Welding Tips and Tricks

Well, I got a good deal on a coolmate 4 on craigs list, Kind of overkill for what I will use it for, but the price and condition were good. Any way, I live in Houston and hardly ever see the temps dip below freezing, but I wanted to add a little antifreeze anyway, if nothing more than to keep the pump lubed. So I bought 4 gallons of distilled water, and I had read on here that rv/marine antifreeze is OK to use, so I bought a bottle when I got the distilled water at WallyWorld. I was looking at the ingredients and besides propylene glycol, it has ethyl alcohol in it. Will the alcohol cause any problems? Kind of leary about using it with the alcohol, if nothing more than if it ever springs a leak while I'm welding. Your thoughts on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

Dave

Alchohol in water is not flammable until 26% concentration by weight is exceeded. I can't advise on conductivity.

Most anti freeze not intended for welding seems to have issues on conductivity - not something I'm qualified to comment on but there have been numerous threads here - general opinion though is just propylene glycol with nothing else added is safe especially as by the sound of it you won't need a high concentration - this is available at quite low cost on Ebay listed under food grade chemicals - I've seen it in various quantities - 5 liter being common - I imagine this would be plenty for you needs.

OK, thanks guys. I'll look for the pure propylene glycol.