Steeping Times and an Ultrasonic Cleaner Part III

[asmcriminal]

I only steeped once... I am a chemist... so, i do it differently.

I use a hot plate and a stirrer.


Notice the whirl pool, it's stirring. If anyone decides to try this, this is how you should do it. Get a hot plate, a beaker DOUBLE the size of the juice you want to make. If you want to mix 200mls, get a 100ml beaker, if you want to make 500ml of juice get a 1000ml beaker. You also need a stir bar. Put the stuff in the beaker, turn on the stirrer slowly(you need to practice with water or something). You "SHOULD" use a water bath, not necessary, but the reason i recommend it, is you can take the temperature of the water if you have a thermometer. Or take the temperature of the ejuice. If you take the temperature of the e-liquid and take the temperature of another e-liquid (steeping another bath later) you can cross contaminate flavors. So i recommend taking the temperature of the water bath

This is a water bath

 

[ShelaghDB]

Hi ShelaghDB,

An Ultrasonic Cleaner that only does a 3 minute cycle will Do The Trick.

But ...

Hopping up every 3 minutes gets old very fast.

If you're just steeping pre-made juice it's probably bearable.

But ...

The moment you start thinking seriously about making your own e-liquid remember ... you'll be resetting the dang thing at least 100 times.

My first UC had a 3 minute limit. Drove me nuts. Then I "upgraded" to a model that had an 8 minute limit. Better but still ...

Danny45 suggested this model:

Amazon.com: iSonic® Professional Ultrasonic Cleaner P4810 for Brass Cleaning, 30-min Timer, Solution 1Pt: Electronics
.

Bob

I cant seem to find a link or a post showing his machine. You have shown me that one, the iSonic but i am assuming that Danny45 is using a professional version.
Before I make my final decision, do you happen to have a link to the one he uses OR a link to one that you happen to now is even better than the iconic one. In other words if you were to buy the one of your dreams today, what would it be, providing it doesn't cost $450


I think I might like to get a better one than this one and perhaps even better than the iSonicI have but I am not sure i want to spend $250+. So I want to see what my options are but I have searched though this thread a bit and so far cannot seem to find mention of a preferred professional version or the one he uses, etc.

Thanks a ton

 

[ShelaghDB]

Danny45 suggested this model:

Amazon.com: iSonic® Professional Ultrasonic Cleaner P4810 for Brass Cleaning, 30-min Timer, Solution 1Pt: Electronics

Ok, I was wrong and that it the one he uses himself. I assumed he had one of those large stainless steel rectangular professional ones that tattoo shops use.


Thanks, and fortunately it does ship to Toronto. Usually Amazon.com doesn't and we have to use Amazon.ca which isn't anywhere as good. You could take the full population of Canada and fit us into New York state. Due to the much smaller population here compared to the States, naturally we just don't have the same goods to choose from, may times so its great that he's given one that can be shipped here.l

Thanks again

 

[bobalex]

1) Do you leave the lid open when using bigger/taller bottles OR must it be closed? I saw mention somewhere else that it didn't need to be but I am not sure how well informed that poster was??!!

It's not necessary to have the lid closed. I've never used the UC with the lid on.

3) I have at this moment, predominantly plastic bottles. I have 3 favourite larger bottles, likely 60 mls or some such size with eye droppers inside. Will those break in this and or is plastic more durable?

Plastic dampens the UC effect. When I switched to glass bottles the e-liquid "matured" much faster.

4) Is it best to just tie whatever I do put in there with one elastic so they are not bobbing all over the place, assuming i do a few small bottles at a time?

If you do use smaller bottles it's best to tie them together so they don't tip. I never want the possibility of water getting into the juice.

Bob

 

[bobalex]

Ok, I was wrong and that it the one he uses himself. I assumed he had one of those large stainless steel rectangular professional ones that tattoo shops use.


