Re: Ultrasonic Cleaning
With regards to the Ultrasonic cleaning of gun parts, I do have a bit of experience.
First off, NEVER set anything down in the bottom of the cleaners basin. Always suspend whatever it is you're wanting cleaned. The transducer is mounted directly to the basin, and is used to agitate (fancy word there) the LIQUID.
Just think of the process as a tiny washing machine. The liquid being agitated on a micro level, gets into pretty much every crack/crevice/slot/hole and joint. Again, that same agitation works things out, over time.
It is whatever solvent/soap/water/vinegar liquid mixture that does the dissolving of whatever it is you're wanting to remove.
I personally think it's one of the most thorough methods of cleaning "small parts groups" and whatnot. Winchester shotgun floorplate/trigger-groups are a good example. Everything gets cleaned in minutes, with no disassembley required. I wouldn't do this to a Jewel, but you get the idea, right?
As for the actual liquid or mixture used, there are many options. In the reloading forum, I have a thread, describing what another member here pioneered for cleaning the brass. JB1000 did a great job, and there are many here who now have followed his lead.
I'm not recommending this, but for the actual gun parts cleaning, the best cleaner I've found is dry-cleaning-fluid, also known as PERC. That stuff is fabulous.
Hazardous, dangerous, ozone-depleting maybe even, use outside, after sealing your basin, and all that stuff. But holy-moly, it sure does clean.
At least, that's what the movie depicted. Don't try this at home. Professional driver, closed course, highly tuned vehicle, and all that.