zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Oct 19, 2022 15:05:22 GMT -5
I have seen people talk about using a textile spot cleaning gun to clean specimens, etc.
I'm in the market for one & am seeking recommendations on brands, vendors, etc.
I've seen prices ranging from $60 - $220. I'm pretty thrifty, but don't want to buy junk.
TIA
Lynn
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Oct 19, 2022 19:55:39 GMT -5
I'd like to see recommendations from folks who have used one of these. Read about them for years, but have never used one.
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vance71975
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since September 2022
Posts: 760
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Post by vance71975 on Oct 19, 2022 23:04:07 GMT -5
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herb
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 470
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Post by herb on Oct 20, 2022 9:30:08 GMT -5
Cant help you on brands or vendors but there are a ton of sellers with models that look very similar to the one in the Amazon link. It looks exactly like the one I have. I think there must be 1 manufacturer and different stores just put their branding on it. I got mine on ebay from a chinese seller several years ago for around $40. The listing pictures showed the bent nozzle shaft like the Amazon one but when it arrived I discovered that the bent shaft is an accessory you can buy for it. I complained to the seller and they refunded $10 so I cant complain. I thought the bent shaft would make it easier to get into the nooks and crannies of thundereggs but not having it hasn't been an issue. The only advice or recommendation I have is to unscrew the hex nut to remove the shaft and loosen the set screw on the top to get the spring and plunger out to air dry. Be careful loosening the set screw, the parts will fly out from the spring tension if you dont hold your hand to guide them out slowly. Drying out the parts will greatly increase the life of the springs. There is a port on the top to put some drops of oil in after use, but that only oils the ramrod and not the springs unless you put in ALOT more oil than the couple of drops recommended. Unless you are going to use it every day you can probably just shop by price since so many of the models out there appear to be the same thing. The one in the Amazon link shows it comes with a replacement set of springs which is nice. Mine did too but I didnt remember that until after I spent alot of time searching for and then purchased some replacement springs for the one that rusted out and broke. That's how I discovered it is best to open the gun after use to air dry it! |
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Oct 20, 2022 9:59:11 GMT -5
Good maintenance info! Thanks.
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quartzilla
Cave Dweller 
Member since April 2020
Posts: 1,238
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Post by quartzilla on Oct 21, 2022 5:43:36 GMT -5
I ordered one off Amazon a few years ago; I don’t remember the brand.. They all seem pretty similar, I just tried to get one with decent reviews.
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Oct 21, 2022 18:54:55 GMT -5
Thanks all for the tips. Most of the vendors on Amazon are selling the same product under various names. I guess I'll take a gamble & see if I get a good one. Thanks herb for the cleaning tips. Lynn |
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Oct 21, 2022 22:30:21 GMT -5
It might pay off to go into a dry cleaning shop and ask them what they use. They might give you a manufacturer name if they know you are only going to use it to clean rocks, and not to do your own dry cleaning at home... .
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Post by victor1941 on Oct 24, 2022 16:15:41 GMT -5
I use a Babs spot cleaning gun that cost about $70. Check Superior Screen Printing Supplies for gun and also replacement parts such as the spring kit. Check online for better price.
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