[TowerTalk] Cleaner

[Keith Dutson]

I recently purchased two different jewelry cleaners off the net for my
daughter.  Each came with its own bottle of cleaning solution.  One is
called an ionic cleaner and the other is an ultrasonic cleaner.  She needs
both kinds to safely clean all of her jewelry and silver.  The ionic cleaner
uses a tiny electrical current only.  The ultrasonic unit uses a
biodegradable, phosphate-free alkaline cleaner solution.

There are only two universal solvents (water and alcohol) and both can be
used for ultrasonic cleaners.  Obviously you would not want to use a
flammable solvent in an ionic cleaner.  For this type of cleaner you want to
reduce the surface tension of water as much as possible, so a good grade of
mild detergent should be added.

The ionic cleaner is probably the best choice for oxidation removal if you
don't want to remove any metal.  Ultrasonic cleans tarnish by chemical
reaction and agitation with some fine particle abrasive substance in
solution.  You can get a similar result using a polish and some elbow
grease.

Keith NM5G

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Roger K8RI on Tower
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 11:09 PM
To: Gene WØQFC; TowerTalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Cleaner

It depends on what you want to clean, or rather what it's made of.

Most solvents as well as soap solutions work well in ultrasonic cleaners. 
A bit dose depend on the power, but the smaller ones usually don't "foam up"

even with dish soap.




>I hope that this is not too far off subject.
>I have a ultrasonic cleaner that I use for cleaning small parts in the 
>shack and garage.
>I have head so many different stories about what cleaning solution to 
>use and I have tried a lot of them, >usually with poor results.
>My question is:
>Are there specific solutions that could (should) be used for, like pot 
>metal, brass, stainless steel, etc.?

I've used everything from Kerosean which does a very good job of removing
grease and oil to some relatively esoteric solvents requiring safety gear. 
I've used some relatively flamable solvents also with good results.  Of
course the best stuff is no longer allowed (Trichloroethene, or is it
ethyelene, or ethane?), or even (Perchloroethene - Think it's 111
inhibited), but the EPA sorta frowns on those now.  Sure did work good
though.

>I have talked to some of the on-line companies that sell cleaners and 
>they always want to sell me >something or other that sells for $60 a
gallon!
>Any thoughts out there....?

When I was in industry we had to have MSDS for everthing including water. 
(caution, irritates eyes)
As Bill said, ask for the MSDS for the material.  If they refuse, sick OSHA
on them. <:-)) It is a requirement.

Roger Halstead (K8RI and ARRL Life Member) N833R - World's oldest Debonair
CD-2 www.rogerhalstead.com

Gene, WØQFC
_______________________________________________

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_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

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