2. analog
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no looking back

I posted earlier about an ultrasonic cleaner advertised in the equipment sections. I also caught up on several threads on this forum and other audio forums. I was intrigued as I had just picked up an old 60's collection that needed a lot of TLC. I had used my DIY vacuum system and steaming previously with good success. I had also recently bortowed a friends Loricraft and was really pleased with it and had been looking like i would go that route or Keith monks cleaner. However the Ultrasound process seemed simple so i wanted to see what was out there. On a whim, i picked up a Bransonic Ultrasound bath from ebay and tried it today. Its a real manual system, but it would let me know if it was worth pursuing. The first record i tried was a beat up Salty Dog from Procol Harum (hard to get a clean copy). it came out clean but had a couple of hard deposits on it. I worked with those spots and cleaned again. Then i popped it on my table and i was pretty impressed. This was just a straight cold water bath. I then moved to a full cleaning solution at 120 degrees (My usual mix of Distilled water, Isopropyl, Surfactant, and Dispersants). I cleaned a Stone Poneys, Surrealistic Pillow, and the Salty dog again at the same time. Took about 10 mins to clean, rinse and dry. Popped it back on the table and wow. The Salty dog had a little fuzz (looks like surface noise) but the Stone Poneys, and Pillow sounded like right out of the album. I really couldnt believe how quiet. After playing both albums, no sign of any trash on the stylus and upon magnification with a jeweler glass, the grooves appear to be very clean. Now the only decision is whether to get the commercial one (ie audiodesk, etc) or build a DIY. However, my vacuum and Steamer is now retired.
oilmanmojo

Showing 5 responses by oilmanmojo

oilmanmojo OP
472 posts
 
Raul
It was a Bransonic 32. its an older model but has the perfect bath size for lps. It is unheated and 150 watts of Ultrasonic power (40 KHZ). It only cost 150 dollars.
oilmanmojo OP
472 posts
 
Swampwalker
I used my usual brew for the test i did. That mix is distilled water, 10-15% isopropyl alcohol, 1 oz of Triton x100 surfactant (kodak photo flo is very similar) and small amount of dawn dishwashing detergent (my dispersant). I have used an industrial Surfactant/dispersant from my oil refinery (a Nalco or Champion chemical mix) but found the triton/dawn mix is very close and easier. The amount of dawn was about 1 teaspoon in a gallon of water.
oilmanmojo OP
472 posts
 
Lewm--I also was amazed at the amount of trash in the bottom of the ultrasonic bath. I knew those records were dirty but i was surprised to see the amount of dirt. Seeing the trash and hearing the difference does make the cleaning worthwhile. However, i use the full cleaning mode to get the album initially clean then return to a clean sleeve. When playing cleaned records, i use a microfiber brush prior to playing
oilmanmojo OP
472 posts
 
send me email and i will send u some.
oilmanmojo OP
472 posts
 
Just wanted to update the string on a DIY Ultrasonic cleaner. As i mentioned earlier, i purchased a Used Bransonic bath off Ebay. I recently have completed my first iteration of the cleaner. BTW, the Bransonic is an industrial strength Ultrasonic having 3 transducers and 150 watts of Ultrasonic power. Not sure how this compares to the commercial systems yet but the bath is big enough to clean 3 records at a time. the drive unit is a 6 RPH. I chose the slower speed to give the bath enough time to do a thorough cleaner. The device is crude at the point but after cleaning 30 albums, (all pretty dirty), i am convinced this is the best cleaning system i have every used. Every record is visibly clean and very silent (except the ones that have a lot of surface issues). I use a cleaning solution of 25% iSOPROPYL 75% distilled H2O and small amount of surfactant. I rinse each one with a distilled water spray and air dry. I have cleaned some with my vacuum (mainly for speed) but the rinse with Distilled water and air dry show no visible residue. I am borrowing a microscope this weekend to compare the grooves under about 200 power to see if there are any deposits left after the cleaning and rinse. More to come
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