Ultrasonic cleaners for coins...what are they like:confused:

[gregliss]

Hi All,

I'm very interested in getting an ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning coins and keen to hear from those that use one.

I've read the past posts and didn't really find enough solid information on how they perform to make a decision.

What are your experiences with ultrasonic cleaners, would you recommend them? Any negatives?

Will they do a visibly better job than a thorough clean with a soft brush after a good soak? I have a few coins that have a very hard thin layer of dirt that no amount of soaking and soft brushing will take off.........will the ultrasonic break this stuff off?

I'm looking at a 50W model, do these small models have enough grunt? (I'm happy if it just takes longer than a bigger one with same or similar end result)

Thanks for any info.

P.S I know the deal that you don't clean valuable coins, so lets not go over that old chestnut again.

 

[waltship]

You may go here to find your answer.

http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=2082.0

 

[John-Edmonton]

I clean all my silver rings and coins. It gets rid of a lot of the oxides and loose dirt. Don't use it on old copper or bronze coins, as it will pit the coins after removing the oxides, leaving them even uglier then before. I clean my iron relics by putting them directly in a home strength vinegar solution. To keep the process of cleaning simple, fill your stainless steel tub with hot water, then use a separate container filled with soap, or vinegar or whatever. Put your coins or rings in the container. When done, you can discard the chemical used, while leaving the water in the ultrasonic cleaner. There is a huge difference between an ultrasonic cleaner and sonic cleaner. I sonic cleaner just vibrates, and doesn't really get any good results. An ultrasonic cleaner works at the molecular level and actually works very well.

Below is a common solution jewelers use to clean gold and silver jewelry. Here is the formula for a sonic cleaner solution I was given. Don't use it on Pearls or Opals but its fine for most jewelry.

1/4 cup Mr clean
1/4 cup liquid ammonia
1/2 cup water

I have recently written an article on using ultrasonic machines for Western & Eastern Treasures, which I believe is the June 2009 issue.

 

[gregliss]

Great link waltship!

Thanks John!

I think I'll get one!

Cheers,
Greg

 

[gregliss]

Bought a small 50W unit from Jaycar here in Australia for $99.

It does a great job. One cycle removes all traces of dirt and doesn't seem to effect the coin/item at all.

I had one copper coin, and I did many, have the corrosion cleaned off to reveal the pitting caused by the corrosion, which made it a bit ugly. But mostly the corrosion doesn't break away....maybe you need a 70-100W for that to happen consistently. Silver coins seem to love it!!!

Just give a coin a coarse clean under the tap with a soft brush and then throw in the ultrasonic.....done. You can see the dirt 'exploding' of the coin on switch on.

I recommend them!

Thanks for the advice!!