Antifreeze information:
The RV antifreeze is usually propylene glycol, factory mixed with water and a dye. We used to be able to put propylene glycol into fire sprinkler systems, except we didn't use the RV stuff. For some reason it is real cheap and has a dye in it. We used food grade or pharmaceutical grade. Propylene glycol is potable and is non-toxic. It is used in a lot of processed food. It has a lower freeze point when combined with a certain percentage of water. It is the stuff used in building coolant systems, that type usually has a corrosion inhibitor added,
My guess is that the nay-sayers who mention toxicity are talking about ethelyne glycol, or regular vehicle antifreeze. Thats the stuff we all know about, generally.
And because it is mixed with water, the cooling properties are great. Used with a rust inhibitor it won't cause corrosion issues.
You dont need to necessarilly protect down to -40, just because it gets that cold. Time is needed to bring the coolant down to the ambient temperature. Big difference between gelling and freezing.
Other thoughts:
Would an automatic pond heater keep your coolant warm enough? Remember you need to protect the coolant line, not just the reservoir.
I've kept a product called "Texaco Sultex D" in my power machines for as long as I can remember.
I think it is some kind of mineral oil that I use in my 14" slab saw for cutting rocks. Never had any issues in over a decade. You get 20º colder up there than we do in balmy Denver.
Just some thoughts.
Nice machinery, by the way. In many situations I prefer a power hacksaw to a bandsaw. Just set it and forget it. Slide up the stock to the next cut when you hesr the metal thunk after awhile.
Chilly
