OzFclass

What is everyone using as a solution in their ultrasonic cleaners for brass. I'm thinking their are three distinct options

1. Dishwashing liquid and water
2. Lyman, Boretec, off the shelf solution
3. Magic secret recipes of over the counter materials

I have tried a few "home brew" recipes using over the counter materials. Usually with some form of acid such as Vinegar, Citric or Tartaric Acid (both of the later can be found in the baking section for Woollies or Coles).
I found vinegar based recipes are often too strong and the brass will come out purple if you don't get it out of the solution quick enough.
The acid based recipes were less harsh and still clean effectively. I settled on 1 teaspoon of citric or tartaric acid per litre of water with a generous squirt of morning fresh dish washing liquid.

Lately, I've been using the Lyman TurboSonic solution. It works great, maybe better than the home recipes. Doesn't discolour the brass and the only "issue" is that it's a lot more expensive.

I have had very good results with white vinegar and water at a 1 to 4 ratio, I follow with cycle of water and carb soda to kill the acid action, rinse in running water. No case discolouration. Works for me and cost effective.
Keith H.

I use a very similar solution/regime as Keith - works very well.

CamoWhamo wrote:ILately, I've been using the Lyman TurboSonic solution. It works great, maybe better than the home recipes. Doesn't discolour the brass and the only "issue" is that it's a lot more expensive.

It is reusable.....put the used solution in a plastic bottle and put aside for a week or 2 to allow the carbon to settle to the bottom. Decant the clear solution and use again. You can get 4-5 goes out of each batch. Tip: I generally make up more solution than I need (say 20-25%) to account for the small amount left behind and discarded after each successive decanting.

How are you drying your brass afterwards?

JAMMD wrote:How are you drying your brass afterwards?

haven't decided yet mate... probably just rinse in water and put out in the sun?

I have a cheap air fryer, 10 min at 80 deg C does it.
Pete

I blow mie out with compressed air then anneal….job’s done.
Keith H.

Re drying racks for cases, I was thinking of a 3D printed block with spikes to sit the case on upside down and just drip dry like a dish rack. Printed in blocks of 25 you could add more as needed if needed.

What's the benefits of ultrasonic case cleaning, other than shiny brass?

Wal86 wrote:What's the benefits of ultrasonic case cleaning, other than shiny brass?

I dont clean often, but every now and then to get rid of all the carbon build up inside the case. Not sure if a cumulative build up starts to impact a very small amount on case volume, but hey, doesn't hurt.
Outside cases, i love running really dirty tarnished brass. Shiny brass does not score higher

BTW, my mix is 1/2 tsp citric acid, small amount dish soap.

Cheers
Adrian

Engine degreaser and water, dry out after