I had this laying around gas nipple was broken in shipping and didn’t want to trash it. So removed both end mirror’s and fished some led lights through it. Now just to hang it up.
…that is a good idea! I also have an old laser tube that I can not bother to throw out - it will turn into a lamp!
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I thought old CO2 laser tubes could be regenerated by evacuating and then replenishing the gases. No?
I usually just make bongs from old tubes.
Not DC glass tubes, no.
Well, in theory, yes, but at a cost of pulling them apart, replacing components, refilling and resealing greater than buying a new off-the-shelf tube.
A RF CO2 laser can be recharged - about US$800-$1500.
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If there were small valves for refilling new gas on all laser tubes (there are some!), 10000000 … Chinese would become unemployed and the western glass recycling industry would go bankrupt and a K40 would only cost $ 100.
Hi Rudy,
How did you go about removing the mirrors on your tube? I’ve got so many laying around and have been dreaming of making a chandelier of sorts from all of the different sizes I’ve collected over the years. Thanks in advance for any tips!!
I just went at it carefully removing every little part.
It was already no good so what was there to loose.
I was clueless.
Good luck
Thanks! Maybe the tubes you use are quite different. I’ve been working with 50,60 and 80W cloudray tubes that have a bunch of adhesive holding each side together. Tried the whole thermal shock method by setting twine on fire and dumping in ice bath (I’ve seen work with wine bottles). But imagine this glass is made to withstand thermal shock lol. No luck. So I did end up just making a semi-clean break on the back mirror side trying to pry the waterjacket off with screwdriver and vicegrips. Any more tips for tubes w adhesive? Thank you!! Will have to update w art project progress pics!