Thanks, and fortunately it does ship to Toronto. Usually Amazon.com doesn't and we have to use Amazon.ca which isn't anywhere as good. You could take the full population of Canada and fit us into New York state. Due to the much smaller population here compared to the States, naturally we just don't have the same goods to choose from, may times so its great that he's given one that can be shipped here.l

Thanks again

Hi again ShelaghDB,

Danny's suggested UC is the one I'll be getting the moment mine dies. I don't have anything more to add except to say I'm in Canada too. In Vancouver. We moved up from the States about 3 1/2 years ago. We absolutely love it. But every now and again we notice there are some teeny tiny drawbacks to living up here. Like the difference you mentioned between Amazon.com and Amazon.ca. About once a year we cross over the border into Washington for some USA-specific shopping. If Trader Joe's ever opened up a store in Vancouver we'd probably never leave.

Bob

 

[dannyv45]

I cant seem to find a link or a post showing his machine. You have shown me that one, the iSonic but i am assuming that Danny45 is using a professional version.
Before I make my final decision, do you happen to have a link to the one he uses OR a link to one that you happen to now is even better than the iconic one. In other words if you were to buy the one of your dreams today, what would it be, providing it doesn't cost $450


I think I might like to get a better one than this one and perhaps even better than the iSonicI have but I am not sure i want to spend $250+. So I want to see what my options are but I have searched though this thread a bit and so far cannot seem to find mention of a preferred professional version or the one he uses, etc.

Thanks a ton

Here ya go

http://www.amazon.com/Joy4Less-Prof...words=ultrasonic+jewelry+cleaner&tag=e04ed-20

 

[ShelaghDB]

Danny45 suggested this model:

Amazon.com: iSonic® Professional Ultrasonic Cleaner P4810 for Brass Cleaning, 30-min Timer, Solution 1Pt: Electronics

Although it does ship to Toronto, they want to charge me an extra $55 more than you would pay for shipping and as to be expected, the Amazon.ca site does not carry the same one.

So I am presently trying to locate one as good as this on amazon.ca if possible, otherwise i will have to buy that one but its a lot of extra money to spend.

IF any Canadians familiar with this one Danny uses knows of an equivalent one here on the Canadian site, even if it is the same one but using a different mode number, please let me know ASAP as i will order today either way.

Often they will have the same one but as stated, as a different model number but m ore often than not I find they are rarely 100% the same minus the model number so I have quickly looked and so far not f found one on the.ca version but still looking.

You have no idea how annoying it is to constantly be told of an item onto to discover it cant be purchased here.It happens too often.
Anyhow, on the hunt again now


Thanks again

 

[Mowgli]

I only use glass bottles for UC steeping. The lid never closes.
I cap & shake each bottle before starting the next cycle.

I usually use 1-2 120ml bottles but a 60ml will fit between them if I'm making a lot of juice.
It heats faster with more bottles in it so it rarely gets too hot with a single 60ml, 120ml or 250ml bottle.
I usually make 60mls per flavor so the juice level is usually immersed and getting fully jiggled

At first I left the tops off so it could aerate at the same time but decided that might do more harm than good.
I leave the caps on for the cycle and take them off while it cools.
I leave the bottles in the UC to cool with the caps off then put them back on for the next cycle. repeat.

I only let my juice aerate for 12-18 hours max total.

 

[ShelaghDB]

Here ya go

Amazon.com: iSonic® Professional Grade Ultrasonic Cleaner P4810, 30-min Timer, Plastic Basket: Electronics

Its going to cost me to much to come to Canada and 5 weeks shipping time so I am in the process of looking for an equivalent one up here but trying to compare to the American ones is harder because we use metric system here and you don't so i have to try converting everything into metric as I grew up with your system LOL


Tell me, if you don't mind, what you think of this one? So far the reviews look great

Optima Unisex-Adult 420 Professional Ultrasonic Watch and Jewelry Cleaner 68-012

Large & Lengthened tank -- Suitable for long dental equipment and tube. Tank Capacity: 5.29 pints (2500 ml). Tank Size: 10.40" (L) x 6.46" (W) x 3.15" (H)
Safety and reliable with temperature up to 65 degree in Celsius (149 degree Fahrenheit )and time (45 minutes) controller -- significantly enhance cleaning
Digital program, 5 working cycles; choose freely (90, 180, 280, 380, 480 seconds)
Strengthened transducer makes the ultrasonic more powerful (42 KHz and 160 Watts cleaning power)



http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00...m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_r=1XV2239Y2MMVD2SV08Y4

 

[ShelaghDB]

Well we just don't seem to have the same great deals here that you do in the US.

