Ultrasonic cleaner question

[kovalcik]

Okay, this is probably one of the dumber questions, but here goes.

I read in the library and several threads about using an ultrasonic cleaner when casting with poly resin to get the bubbles out. Looking at one of the Harbor freight model with heat for $69.99 or without for $32.99 . Do you run the cleaner with water in it? (The manual says running without water voids the warranty and can CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE .) If so, how do you keep the water out of the casting? Doyou use heat?

Does anybody know the tank size on these?

Thanks

 

[larryc]

If you go to Penman1's photo:

you will see the Ultrasonic cleaner in action.

 

[Kenny Durrant]

They heat the resin in the U.C. What I did was put hot water in the cleaner and floated the the premeasured resin in a cup to heat the resin and remove the bubbles. I bought the cleaner with the heater just to have if ever needed and the extended waranty because I read they didn't last long. I never saw many bubbles when using it so I stopped. The ones I know that use it have been doing it a long time and are good at what they do so the last thing I want to do is question their thinking. I measure the resin in a cup and place the cup and the mold in a toaster oven set at 100-120 degrees for 15-20 min. depending on how much resin I'm heating. When everything is warm I add the mepk and gently stir so not to add bubbles and pour the resin in the mold. I use a small guage wire to get the bulk of the bubbles out from stirring and pouring then put the filled mold back in the oven for an hour. I let set several hours to cool and set the break down the mold and let cure a few days before turnning. Good Luck.

 

[kovalcik]

Okay, for some reason I thought you put the molds in the cleaner after pouring. Just the cup of resin before pouring makes more sense.

 

[PenMan1]

AND PLEASE, Use a recycle code 5 plastic cup or glass jar in the ultrasonic cleaner.

RECYCLE CODE 6, and many other cups will fall apart in the UltraSonic Cleaner with heat applied.

That makes a great big mess!

 

[brownsfn2]

I have been using large (9 oz) paper dixie cold cups. For the 8 minutes I have them in the ultrasonic cleaner they seem to hold together great. Although any longer and I can see the seam could start to come undone.