None at all as far as I can see. When I use the MSW I let it cool slightly, pour it into a container and go back to my own mix.
I made a big batch of my own mix and let them cool in 1/2 pound blocks that I use most of the time and just keep the MSW for when the race chain gets a dip. I tend to clean and wax that to within an inch of it’s life and am less worried about the training chains.
I was coming here to post about this, asking @Jonathan @Nate_Pearson for a tutorial on it. Thanks for reading my mind.
What size Crock pot? I see @Jonathan links to a 6 quart Crock Pot, that’s 5.8L.
This Crock Pot → https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Crock-Pot-Traditional-One-Pot-Cooker-CHP200/163251461910?epid=708929770&hash=item26028b9f16:g:JmYAAOSwoaNblyka:rk:21:pf:0
It’s 3.5L but looks plenty big enough. Would it be?
Does any Sonic Cleaner do? Is this 600ml 40KHz good enough? https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/600ml-Multi-Purpose-Ultrasonic-Cleaner-Sonic-Wave-Tank-Watch-Jewellery-Cleaning/173297780469
Thanks!
600ML might be a tad too small for chain and cassette, and the reason i say cassette as well is because if you’re going to go through this and have a sonic cleaner you might as well be able to dunk all your parts into it and get them shiney. See if you can find a 1.5L one at minimum.
I bought a small round 1.5l crockpot and if you make a swisher tool as per the MSW instruction page one chain fits perfectly in the bottom. I guess the larger pot you buy the disadvantage may be the amount of wax needed to cover the chain?
I bought a 2l ultrasonic cleaner and am glad I didn’t get one smaller.
@mrtopher1980
Is your Sonic cleaner heated?
A new link? Like a power link or a quick link?
Awesome the non heated cleaners are actually affordable.
I use the sram quick links. They have worked so far @Jonathan has said on his other pod that him and his co-host use the quick links without issue. I am hoping that they continue to work for me. I have nightmares about breaking a chain while riding.
Even if sonic cleaners have the ability to heat they take ages. You are better off boiling a full kettle and pouring that in and mixing with degreaser. If you off-gas cycle it is also beneficial for breaking everything down properly prior to ultrasonic mode.
Thanks for the info. Yeah I can see myself expanding use of this cleaner.
Can you fit 2 chains in the 1.5L Crock Pot?
I think 2L for the sonic cleaner will be the go.
Thanks!
A question for @Jonathan and others doing this. How long between waxing?
I have tried out Ceramic Speed UFO Drip. It’s like a wax. Having a clean chain to the touch has got my interest in going the full waxing. I am finding my chain becomes squeaky after about 50-100km on UFO drip. That sucks.
Also, do we not trust the Wippermann Connex link for reuse? It’s advertised to be reusable.
Mine has lasted as long as 200mi on road, 100 miles on dirt.
I had a Wippermann Connex link (that I reused) break on me. Luckily didn’t cause a crash.
It would have to be in a double layer to fit more than one chain in. One chain fits exactly in the base of the crockpot when on the swisher tool.
I’ve made several of the tools from old coat hangers and just have them lined up ready do go when I do a batch of chains and dip them one at at time.
Thanks @Jonathan
That’s 320 km. That’s not much to have to then throw out a quick link. Thjayt’s making me think it’s no worth it.
Oh dear. That’s not a good endorsement. Glad it didn’t result in a crash for you.
Hello,
there is a factory waxed chain. So in theory, no complex process required to exchange lubricant, as all is in wax ;-). The chain is sold by Squirt. In fact, the chain made by KMC. I think it is a X11SL.
Hope that link works for you all: HOME • Squirt Cycling Products
-JP
Can you use a KMC missing link? They are reusable.
It’s fairly new I think, I only found out about the reusable version a few months ago.
Nothing you can’t vacuum up in a minute
I know a lot has been said about the risks of reusable chain links, but I figured I’d throw in my $0.02. I’ve been using reusable 10 speed KMC missing links on multiple 11 speed Ultegra drivetrains for the last 2 years without any issues. I rewax my chains every 2-3 weeks so I’m constantly taking them on and off. I’ve never had any issues and once measured the width and it was only a 0.1mm difference. I ride about 6-9 hours a week between the trainer and road fwiw. I did have a Wipperman link break on me, but I think it was my fault as it was likely upside down.
Some follow up questions @Jonathan
Which wax is this? Molten Speed Wax? That is meant to last at least 550km.
How many times did you reuse this link before it broke?
Thanks.
I’ve bought a few Wipperman chains as there was a good deal and I know the links are reusable. I am getting a bit scared to use the chains at all now, reading this thread. I’ve been using KMC and I have had anything issues. I’ve never reused a link though.
Molten Speed Wax is wonderful. I use it exclusively, but honestly after about 100-200 miles on the road it starts to get loud so I just reapply. It’s so easy to wax the chain once it’s been waxed previously (just let the crock pot heat up and drop it in), that sometimes I do it once a week. 1lb still lasts a long time for me though. I realize that chain noise/squeak doesn’t necessarily imply a loss of lubrication or added friction, but you have to follow “the rules” or we’re no different than the animals (sorry, John Wick movie reference…). At first chain waxing seemed like a lot of work for not a lot of return to me, but it’s so simple and intuitive that I don’t think I’ll ever put a liquid lube on my chain again.