Parts Washers: Difference between revisions
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Most shops will have a '''parts washer.''' They are nothing more than a tub that holds some kind of parts washing fluid. Sometimes they will have a pump to circulate the fluid, others will even heat up the fluid to make it more effective. | Most shops will have a '''parts washer.''' They are nothing more than a tub that holds some kind of parts washing fluid. Sometimes they will have a pump to circulate the fluid, others will even heat up the fluid to make it more effective. | ||
== Purchasing == | |||
A simple 20 gallon solvent parts washer will cost under $100 at [http://www.harborfreight.com/ Harbor Freight]. Expect to pay at least over a $1000 for a basic heated tank, make sure the warranty is good for when the heating element burns out. | |||
== Parts Washing Fluid == | == Parts Washing Fluid == | ||
Which will require some kind of solvent or cleaning liquid. | Which will require some kind of [[solvent]] or cleaning liquid. | ||
=== [[Solvent]] === | === [[Solvent]] === | ||
Automotive shops use a solvent that requires [[Nitrile gloves]] (to prevent skin contact, prolonged contact can result in liver damage) and proper ventilation. Automotive shops also have large greasy parts, so they hire services to swap out their solvent. | Automotive shops use a [[solvent]] that requires [[Nitrile gloves]] (to prevent skin contact, prolonged contact can result in liver damage) and proper ventilation. Automotive shops also have large greasy parts, so they tend to hire services to swap out their solvent for roughly $80-$100 per month. There is no need for that frequency if for cleaning bicycle parts. If you buy solvent directly from a supplier it will cost roughly $60-$80 to fill up a 20 gallon parts washer. | ||
* '''Solvent Pros:''' Cleans faster, lasts longer | * '''Solvent Pros:''' Cleans faster, lasts longer. | ||
* '''Solvent Cons:''' Odor, hazardous material disposal, [[Nitrile glove]] expense. | * '''Solvent Cons:''' Odor, hazardous material disposal, [[Nitrile glove]] expense. | ||
At the [[Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective]] it has been 5 years and they have never replaced their solvent, they just put more in as it slowly evaporates -- due to the dry climate, and people taking small quantities out of the tank, they go through ~10 gallons a year. Because of this the solvent is far from clear in color and the sludge just sits undisturbed on the bottom -- but it works just as well as new solvent. | |||
One time they let the tank evaporate too much and the pump burned out which should always be submerged. Luckily [http://www.harborfreight.com/ Harbor Freight] had a $12 replacement. | |||
=== Bio-degradable Cleaners === | === Bio-degradable Cleaners === | ||
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[[Image:park_tool_parts_washer.jpg|Park Tool Heated Parts Washer|right|thumb]] | [[Image:park_tool_parts_washer.jpg|Park Tool Heated Parts Washer|right|thumb]] | ||
Simple Green is a great example, while it doesn't work as well as solvent it smells good and you don't need gloves. To make it work even better it should be heated. | Simple Green is a great example, while it doesn't work as well as solvent it smells good and you don't need gloves. To make it work even better it should be heated. However it does break down over time, and regardless of how bio-degradable it was pre-use, it is now mixed with non-biodegradable petroleum based products. Refer to [[shop recycling]] to learn how to dispose of hazardous materials. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Shop Recycling]] | * [[Shop Recycling]] | ||
Revision as of 17:24, 10 February 2008
Most shops will have a parts washer. They are nothing more than a tub that holds some kind of parts washing fluid. Sometimes they will have a pump to circulate the fluid, others will even heat up the fluid to make it more effective.
Purchasing
A simple 20 gallon solvent parts washer will cost under $100 at Harbor Freight. Expect to pay at least over a $1000 for a basic heated tank, make sure the warranty is good for when the heating element burns out.
Parts Washing Fluid
Which will require some kind of solvent or cleaning liquid.
Solvent
Automotive shops use a solvent that requires Nitrile gloves (to prevent skin contact, prolonged contact can result in liver damage) and proper ventilation. Automotive shops also have large greasy parts, so they tend to hire services to swap out their solvent for roughly $80-$100 per month. There is no need for that frequency if for cleaning bicycle parts. If you buy solvent directly from a supplier it will cost roughly $60-$80 to fill up a 20 gallon parts washer.
- Solvent Pros: Cleans faster, lasts longer.
- Solvent Cons: Odor, hazardous material disposal, Nitrile glove expense.
At the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective it has been 5 years and they have never replaced their solvent, they just put more in as it slowly evaporates -- due to the dry climate, and people taking small quantities out of the tank, they go through ~10 gallons a year. Because of this the solvent is far from clear in color and the sludge just sits undisturbed on the bottom -- but it works just as well as new solvent.
One time they let the tank evaporate too much and the pump burned out which should always be submerged. Luckily Harbor Freight had a $12 replacement.
Bio-degradable Cleaners
Simple Green is a great example, while it doesn't work as well as solvent it smells good and you don't need gloves. To make it work even better it should be heated. However it does break down over time, and regardless of how bio-degradable it was pre-use, it is now mixed with non-biodegradable petroleum based products. Refer to shop recycling to learn how to dispose of hazardous materials.