spokanetim
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2009
Posts: 656
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Post by spokanetim on Apr 26, 2011 12:41:56 GMT -5
I was wondering anyone has a recommendation on a good ultrasonic cleaner for lapidary use, preferably under $150. I'd be using it to get polish out of pits and clean some smaller clay encrusted crystals.
Tim
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Post by Woodyrock on Apr 27, 2011 1:15:25 GMT -5
Tim:
I, and many others use a dry cleaners spot cleaner gun. I think mine was $59.00. these units are basically a pint sized high pressure sprayer. Enough pressure to cut your fingers, so stout rubber gloves are necessary. I posted about these a couple of years back, so a search should find the post...spot cleaner.... These things get the polish out of cracks, and do a great job on cleaning specimons. Woody
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Post by jakesrocks on Apr 27, 2011 18:50:46 GMT -5
I use a small ultrasonic cleaner for certain specimens. Ultrasonic isn't for all material. The shock waves in the cleaner will destroy opal, turquoise and several other materials. I only use mine for quartz crystals and a few others. For harder materials you might want to try making a simple soda blaster. If you have an air compressor, plans for home made soda blasters can be found on the internet. Don
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Apr 27, 2011 19:29:22 GMT -5
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mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
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Post by mc2 on Apr 28, 2011 7:00:47 GMT -5
I have one of those small spot cleaner pressure washers. It works great! For 60 bucks it is a great deal for a good tool. Had mine for about two years now. Its brand name is BABS. Definately want to wear thick rubber gloves, this thing can hurt you. Good for many other uses also.
Mike
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spokanetim
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2009
Posts: 656
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Post by spokanetim on Apr 28, 2011 21:29:26 GMT -5
Thanks everyone, I'd forgotten about those little pressure washers. I'll probably get one of those for now but eventually I'd still like to get a ultrasonic cleaner. I've seen some results on crystal specimens and it's amazing how it gets even the most caked on material out.
tim
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Post by jakesrocks on Apr 30, 2011 10:09:33 GMT -5
Question ?? How low can the pressure on those Babs spot cleaners be adjusted ? I have some fairly delicate mineral specimens that are caked with clay. My ultrasonic cleaner will destroy them, and no amount of soaking will get all of the clay out of the little holes. Sounds like the spot cleaner would do the trick, if the pressure can be adjusted low enough. Don
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Post by stonesthatrock on Apr 30, 2011 11:22:17 GMT -5
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Post by stonesthatrock on Apr 30, 2011 11:23:32 GMT -5
i heard iron out works good on getting the rusty color out. I haven't tried it but i know several people who do. mary ann
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on May 1, 2011 14:12:50 GMT -5
Yea, but doesn't help with dirt and mud.
Try effervescing denture cleaner, it's worked on occasion (just not the first time) for me.
Dr Joe
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spokanetim
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2009
Posts: 656
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Post by spokanetim on May 4, 2011 23:29:21 GMT -5
Got my Babs spot cleaner, that thing rocks! Cleans out polish and will take off a finger if you aren't careful. My son and I love dangerous tools .
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