Parts washer or just use a bucket and a brush?

I'm starting an engine rebuild and wondering about Parts washers. Seems like I can accomplish the same thing using some buckets and brushes and degreaser/cleaner of my choice. Maybe I'm ignorant since I've never used a parts washer so I'm trying to understand what the benefits are and if I should buy one.

Thanks.

Parts washer - In the corner with a bunch of crap piled on top of it. It needs a fluid change and I'm to lazy to do it. I pretty much only use it on really nasty stuff.

I've been washing parts in one of these.

Then I dump the mineral spirits through a coffee filter and use it again. The spout lets me dump it in a 5 gal jug when I'm done or need to change the oil in something.

Oooo, oooo. Dishwasher not good enough for us, eh?

Dr. Hess wrote: Oooo, oooo. Dishwasher not good enough for us, eh?

Nope, I love a dishwasher for parts cleaning. Not much works better. Unfortunately my wife doesn't agree.

Toyman01 wrote: Parts washer - In the corner with a bunch of crap piled on top of it. It needs a fluid change and I'm to lazy to do it. I pretty much only use it on really nasty stuff. I've been washing parts in one of these. Then I dump the mineral spirits through a coffee filter and use it again. The spout lets me dump it in a 5 gal jug when I'm done or need to change the oil in something.

Good enough for me. I have 2 of those sitting around unused.

Plastic mortar mixing pans available at HD and Lowes, small and large sizes... cheap. They store parts well too. When I tear something down all the parts go in one of these, never lose a part again.

http://www.harborfreight.com/garage-shop/parts-washers/20-gallon-parts-washer-with-pump-60769.html

Wish I had a little more space for one of those. I like the idea of leaving the cleaner in the washer and not having to worry about emptying it from the open tubs.

ScreaminE wrote: http://www.harborfreight.com/garage-shop/parts-washers/20-gallon-parts-washer-with-pump-60769.html Wish I had a little more space for one of those. I like the idea of leaving the cleaner in the washer and not having to worry about emptying it from the open tubs.

I've got the 6 1/2 gallon bench-top version of that, and it worked reasonably well when I was cleaning off the parts for the 350.

ScreaminE wrote: http://www.harborfreight.com/garage-shop/parts-washers/20-gallon-parts-washer-with-pump-60769.html Wish I had a little more space for one of those. I like the idea of leaving the cleaner in the washer and not having to worry about emptying it from the open tubs.

i have one. it does not get used often, but when it does it is more than worth it. i keep some old paintbrushes and a brass wire brush in it for cleaning stuff. i use kerosene and it works great. when the stuff gets nasty i run it through a filter and mix with fresh. the only thing i'm contemplating changing about it is putting a tank below it with the pump in that to hold the liquid, and make the drain about 1/4" above the top of the bottom, so that chunks don't fall into the holding tank.

i can fit a whole 700r4 tranny case in it to clean.

fasted58 wrote: Plastic mortar mixing pans available at HD and Lowes, small and large sizes... cheap. They store parts well too. When I tear something down all the parts go in one of these, never lose a part again.

Just dawned on me that if you have that, plus a small sub box that fits in that, PLUS a small fountain pump, you'd have a DIY parts cleaner that can be taken apart. hmm.

Toyman01 wrote:

Dr. Hess wrote: Oooo, oooo. Dishwasher not good enough for us, eh?

Nope, I love a dishwasher for parts cleaning. Not much works better. Unfortunately my wife doesn't agree.

Hmm... Could you re-purpose a dishwasher as a heated parts washer?? Using some sort of non-flammable solvent of course like simple green and water?

dculberson wrote:

Toyman01 wrote:

Dr. Hess wrote: Oooo, oooo. Dishwasher not good enough for us, eh?

Nope, I love a dishwasher for parts cleaning. Not much works better. Unfortunately my wife doesn't agree.

Hmm... Could you re-purpose a dishwasher as a heated parts washer?? Using some sort of non-flammable solvent of course like simple green and water?

That is exactly what most machine shops and transmssion shops use today. They will tell you they will "hot tank" it, but they don't.

ScreaminE wrote: http://www.harborfreight.com/garage-shop/parts-washers/20-gallon-parts-washer-with-pump-60769.html Wish I had a little more space for one of those. I like the idea of leaving the cleaner in the washer and not having to worry about emptying it from the open tubs.

The one Toyman says is buried is one of those and it contains diesel fuel. Cheaper than kerosene and works just as well.