OxyCon from Facebook Marketplace

BeadIt · #1 2024-06-03, 11:39am

I have been away from lamp working for a few years and my OxyCon is no longer working. I don't think it's worth paying to ship it somewhere to have it repaired. If someone knows of a repair place in Minnesota that would be the best option, but I haven't been able to find any. If I buy a used one from Marketplace are they usable "as is" for lampworking? Thanks for any input.

echeveria · #2 2024-06-03, 12:28pm

Yes. Lots of people disable the alarm so it doesn't beep when the oxy valve is closed, etc. You may have to adapt the fitting for your hose. I got a christmas tree adapter on Amazon, basically a plastic barbed nipple, cut the screw fitting off my hose, jammed it onto the barb fitting, and secured with a ring clamp.

BeadIt · #3 2024-06-03, 5:53pm

Thanks. That sounds do-able!

rcktscientist · #4 2024-06-04, 9:34am

Almost any stationary oxycon is usable for lampworking. The medical ones REQUIRE certain purity levels but the non-medical ones don't. Either way you still want purity north of 93%. I'd suggest getting some proof of purity before you buy, like a video of machine running with oxygen meter connected and reading above 93%. They're not cheap nor easy to ship so you wanna be sure regardless of where you buy from.

You also may want to re-consider the repair route. OR maybe an exchange for already repaired unit could work for you. Check Concentrated Lampworkers group on FB, you'll find a couple very highly rated sellers. (Bradshaw, LaClair, Dontno are a few)

If you'd like to try, I find that fresh filters fixes most issues. If it doesn't, I remove covers and check all lines for leaks with oxygen safe checker (snoop, oatey). If no leaks, then check function of all check valves by removing zip ties and valves and blowing through them both ways to verify, then re-install. And if check valves are ok, investigate sieve beds and/or control system but those are more complex. You can probably do the first 3 on your own and possibly get lucky. Just an option.

Best of luck!

BeadIt · #5 2024-06-04, 2:49pm

Thanks so much for your detailed reply. I think I'll contact someone who may be able to take a look at my OxyCon and run through the repair steps you mentioned. If that doesn't work I'll move on to your suggestions for obtaining another unit.