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Laser stored in cold workshop

PostPosted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 3:32 pm
by MasonAtom
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

Re: Laser stored in cold workshop

PostPosted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 4:02 pm
by bdring
I ran mine for several month in my unheated garage in Chicago. I always use anti-freeze, even in the warm house. I really like the color, because it helps spot bubbles. I use 50-50 with the eco friendly type anti freeze.

If you just turn on the system and let the pump run for a few minutes there should be no issues with shock. All parts should have stabilized at the same temp before hand. I suppose if you did a long run and the fluid got hot, then you turned it off, the tube could cool quicker then be shocked when the warm fluid returned. If that is the case, just let the system naturally cool down. I rarely ever see the fluid got seriously hot though even with my bucket system.

Re: Laser stored in cold workshop

PostPosted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 6:45 pm
by MasonAtom
Thank for the confirmation Bart. That's pretty much what I figured but I wanted to make sure of things to protect my investment.

mason