Topic: Solvent choices for parts cleaner

[gregwaits]

I just bought a parts cleaner for my shop (see pic for similar model). I probably should have bought a smaller model, but nevertheless, this is what I have.

Now I need to get my hands on an inexpensive solvent to use with it. I would prefer to use a non-toxic "green" alternative, something biodegradeable.

Any suggestions? This parts cleaner has a recirculating pump by the way in case that makes a difference.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Nice! Wish I had the room. That would look great next to the blasting cabinet. As far as cheap goes I'd probably go with kerosene even though it's not exactly the biodegradable type.

[mark]

I've been using paint thinner a.k.a. mineral spirits in mine. Best price lately - $6.99 gal. at wallyworld.

[Cvillechopper]

I've got Superclean in mine.  That stuff is great.  It's even eaten the paint off the inside of the cleaner tub from sitting in there for about a year now.  Still cuts grease like it's nothing.  Simple Green is a decent bio-degradable solvent as well.  I use it for basic clean-up but it's not quite as strong.

[fuzzybutt]

northern too or harbor frieght sells a biodegradable concentrate made just for that type of parts cleaner. i have the same one you do.

[BobbyR]

Try Simple Green and give it a chance to work. It does not spread the toxic fumes around you workshop or home as you use it. 

[nickjtc]

I've got Superclean in mine.  That stuff is great.  It's even eaten the paint off the inside of the cleaner tub from sitting in there for about a year now. 

That's what hapened to the inside of my parts washer too, using some biodegradable stuff I got at Crappy Tire. It didn't take a year to do it though! Just goes to show how powerful these 'green' cleaners can be.

[mark]

Thought I'd update this......

The transmission in my pickup grenaded a few weeks ago, prompting me to replace the grubby six-year-old soup in the parts cleaner for the rebuild.



Found that wally has dropped the price of paint thinner to $6.24/gal...... bought a few and the old stuff will be recycled - my buddy down the road has recently acquired a solvent still. That 13 gallons of yuck will turn back into nice clean solvent and a little black brick in a baggie.



When I use carb spray on parts, it usually gets done over the tub - the stuff is mostly acetone and it mixes just fine.

Just for giggles, I called a local oil/fuel distributor - was quoted $36/5gal. bucket or $255/55gal. drum for 'cleaning solvent'.

[Gordon]

A solvent still, huh?  Could that be used for any other purposes?

[BobbyR]

A solvent still, huh?  Could that be used for any other purposes?

He also has a Meth Lab at the back of the property.

[mark]

A solvent still, huh?  Could that be used for any other purposes?

If'n y'all don't mind yer 'shine tastin' kinda like paint.

He also has a Meth Lab at the back of the property.

Got a problem with dummydusters in your neck of the woods? The locals here would recommend a secluded patch of BLM land and a shovel.


 

[kghost]

Naptha...runs me about $4 a gallon