Laser stored in cold workshop
Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 3:32 pm
I picked up an Artsign JSM-3060N to get me started with cutting while I build a laser 2.x.
Right now the laser is stored in my friend's workshop/garage (northern VA). I've had it for a month and there have been no problems with cooling it - basically using a 5 gallon bucket + aquarium pump.
My question is that as it starts to get colder, obviously I need to start thinking about the cooling setup --> frozen water + laser tube = no good.
My basic thought was to put antifreeze into the cooling water to keep it from freezing in the winter in case the shop temp falls below freezing. It seems like a lot of people do this, so I don't see any problems, just wanted to confirm. Also, what sort of ratio would be best?
I do realize that thermal shock could be an issue at some point too, so I'm starting to think of some local heating if necessary, so the water and tube are both at similar temps before I fire up the machine on a cold day.
Thanks for any help.
Mason
Right now the laser is stored in my friend's workshop/garage (northern VA). I've had it for a month and there have been no problems with cooling it - basically using a 5 gallon bucket + aquarium pump.
My question is that as it starts to get colder, obviously I need to start thinking about the cooling setup --> frozen water + laser tube = no good.
My basic thought was to put antifreeze into the cooling water to keep it from freezing in the winter in case the shop temp falls below freezing. It seems like a lot of people do this, so I don't see any problems, just wanted to confirm. Also, what sort of ratio would be best?
I do realize that thermal shock could be an issue at some point too, so I'm starting to think of some local heating if necessary, so the water and tube are both at similar temps before I fire up the machine on a cold day.
Thanks for any help.
Mason