Inspecting the necessity of ultrasonic cleaners in clock repair endeavors.
It's really a bummer, huh? The whole world's going to crap with this COVID-19 business, huh? Yeah, it's no joke. Our deepest sympathies go out to those affected by it.
Anyway, let's talk about something more pleasant: ultrasonic cleaners. Now, if you're into clock repair, you might wonder if this contraption is a must-have. Well, let me tell ya, it ain't exactly essential, but it sure as hell can make your life a whole lot easier.
I've seen plenty of clock repair folks hand-clean their parts, and they've managed just fine for years. But let me tell you, there are a ton of perks to having an ultrasonic cleaner. I mean, it's widely used across multiple industries for a reason, right?
I'll break it down for you. Here's why you might want to consider hopping on the ultrasonic cleaning train.
What the bloody hell is an ultrasonic cleaner?
An ultrasonic cleaner is one of those bad boys that comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. It's used to clean all sorts of things. Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves to create tiny bubbles in a liquid, which then implode and scrub all the dirt off whatever you're cleaning. It's a pretty damn effective method.
What can you clean and what cleaner to use
Most brass and steel clock parts can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. Just leave out the leather hammers and any other bits you don't want touching water. A simple water-based detergent is best, but you can use a commercial water-based cleaner if you have it. If not, a few drops of Dawn will do the trick.
What not to put in an Ultrasonic cleaner
Never use any flammable liquids in an ultrasonic cleaner. It's a bloody dangerous move. Liquids with low boiling points can nebulize or turn into mist when subjected to ultrasonic cavitation, which means tiny droplets that are easy to ignite will be dispersed into the air. Just avoid flammable liquids altogether in clock repair.
Ultrasonic cleaning works
I use an ultrasonic cleaner for most of my clock movements because it's so damn precise and thorough. There's nothing I know of that cleans lantern pinions as well as an ultrasonic cleaner.
The exceptions
Aluminum parts with ammonia-based cleaners will turn brass dark, and I feel that ammonia can be harmful to both brass and humans. Using the wrong solvent with an ultrasonic cleaner will start differential dissolving zinc from the surface of the brass, leaving a washed-out, pitted surface. It's a bloody mess.
I would also avoid putting floating balance escapements or hairsprings in an ultrasonic cleaner. Old hammered brass movements are much more fragile and sensitive to both chemicals and the impact of ultrasonic cleaning.
Final thoughts
Can you get by without an ultrasonic cleaner? Absolutely. But it's a labor-saving device that not only saves time but may produce spectacular results. If your budget allows, it's worth investing in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Vintage clocks, like the ones requiring clock repair, can greatly benefit from ultrasonic cleaning, as it effectively removes dirt from various brass and steel clock parts without causing damage. However, it's essential to avoid flammable liquids and ammonia-based cleaners when using an ultrasonic cleaner, as they can cause discoloration or differential dissolving of metals, resulting in a washed-out, pitted surface. With an ultrasonic cleaner, technology offers a more efficient and precise way to clean intricate clock movements, saving both time and potential future repair issues.
