Originally Posted by
TeslaAudio
Greetings to all. This is my 1st post, so be gentle.
I want to know what it REALLY takes to be able to refill a metal CO2 laser tube.
The cost of 3-4 refills at $1700 each can't be anywhere close to a few tanks of gas, regulators and fittings.
I already have a vacuum pump, so that's not an issue.
I am VERY SERIOUS about learning how to do this. I have paid for 3 refills and need another right now. I'd much rather buy the equipment to do it myself than to pay to have it done again.
There are also 2 other local people I know that have the same exact tube, and they are in the same boat. I couldn't care less about making a dime off them, I'd do it for free just to spite the company at this point.
I was told over the phone by the co. tech exactly what keeps happening... Supposedly, the helium is such a small molecule that it manages to escape sooner or later, bringing the output down to nothing.
Supposedly, due to the fact that I need to keep the laser outside in my shop, every time the temperature dips or rises, the O-ring seals can leak.
I had a tube refilled and used it for 3 days... came back on Monday, and it was dead again!! No warranty, just "Sorry that will be another $1700"
I've had it !!!!!! I don't mind paying for quality... but I HATE getting screwed because someone knows they CAN screw you.
Well, I took one of my 3 tubes apart today, and the O-ring is only about .005" above the track it sits in.. and the screws that hold the end-caps on... finger tight ????
Engineered Obsolesce if you ask me !!! Thicker O-ring and tighten down on the screws a little bit more, there's no way it would leak.
It's almost as if there were relying on the vacuum pressure to hold the end-caps on... the screws are there just so it "looks" secure. Ridiculous !!!!
Well, that's it for my rant.
Anyone that can give me a hand in getting this up and running... I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance.