I would like to buy an argon laser

[ElektroFreak]

Your best bet is to get a complete head. It would be much more time and cost effective. You'd probably have a very hard time finding a bare tube that is still in good order since the good ones available to hobbyists are usually inside a head ready to be used. Buying a replacement tube from JDSU costs several thousand dollars.

 

[daguin]

Dave,

I've got the laser head and the PSU, the head is actually multi line with few lines showing so I'm guessing I'll need a ML head not SL?

I'm still a newbie, so correct me if i'm wrong

You can use either type of laser with that PSU. The plasma (and therefore the power) is the same. The only real difference is the optics/mirrors. ML = multi line -- SL = single line

Peace,
dave

 

[Link]

Your best bet is to get a complete head. It would be much more time and cost effective. You'd probably have a very hard time finding a bare tube that is still in good order since the good ones available to hobbyists are usually inside a head ready to be used. Buying a replacement tube from JDSU costs several thousand dollars.

JDSU was my first port of call for the new tube, then i was looking at refurb but knowing how the process works now its not cost effective at all and takes days to do it.

Just wondered if there was anyone here who might have a head or tube that fit the PSU, its not an issue, just I'd love to have an argon with the full set of beams

I'd prefer to get a tube because there's more effort involved in changing a tube, than plugging a different head into the PSU

 

[Link]

You can use either type of laser with that PSU. The plasma (and therefore the power) is the same. The only real difference is the optics/mirrors. ML = multi line -- SL = single line

Peace,
dave

So what you're saying is I could (theoretically, ofcourse) take a tube from an SL head and put it into the ML head and it would be the same? or am I missing something?

 

[daguin]

JDSU was my first port of call for the new tube, then i was looking at refurb but knowing how the process works now its not cost effective at all and takes days to do it.
Just wondered if there way anyone here who might have a head or tube that fit the PSU, its not an issue, just I'd love to have an argon with the full set of beams
I'd prefer to get a tube because there's more effort involved in changing a tube, than plugging a different head into the PSU

It just struck me. You bought that laser from Happytomato? He shouldn't have sold it and you shouldn't have bought it. However, what is done, is done. I hope, at least, that you got a good deal.

Just keep using it the way it is until it won't work any more or you are simply too unhappy with it. Keep your eyes open for a 2214 or a 2210 laser to replace it with. You do NOT want to replace the tube. It is much more expensive than getting a used laser. You will get some that suck, like the one you bought, but even if you get three bad ones to one good one, you will still be ahead of the game financially when compared to getting your tube refurbished or buying a new tube.

Peace,
dave

 

[Link]

It just struck me. You bought that laser from Happytomato? He shouldn't have sold it and you shouldn't have bought it. However, what is done, is done. I hope, at least, that you got a good deal.

Just keep using it the way it is until it won't work any more or you are simply too unhappy with it. Keep your eyes open for a 2214 or a 2210 laser to replace it with. You do NOT want to replace the tube. It is much more expensive than getting a used laser. You will get some that suck, like the one you bought, but even if you get three bad ones to one good one, you will still be ahead of the game financially when compared to getting your tube refurbished or buying a new tube.

Peace,
dave

For what I paid Dave I'm more than happy, Happytomato made a very fair deal (imho) I dont think I'd get a PSU on its own shipped to me for what I paid.

Still, could I do what I posted previously, I know it might be a hit and miss way of doing things..

 

[daguin]

For what I paid Dave I'm more than happy, Happytomato made a very fair deal (imho) I dont think I'd get a PSU on its own shipped to me for what I paid.

Still, could I do what I posted previously, I know it might be a hit and miss way of doing things..

Yeah. You can't do anything about this one. The PSU should continue to work fine. Just follow the advice of my second part above. Enjoy it for what it is and keep your eyes open for a JDS Uniphase 2214 or 2210. Any color line will work. You just need one with the two plugs (one round and one square) Some JDSU lasers use the "Cyonics" type round plug only. You cannot use those.

ML = multi line
SL = cyan line
Gl = green line
VL = indigo line
BL = all "blue" lines

Peace,
dave

 

[Link]

Yeah. You can't do anything about this one. The PSU should continue to work fine. Just follow the advice of my second part above. Enjoy it for what it is and keep your eyes open for a JDS Uniphase 2214 or 2210. Any color line will work. You just need one with the two plugs (one round and one square) Some JDSU lasers use the "Cyonics" type round plug only. You cannot use those.

ML = multi line
SL = cyan line
Gl = green line
VL = indigo line
BL = all "blue" lines

Peace,
dave

whats so special about the 2214 and 2210s?

Thanks for the acronym explanation too

EDIT** Ignore me, I'm half asleep, the 2214 and 2210 should fit my PSU I got it, on that note i'm going to sleep

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

My ML argon gives 8 lines that I can see. The last 3 blue lines start getting dim.

HMike

 

[mfo]

Can Argon's put out like Watts of power? For burning stuff? Or are they weak like HeNe's?

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Most ArIon's are like HeNe lasers. Good sources of colored light. HOWEVER, If you have the $ and sufficient electrical power and cooling water -- yes, they will go into the several WATTS range. CO2 is more efficient for burning.

HMike

 

[pseudonomen137]

There are plenty of argon lasers in the watt range, but to get that power the tubes have to be pretty hefty. Typically you see watt-range Ar lasers in scientific/industrial applications like pumping other lasers, or sometimes in expensive laser shows.

At this point, I can't resist showing off one of my old pics of my multiline argon (with a stray greenie and red laser just wishing they could steal the show):

If anyones looking to buy an argon, I have some ones I need to get rid of some day (don't have time for laser stuff anymore unfortunately). I have two awesome, complete multiline units (PSU, head, even a fiber-coupled output all in one case) pushing 200mW I could sell for ~$600 each. Also got a few spectra physics single line 488nm heads in the 5-30mW range that'd be cheaper.

 

[bryce007]

that pic is awesome!

 

[blackspirit]

I have been wanting a argon for so long now. Sounds like there are a few for sale. Just curious, anyone ever shipped one to Australia. Looking at roughly 300$ shipping Im guessing.

But interested.

Dave

 

[Link]

Dave, check your messages

 

[Gryphon]

^ What is that in your sig?