I have been looking at purchasing an ultra sonic cleaner to thoroughly clean parts before bonding to the blank. Any models that anybody cares to recommend or not? Harbor Freight has three models to choose from and I was wondering if the smallest one is strong enough/adequate? Also, they have a powder cleaner they recommend to go in the tank. Any thoughts on this or possible cleaning solutions to put in with the parts?  (Scott Bearden)

I have used ultra sonic cleaners for a number of years, although they were not from Harbor Freight. After messing around with (and spending lots of $) on dedicated cleaning agents I found that Simple Green worked as well or better than anything. I did very scientifically measure it out by pouring 2-3 glugs of simple green and filling the remainder of the approximately 1 quart container with water.

More importantly I would question whether ultra sonic cleaning would actually do any better (or even as well) as an acetone bath with a little scrubbing followed by a denatured alcohol bath. I am assuming that you are looking to clean ferrules prior to gluing, as I cannot think of anything else requiring that level of cleaning.

If you choose to pursue this avenue I will say that I have a cleaner I will sell for $30 plus postage. Works perfectly, pictures available.  (Steve Shelton)

Not to put down an idea, but why?   (John Channer)

Tim Abbott brought it up this summer at the Catskills Gathering. He said something along the lines that it will get your ferrules and reel seat cleaner, which will produce a better bond than other techniques. In fact, if he is on the list I would love it if he could touch on this again since I seemed to have lost my notes from the gathering and he said an awful lot that I scribbled down.  (Scott Bearden)

I attended the workshop as well and my "take away" was clean the ferrule ID's w/ a grease cutting detergent and "Scotch Brite" pads.  Avoid anything that could leave a residue.  (David Van Burgel)

As a follow up on this thread, I never did buy one. Too many people privately emailed me and talked me out of it. Being the gadget freak I am though I may break down in a moment of weakness though.  (Scott Bearden)