Ultrasonic Cleaners & Airbrushes

[69NovaYenko]

Is anyone using an ultrasonic cleaner to clean their airbrush. I`m looking for some advise on table top ultra sonic cleaners. My media of chose are lacquers and occasionally enamels. With the type of lacquers I use (automotive quality thinned accordingly) I have run lacquer thinner to clear brush. I am considering getting a small table top ultrasonic to help with cleaning and maintaining my three bushes. It was recommended that I get a unit that has a heated tank (SharperTek i.e.). The sales rep stated: "Just and warm tap water to the tank select the amount of time you wish and the system will ultrasonically remove the debris." I`ve even seen YouTube video where air brush artist are using them. However, the are working with water based media like acrylics, tempera etc.

I aware that automotive quality lacquers and enamels require stronger solvents and thinners than the water based paints. Since the united is heated I do`nt want to run the risk of a fire or worst. So, if I don`t use some type of solvent will the unit will it thoroughly clean the residue from my airbrushes. And, if a need to use a solvent to get them truly clean does anyone have any recommendations of what is safe to use in an ultrasonic bath.  I told the  phone rep that I was using lacquers and enamels they suggested a product they carried that was supposedly designed to be used with heated ultrasonic cleaning applications called Shellac Buster. I have provided the advertised product uses below. My question is will a solvent of this nature harm the Teflon seal or rubber O-rings in the guns.
Engine & Carburetor Shellac Removal
Varnish Removal
Carbon Removal
Auto Restoration
Cylinder Stripping
Adhesive Removal
Tank Cleaning
Degreasing & Rust Removal
Coatings Removal
Aircraft Stripping
E-Coat Removal
Paint Overspray
Paint Removal
Powder Coat Removal
Resin Removal

In conclusion is it worth the expenditure and if so, does anyone have any recommendation on a specific unit I should consider for the tack.

Any thoughts on this are appropriated.

Edited November 21, 2015 by 69NovaYenko

[Deathgoblin]

I used to use one to clean parts for office equipment, especially the ink from printer heads and tech pens.  We always ran alcohol through it.  Didn't seem to hurt anything on those.

[Kit Basher]

If this helps you, I had a carburetor ultrasonically cleaned, and I had to remove all plastic or rubber parts first. They said the cleaner would destroy them.

[ChrisBcritter]

I was thinking about these machines as well, but as a way to improve the performance of the purple stuff on stripping paint. Trouble is they seem to be too small to immerse a car body.

[69NovaYenko]

Thanks everyone for the responses tot he question.

[Skip]

I use my ultrasonic cleaner with lacquer thinner to clean airbrush parts, works well.  I have the large tank model that Harbor Freight sells, unheated tank.  I'd be a little bit careful using a heated tank with volatile liquids, don't want anywhere near the flash point or vapor point.   I use windex for acrylics.

[69NovaYenko]

Hi Skip

You use lacquer thin in the non-heated unit. I as well run both lacquer and acrylic though my gun.  Would you mind sharing what model ultrasonic unit have.

[Skip]

http://t.harborfreight.com/25-liter-ultrasonic-cleaner-95563.html

Harbor Freight, it's the larger of the two that they sell.

[1930fordpickup]

I was thinking about these machines as well, but as a way to improve the performance of the purple stuff on stripping paint. Trouble is they seem to be too small to immerse a car body.

So I am not alone with this thought. The one mentioned above is 2.5 liter. I wonder if it would foam up, or do they not shake that much?