I decided against that Optima one above and think I will have to go with this one which has a much larger tank etc. The only point I don't like about this is that I don't know who the company is that makes this but it seems so far, to have good write ups. As it stands, I don't think there is one as good as you iSonic in every area, but I shall see. But again if purchased through Amazon and anything is wrong, they will have to cover it.
IF i could have got the iSonic one, even at the extra $55 you recommended, I might have paid it and gone for it anyhow but they want, I think a 5 week shipping time so thats definitely the deal breaker for me

IF ANY CANADIANS know of a good one, aside from the one that both Mowgli and I have, please let me know but already having to hit the button every 3 minutes I am finding really aggravating.

2.5L Ultrasonic Cleaner with Heater & Basket 160W

Professional Ultrasonic Cleaner Optima 420 With Stainless Steel Tank and Cooling Fan. Great for Scientific Labs, Medical, Parts and Dental Clinics, Jewelry Cleaning Model: CD-4800Professional cleaning power is available in this simple to use, small and well priced unit. This ultrasonic is designed for home and professional use, with enough power and durability to be used in a jewelry store. Simply add clean, distilled water to the tank, some jewelry cleaner concentrate (included), and place your jewelry in the tray. Start the cleaning cycle, and watch as your jewelry is cleaned the simple, professional way! You'll be pleased as dirt, body oil, soap scum, dead skin, and other filmy substances are loosened and removed in a matter of minutes. Features: Applications:Specifications: High Power Transducer for Superior Cleaning Results * Large Tank Capacity for Professional Cleaning * Isolated-Circuit Design: Keeps Water Away from Circuit for Enhanced Safety * First Ultrasonic Cleaner to Introduce Cooling Fan for Prolonged Operation * Quiet, Solid-State Circuitry * Professional Cleaning: Great Cleaning Device for Scientific Labs, Medical and Dental Clinics, Electronics Workshops, Jewelry Store * Hobbyists: Electronics Components, Mechanical Parts, Firearms, Golf Clubs * Personal Care: Jewelry, Watches Straps and Bands, Glasses, Dentures, Toothbrushes, Table-ware * Ultrasonic Frequency 42,000 Hz * Tank Material Stainless Steel * Tank Capacity 1,375 ml ( 2.4 pint ) * Timer 5 Cycles, with Digital Time Display * Power Supply AC 100 ~ 120V * Power 60 W * Unit Size 9 x 7 x 6 inches ( L x W x H ) * Tank Dimensions 6.75 x 5.38 x 2.75 inches * Weight 3.85 lbs. FREE CLEANING POWDER CONCENTRATE INCLUDED!

http://www.amazon.ca/2-5L-Ultrasoni...m_sbs_w_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BEKGFP55N99HFDES4MP

 

[bobalex]

http://www.amazon.ca/2-5L-Ultrasoni...m_sbs_w_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BEKGFP55N99HFDES4MP

Hey ShelaghDB,

That's the exact same model I have.

PROS:

8 minutes is longer than 3 minutes.

CONS:

8 minutes is way shorter than 30.
The heat function stopped working about a year ago.

*****************

It might be cheaper if you bought it here:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=2.5+liter+ultrasonic+cleaner

You'll have to call their toll free number and ask how much shipping will be. They'll call you back with the cost.

 

[ShelaghDB]

Its $2 more there but even if it had been less, you can often deal with Amazon if there is a lower price elsewhere. But I am not going to call as I was not thrilled with buying it a few hours ago just reading your comment has caused me put it on the back burner again lol (thanks for the heads up )

Being Canadian, you know how frustrating it is to purchase some electronics here compared to the States.
I was worried about that one, the one you have.
I had a feeling it might be a cheap Chinese made one that they have slapped their own name on and now hearing the heating element went, I am not sure I want to get it.

