parts washers
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parts washers
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 05-Sep-01 AT 01:15 AM (EST)[/font][p]what kind of solvent do they use in home type parts washers like the ones sold by harbor freight? how flamable? how about skin contact? what are the ups and downs to these units?
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parts washers
We had one at work that we switched over to that citrus oil type solvent. That stuff was still strong enough to eat through thin latex gloves.
We finally got rid of it because it generated too much waste, which is the big downside. It's considered hazardous waste.
See if you can get an MSDS sheet on the solvent from the vendor to determine any hazards.
We finally got rid of it because it generated too much waste, which is the big downside. It's considered hazardous waste.
See if you can get an MSDS sheet on the solvent from the vendor to determine any hazards.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: So Cal
parts washers
I have one of the harbor freight washers and it basically uses a heavy duty detergent, not a solvent.
The big problem as the other guy mentioned, is what do you do with all that filthy water? I wouldn't recommend dumping it down the drain since it could clog things up or being an environmentally conscious tree hugging dirt eating druid, it would wreak havoc on the sewage plant or the downstream side.
I find myself more often than not just using a bunch of newspapers as a drop sheet and using brake cleaner or some other solvent and a brush on most parts and wiping with paper towels.
Jim Henderson
The big problem as the other guy mentioned, is what do you do with all that filthy water? I wouldn't recommend dumping it down the drain since it could clog things up or being an environmentally conscious tree hugging dirt eating druid, it would wreak havoc on the sewage plant or the downstream side.
I find myself more often than not just using a bunch of newspapers as a drop sheet and using brake cleaner or some other solvent and a brush on most parts and wiping with paper towels.
Jim Henderson
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parts washers
My suggestion would be to buy the washer then call Safety Kleen and have them come out and service it. They provide the solvent then come out and replace it every 3 months or so. No hassling with the Haz Mat and you get fresh, clean, professional-grade solvent. When/if you hit a slow time where you're not using the tank then just cancel the service and start it again when you need it.
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parts washers
In my area you order the solvent from the company and they supply the washer and service every couple of weeks. One benefit is that when you use their solvent, it REALLY works. You can't even buy their stuff. I bought my washer from Costco's and THEN found that finding the solvent was next to impossible. I ended up giving it away and going partners with the guy down the street to save on the costs. That system worked well for me for a few years, until he moved. Note: the day before the service guy comes, you can dump your waste oil in the tank too.
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parts washers
Safety Kleen does that too but it's just a whole lot cheaper to buy your own machine. Cost to rent a machine and have it serviced on the longest possible schedule are over $50 a month. If you lay out $150 for a decent machine you can get the solvent changed every 120 days for less than $30 a month.
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