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Techniques for CollectorsWhat kind/brand of water pressure gun should i buy?

21st Feb 2012 22:06 UTCscott jamerson

What kind/brand of water pressure gun should i buy?

specifically for cleaning Amazonite/smoky quartz.

I currently use super iron out - severals soaks and just some good water cleaning. the rest is done with dental picks and toothbrushes. But...in a lot of cases these methods just dont do it.

I want to buy a pressure washer but I hope someone can point me otu to a brand/model that will suit me.

much thanks

-scott

21st Feb 2012 23:42 UTCEugene & Sharon Cisneros Expert

Hi Scott,

This should raise a few eyebrows. I use a Sears Craftsman 4 HP gasoline motor pressure washer that operates at high volume, gallon per minute, and pressures up to 2500psi. It's definitely not for micro mounts, where a Water Pik or ultrasonic come in handy. But, for big hunks that you haul home, nothing beats it. Just don't get your hand in the way! I guess the little "rock squirters" that everyone uses are fine for smaller stuff. American Niagara makes the Mystic Cleaning Gun that works well.''

Gene

22nd Feb 2012 03:06 UTCJim Bean 🌟

Gene,

Thanks for the link to the Mystic Cleaning Gun brochure/manual. I haven't had to disassemble mine yet, but that manual will surely help when that day arrives.

22nd Feb 2012 05:21 UTCBart Cannon

I have something that looks like the "Mystic Cleaning Gun".

It is a fabulous addition to my mineral cleaning gear collection. Works as well as an air abrasive system for most things, but it doesn't abrade.

Cleans lichens and moss in a snap, but it does snap the occassional small quartz crystal and you will yelp if you misdirect the stream onto your index finger.

The one I have is called a "Babs". I think it's made in China. Of course.

Bart

22nd Feb 2012 12:58 UTCHarold Moritz 🌟 Expert

For hand specimens, I highly recommend the Mystic 01B. A precision tool for about $100, maybe less. With the adjustable nozzle you can use a light mist to rinse dust and lint out of needly specimens and pockets (or any specimen that's been sitting on shelves or dealer tables gathering ick), a moderately hard stream to take off basic dirt, lichens, algae, etc. or crank up the pressure to strip off some crusty stuff or carve mica schist from around garnets and staurolite, even cleave off calcite. Wont replace an air abrasion system for hard crusts, but great for cleaning up the specimen afterwards. The folks at American Niagara are friendly and helpful and give great customer service.

22nd Feb 2012 14:32 UTCscott jamerson

sounds like a great start! i'll check into themystic. thanks!

22nd Feb 2012 17:12 UTCscott jamerson

ok. i purchased a mystic 1600 psi with adjustable nozzle. will report back to give my 'review'

:-)

23rd Feb 2012 13:38 UTCJames Christopher

I have had a Babbs that I got off e-bay from a lithography supply company, I think Valley Litho maybe. Sale price was $40, and while I don't use it a ton, it works great with no problems.

1st Mar 2012 03:26 UTCscott jamerson

well. im pretty happy with the mystic. works very well. of course it wont do all the cleaning by istelf, still need lots of soaking, super iron out and some brushing, but this machiner does the pre soak and finish work well. pretty strong stream of water as well, it will cleave a feldspar if you're not careful.

18th Mar 2012 10:23 UTCLew Landers

the "albatross expert 5000" is possibly the best gun on the market at present. The water flow and pressure,plus the nozzle pattern are all adjustable. It is made in Sweden. check Spot cleaning guns on Google....unfortunately it is a bit pricy. Also this gun has a hose attachment so the water jar does not need to be filled frequently.

Larger pressure washers work great for many specimens but here I would get a small electric, available at box stores for under 100.00...Karcher, Sears, etc Most have an adjustable nozzle. Incidentally, when using the pressure washer it's handy to do the cleaning on a screen, I just set it on a tire.

Lew Landers

4th Apr 2012 14:21 UTCGreg Capatch

I have a Bab's off Ebay as well- paid 40 bucks or so- and have made that money back many, many times over by using it. Have bought out dozens of collections since it was purchased- and have cleaned thousands of specimens with it- still going strong. To increase life span, use reverse osmosis or distilled water in it.

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