Tool question (Parts washer)

Bday · Jan 1, 2013

Sorry guys, it's not a welding question. Figured you guys would probably be in the know. Needing to buy a parts washer. What do you guys think of the buffalo line of washers sold at the farm stores. I know there Chinese, but it is what it is. Thanks for any info!

SHORT KID · Jan 1, 2013

Watch for Harbor Freight sale I think they are the same, on sale not a bad price. I bough one about 6 years ago on sale and works good.

Bird · Jan 1, 2013

When I was working on mechanics' air tools, I had to have a parts washer and I got mine back then from Northern Tool. If I needed to buy one now, I'd consider Northern Tool, Tractor Supply Co., and Harbor Freight; don't know which one I'd buy from, or whether one is any better than the others.

DFB · Jan 1, 2013

I have the small 3 1/2 gal from harbor freight works just fine...portable too!

What type of cleaning fluid do you plan on using?

muddstopper · Jan 1, 2013

The fluid will cost more than the washer. I have a northerntool 20gal one setting in the corner and seldom use it because of fluid prices. Heck, 20gal of kero is $80 bucks.

jake98 · Jan 1, 2013

Grizzly sells them, maybe you can avoid the sales tax. Anybody use them for cleaning gun parts? I have the little bench top unit, was thinking of putting some Hoppes #9 in it.

Bday · Jan 1, 2013

jake98 said:
Grizzly sells them, maybe you can avoid the sales tax. Anybody use them for cleaning gun parts? I have the little bench top unit, was thinking of putting some Hoppes #9 in it.

Sounds like a good idea. That would make cleaning guns a lot easier. I ended up buying one from a local farm supply store. We'll see what happens.

Bday · Jan 1, 2013

DFB said:
I have the small 3 1/2 gal from harbor freight works just fine...portable too!

What type of cleaning fluid do you plan on using?

Good or bad we put mineral spirits in her!

Bird · Jan 1, 2013

I always used Varsol that I got from the local Exxon distributor. He had it in 5 gallon buckets and I bought three of them. And then he had it in a tank and pump just like a gasoline pump, so I'd just refill my buckets there a little cheaper.