There are only 2 other choices from what i can see.
I have found a place in British Colombia that has one which appears to be like Danny 45s, if not a bit bigger? But after tax and shipping to Ontario, its $180 which I was about to go with but when checking out they don't offer a warranty. Manufacturer warranty only and from trying to find the one Danny45 has, I determined that dealing with that company IF needed, up here in Canada might be problematic. IF ONLY it had been sold through Amazon I would have bought it in a second. I was just going though the checkout when I read that they don't offer a warranty and stopped processing the sale.

The only other choice i can see is paying $278 + tax and shipping to buy a professional Kendal, I think their name is? But that seems a bit of overkill for my needs.

But this little one, hitting it every 3 mins is going to end up having me throw it at the wall ( ok, not quite but I am aggravated dealing with it )

Here is the one like his, I think, in case you are interested for yourself? I am assuming u r Canadian based.?/!!
iSonic P4810 Commercial Ultrasonic Cleaner, 2.1Qt/2L, White Color, Plastic Basket, 110V - HookBag.ca


I've never purchased this way though, not having recourse if it doesn't work out of the box or breaks down 5 days later, etc.
So really stuck at the moment.......but really wishing today I was American and had their amazon prices/deals to buy from

 

[ShelaghDB]

Might be stuck with this one and have to do what Mowgli does for admittedly having to keep hitting this button every 3 mins isn't putting me in the best mood. That combined with spending a lot of time trying to locate a better oe here and being thwarted at every turn by one detail or two only

That's basically the same model I've been using for almost 2 years.
I use an elastic band to hold down the on button with a piece of dog food kibble.
I just use the plug for on/off.
I let it run for about 45 minutes at a time more or less.
It's performed flawlessly for 5-15 hours/week for $30

Mowgli, curious, this one is so small. I cant get any glass bottles to stand up in it with the door closed. So what size bottle are you steeping, assuming you do have it closed?
And do you find you have to keep putting hot water in?
I just realized I haven't checked to see if it is still hot, but will do so in a minute when this 3 minute run is over

 

[subver]

I got this Ultrasonic Cleaner and have been very happy with it. It can do 30 min cleanings.. has no heater but the water gets pretty hot after a bit (and you can always use hot water to begin with). I've had no issues with it so far, had it for over a year now.

 

[ShelaghDB]

Heres one, maybe---they look professional and the price is good, maybe too good? (have to look closer)



NEW Professional Stainless Ultrasonic Cleaner - 2.5L 5L 10L 15L

 

[ShelaghDB]

I got this Ultrasonic Cleaner and have been very happy with it. It can do 30 min cleanings.. has no heater but the water gets pretty hot after a bit (and you can always use hot water to begin with). I've had no issues with it so far, had it for over a year now.

The problem is I am Canadian and we cant buy easily from the States......we are very limited to buying from here, otherwise there are many I could buy.

BUT unless I can buy it through the Canadian version of eBay, or the Canadian version of amazon, they ding us for a huge delivery fee and often another fee for importation tax.
Thats the problem I am having so i am trying to find one local

 

[Mowgli]

Might be stuck with this one and have to do what Mowgli does for admittedly having to keep hitting this button every 3 mins isn't putting me in the best mood. That combined with spending a lot of time trying to locate a better oe here and being thwarted at every turn by one detail or two only

Mowgli, curious, this one is so small. I cant get any glass bottles to stand up in it with the door closed. So what size bottle are you steeping, assuming you do have it closed?
And do you find you have to keep putting hot water in?
I just realized I haven't checked to see if it is still hot, but will do so in a minute when this 3 minute run is over

I only use glass bottles for UC steeping. The lid never closes.
I cap & shake each bottle before starting the next cycle.

