Ultrasonic vs Vibratory Cleaner

[schwabd1]

Thinking of getting one or the other. Which one do you find most useful? What are both best used for? What media do you use? Since my use would be limited , how do the Harbor Freight units hold up for hobby use? Thanks, Dave

[tdump]

I use the larger ultra sonic cleaner from harbor frieght to clean carbs with. Get the 2 year warrenty and use it all you want to.The 1 I am useing now in the shop is my second 1 and it has lasted 3 years or more but is coming apart at the seams. But I use it average 4 to 6 times a week. I want a bigger 1. think about the largest item you want to clean and buy what will take it in. There are some good 1's on Ebay of bigger size for around 150 I think.

[jagiven]

I do not have an ultrasonic cleaner (yet).

I have a rock tumbler, with some type of media for de-rusting parts. Both bought from HF. It works quite well, but it takes days and days to work. When the parts come out they are very dusty. I primarily use it for bolts and the like.

[Humblej]

I have used both. Ultrasonic is great for blind holes and close fitting parts like a clock or pen. A tumbler is great for larger holes and a lot of exposed serfaces like nuts, bolts, ammo shell casings. Both take time and are limited to small things. Most car parts I use either electrolosis or sandblasting.