XD Talk

propellerhead · 07-02-2006, 10:02 AM

There's a Harbor Freight 10 minutes from me. I might go check them out.

rodnocker1 · 07-02-2006, 01:17 PM

I was in Harbor Freight in College Station yesterday and the only one I could find held 1 pint and cost $39.99 .

Nerves · 07-02-2006, 02:03 PM

...Ok so it seems L&R (For new ones) is the place. Now, I've been reading and it seems that I should get a heated one, what's the group experience with this?

Additionally; How ofeten are you folk's changing your cleaning/lubrication solution? Moreover; Is Poly dunk it a cleaner and dry lube? Which cleaner is the best?

Lot's a questions (Sorry), but I'm going to buy one this coming week, and do not want to spend more than I have too ($800).

thanks in Advance.

The Knight Of Light · 07-02-2006, 02:32 PM

L&R cleaning solutions are a 2 part system. they have a cleaner that is used for about 10 minutes then you drain that out. Put it in the lubricating solution and let it work for about 10 minutes. I change the cleaning fluid when it doesn't work anymore which is about 15 - 20 cleanings. One gallon of cleaning solution from L&R makes 11 gallons. So it lasts a long time. I filter the cleaning solution with a coffee filter. Lasts a little longer.

Nerves · 07-02-2006, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Knight Of Light

L&R cleaning solutions are a 2 part system. they have a cleaner that is used for about 10 minutes then you drain that out. Put it in the lubricating solution and let it work for about 10 minutes. I change the cleaning fluid when it doesn't work anymore which is about 15 - 20 cleanings. One gallon of cleaning solution from L&R makes 11 gallons. So it lasts a long time. I filter the cleaning solution with a coffee filter. Lasts a little longer.

Thanks for the quick reply. what about using Poly dunk it? or the heater aspect?

TomSwift · 07-02-2006, 04:20 PM

Poly Dunk It is a cleaner and lube (and it's not dry). Ed's Red is still the least expensive alternative, it works great and lasts a long, long, long time. Using an ultrasonic is supposed to make the cleaning process relatively fast and very easy. Using a two part cleaner, in my opinion, is too much trouble and too expensive. You can make a gallon of Ed's Red for less than $15 and you can buy 3/4 gal. of Poly Dunk It for less than $40 and it lasts a long time too. If you use it the way the manufacturer suggests, which is just to soak your firearms in it, they say it works until it gets about as thick as motor oil. A heated cleaner is nice but not necessary. Keep it simple, keep it inexpensive. About not spending more than you have too......be patient on eBay or some of the used brokers, you'll find one for $200 or less that will hold several pistols. If you're looking for one to put AR's or other large sized weapons in, then you will have to spend more money.

Just checked Harbor Freight, here's a decent one for handguns at $159.
Harbor Freight Ultrasonic Cleaner

scarecrow · 07-02-2006, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomSwift

If you're looking for one to put AR's or other large sized weapons in, then you will have to spend more money.

Guilty. Spent $600 CAD total for a 19.5" x 11.5" x 8" version with shipping. I still think it was a good deal when I look at some that paid on average about $750USD before shipping. I plan on pimping it out to try and make a little money back on it. Ed's Red sounds like that way to go.

The Knight Of Light · 07-02-2006, 04:49 PM

Uh if you are getting an ultra sonic cleaner then with the machine itself being fairly expensive, do you really think it best to use some back yard formula solution like sheds spread? I mean these are 300$ machines, and mine has a nice drain valve. While I rinse the parts off I pour the lube solution into the machine and then set the basket of parts in it for 10 minutes. 3 guns cleaned in less than 30 minutes? Also L&R ultrasonics fluids are Biodegradable. I don't think ED and his bed are, I mean pouring tranny fluid or whatever is in that koolaid concoction down the drain if you want to get rid of it just isn't safe IMHO. Oh and when the machine has been running for about 5 minutes it heats up on its own. you can get one with or with out a heater. heater works best, but the volatile nature of some of these home brews people suggest make a nice hippie friendly fluid worth the price.

TomSwift · 07-02-2006, 05:21 PM

I have yet to pour any Ed's Red down the drain or out in the yard. My unit has a drain and it goes through a filter back in the can. When it comes time to dispose of the used fluid I can take it with me the next time I have the oil changed in my car.

scarecrow · 07-02-2006, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Knight Of Light

do you really think it best to use some back yard formula solution like sheds spread?

Well to begin with, the UC is stainless steel - you'd have to put something in pretty acidic to damage that.

Google Ed's Red and have a read of the numerous independent reviews - I think you'll find the endorsements are pretty unanimous.

Second, its basic chemistry. There isn't anything magical about the numerous products available for this sort of thing vs. assembling the same ingredients (albeit in the correct ratios) yourself. You can validate the formula as well if you need to as all of these commercial concoctions need to disclose their ingredients by regulation. Just look on the side of the container. You can also validate the chemical reactions and use of the various ingredients easily enough. My only concern is the polymer frame and I intend to do that by testing it on a polymer grip that I have kicking around. Finally having a chemical engineer as a neighbour looking over this stuff for me gives me the expert consult I need before using it - he even has a couple of suggestions as well.

This is the same sort of thing that causes people to buy Tylenol instead of the white label non-brand of acetaminophen when both products are 500mg tablets of the same stuff - whereas the white label is 70% cheaper. You may 'feel' better buying the brand name because of the marketing and the claims, but, in the end they are both acetaminophen.

However, I will stick to a commercial copper cutting bore cleaner, and restrict that to a hand process, since that has properties that can damage the gun and the parkerized finish.

P.S. and ditto on the recycling of oil - I take all my used oils down to the Mr. Lube when I get the truck's oil changed and they happily recycle it for me.