumbler. 

There are a couple of others - like Lyman - and they all do the same job.

I have not used an ultrasonic cleaner - but I am interested in looking at one.

Hi Nino,

Yes a tumbler is on the way....it is a definate....The ultrasonic, not sure yet....

I have an ultrasonic cleaner and a tumbler.
Tumbler allows for bigger items to be cleaned. Problem with the ultrasonic is that you still need to use the correct medium and youll need to experiment to find what dissolves the dirt, sometimes hot water and detergent will do the trick, but if cleaning metal parts then the same base that is in metal polish is the go. A silversmith i know uses water and ammonia.
The tumbler is a purely mechanical action - personally, i much prefer this method

I've read that people use the water / ammonia mix for pinball metal parts as well....
I agree, and +1 with StuartT - this is what I was thinking re nifty soak too....I have not really had anything that bad that an over night nifty has not fixed....The tumbler would finish all off very nice.

Thanks for the advice guys!

[faza]

I use a small ultrasonic bath at work for cleaning very small micron filters .
A solution of simple green and water seems to do the trick .

[markc]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280302991559&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=018

this is what we have  ,  the first one we got broke down day 1  but was replaced and has worked everyday since
very happy


mark