I usually use 1-2 120ml bottles but a 60ml will fit between them if I'm making a lot of juice.
It heats faster with more bottles in it so it rarely gets too hot with a single 60ml, 120ml or 250ml bottle.
I usually make 60mls per flavor so the juice level is usually immersed and getting fully jiggled

At first I left the tops off so it could aerate at the same time but decided that might do more harm than good.
I leave the caps on for the cycle and take them off while it cools.
I leave the bottles in the UC to cool with the caps off then put them back on for the next cycle. repeat.

I only let my juice aerate for 12-18 hours max total.

The lid is always open. Closing it would have no effect on the UC action.

I start with hot tap water. The UC activity maintains temp pretty well.
I dump & refresh with hot tap water again when I start a new cycle after a cooling cycle.

 

[ShelaghDB]

Mowgli: It might come to that. Unfortunately I have a lot of stuff to do with it and funnily enough the other stuff would have me running it a lot daily so that is my dilemma. It just isn't going to last me a long time. I might have to stick with it until it breaks if I cant find another one quickly but i have just located a somewhat professional lookig one on Craigslist.

Wonder how these specs sound to those who know better than I? ( sorry, hope i am not driving ya all crazy? lol )


-------------------DESCRIPTION-------------------

TruSonik ultrasonic cleaners are the commercial strength cleaners you can use at home. Clean jewelry, watches, clocks, gun parts, internal & external engine parts, medical & dental equipment, tools and just about anything else you would normally soak in a water solution. They will come out cleaner than ever before for much less money than ever before. This is how it works:

The TruSonik utilizes Cavitation caused by a high frequency ultrasonic wave vibration signal in fluid. Microscopic bubbles form and implode violently causing the cavitation necessary for an intense scrubbing action to occur on the surface of the object being cleaned. These bubbles are small enough to penetrate even microscopic crevices for a deep, thorough and consistent cleanse impossible to achieve by any other method. Perfectly safe and non-abrasive to your items!

The TruSonik ultrasonic cleaners are made from high grade stainless steel (non-magnetic), sieve formed, TIG welded, and use high quality components for the highest possible ultrasonic transfer efficiency. It is superior over other units not made from the same materials and manufactured this way as more power is transferred to the cleaning process.


-------------------FEATURES-------------------

- Digital controls and display showing real-time temperature and timer up to 50 minutes
- Heating element and temperature control from 68 to 149 degrees Fahrenheit
- Industrial grade internal parts built for lifetime usage
- Stainless steel construction
- CE & RoHS approved


-------------------SPECIFICATIONS-------------------

2.5L UNIT:
- Tank capacity: 2.5L (0.62 gallon)
- Tank dimensions (L x W x H): 9-5/8" x 5-1/2" x 3-1/4" (245mm x 140mm x 95mm)
- Overall outer dimensions (L x W x H): 10-5/8" x 6-5/8" x 10-5/8" ( 270mm x 170mm x 270mm)
- Ultrasonic frequency: 40Khz (most effective for cleaning action)
- Ultrasonic cleaning power: 120W
- Heating power: 200W
- Adjustable Temp: 20-65C / (68-149F)
- Digital Timer: 5-50 min (+/-5 min int.)
- Power supply: 100 ~ 120 Volts AC, 50/60 Hz



2.5 L $189.95

 

[bobalex]

The problem is I am Canadian and we cant buy easily from the States......we are very limited to buying from here, otherwise there are many I could buy.

BUT unless I can buy it through the Canadian version of eBay, or the Canadian version of amazon, they ding us for a huge delivery fee and often another fee for importation tax.
Thats the problem I am having so i am trying to find one local

I just looked at subver's New Pro Large 60 Watts 1 4 Liters Ultrasonic Ultrasound Cleaner Jewelry | eBay and shipping seems reasonable. Total (for my address) came to $80.17. If mine died yesterday I'd buy this one today.

 

[Electric Fog]

Has anyone taken one apart to see if you can bypass the timer? Probably would be pretty simple to do with the 3 minute timer. I'll order one and tear it apart (8 years in a machine shop and wiring robotic welding machines) this should be cake to do. I'll post step by steps on how to do it if it is possible when I receive the 3 minute one.