Welding Tips and Tricks

Hi,

If there are members in this area, can you provide some insight on where to get a leased tank (or purchase one at a reasonable price) and argon? I know there is a Nextair and AirGas near me, but I have heard they can be rather expensive. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I have been looking on craigs list and letgo but the the two tanks I did see were overpriced. At least in my mind they were.

There is no real benefit to owning a bottle. Most LWS have rentals or leases and most places won't fill a competitors bottle..I know AirASS won't. Find a small LWS...they actually appreciate their small customers.

My understanding is that yes, if a company name is stamped on the collar quit a few companies won't refill. But if you buy a bare cylinder with no stampings on the collar there usually isn't a problem getting filled.

Also, I have looked around and can't find a place to get a tank refilled, rented, leased in my local area other than the two mentioned previously. Do you know of any around here? I have no problem driving a bit to get it as along as it's a good price etc...

AR15DCM wrote:My understanding is that yes, if a company name is stamped on the collar quit a few companies won't refill. But if you buy a bare cylinder with no stampings on the collar there usually isn't a problem getting filled.

Also, I have looked around and can't find a place to get a tank refilled, rented, leased in my local area other than the two mentioned previously. Do you know of any around here? I have no problem driving a bit to get it as along as it's a good price etc...

I can't be of any help as I'm from Illinois. I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but no name necks are rare as hens teeth...at least they are around here. The gas suppliers get rid of no names and replace them with their stamp to keep you loyal to them. The AirGassholes are famous for that. Being near Atlanta...there must be a lws around somewhere.

Yeah I didnt notice where you were from... Because of the title I assumed you were around here.

Well that is what I am trying to find out... where one is because other than the two I mentioned I dont know of any.

Also know that "No Name" bottles may not be filled unless the bottle carries an inspection sticker more recent than 5 years (depending upon size). You might call the local shops you mentioned and find out exactly what they do charge. It may not be as bad as you think, or, it might be less expensive/more convenient than driving back and forth. And the convenience of being able to "pop over" and get a refill, swap a bottle, etc on a Friday afternoon can't be undervalued.

I pay $78/year for a 336ft Argon bottle from Roberts. I don't know the rates elsewhere, but for that, I have 2 stores equidistant to me and the reps in both are exceptionally friendly and pleasant. They're not "experts" but always willing to get me the odd things I ask for. And, consumables I buy over the counter in a pinch come at a reduction due to having "an account" with them.

For what its worth...

cj737 wrote:Also know that "No Name" bottles may not be filled unless the bottle carries an inspection sticker more recent than 5 years (depending upon size). You might call the local shops you mentioned and find out exactly what they do charge. It may not be as bad as you think, or, it might be less expensive/more convenient than driving back and forth. And the convenience of being able to "pop over" and get a refill, swap a bottle, etc on a Friday afternoon can't be undervalued.

I pay $78/year for a 336ft Argon bottle from Roberts. I don't know the rates elsewhere, but for that, I have 2 stores equidistant to me and the reps in both are exceptionally friendly and pleasant. They're not "experts" but always willing to get me the odd things I ask for. And, consumables I buy over the counter in a pinch come at a reduction due to having "an account" with them.

For what its worth...

Airgas wants $109 yr. + Gas Fill which is around $85 for a 300CF tank.

AR15DCM wrote:

cj737 wrote:Also know that "No Name" bottles may not be filled unless the bottle carries an inspection sticker more recent than 5 years (depending upon size). You might call the local shops you mentioned and find out exactly what they do charge. It may not be as bad as you think, or, it might be less expensive/more convenient than driving back and forth. And the convenience of being able to "pop over" and get a refill, swap a bottle, etc on a Friday afternoon can't be undervalued.

I pay $78/year for a 336ft Argon bottle from Roberts. I don't know the rates elsewhere, but for that, I have 2 stores equidistant to me and the reps in both are exceptionally friendly and pleasant. They're not "experts" but always willing to get me the odd things I ask for. And, consumables I buy over the counter in a pinch come at a reduction due to having "an account" with them.

For what its worth...

Airgas wants $109 yr. + Gas Fill which is around $85 for a 300CF tank.

AirgASS is bad....avoid them if you can. Expensive and they treat small time welders/shops like shit. Find a small indy store..they're glad to have you.

That is why I was hoping to find someone local that posts here. Maybe find out who they are using etc...
Actually Airgas was cheaper than Nextair. So far the Airgas folks have been really nice and helping answering my questions.

If I cant find a mom & pop I will probably go with Airgas.

There are 5 LWS in the town I live in. The air gas here isn't bad. I just don't use them a lot because there in an inconvenient location. There gas prices were just a little more.

AR15DCM wrote:That is why I was hoping to find someone local that posts here. Maybe find out who they are using etc...
Actually Airgas was cheaper than Nextair. So far the Airgas folks have been really nice and helping answering my questions.

If I cant find a mom & pop I will probably go with Airgas.

Maybe Airgas is listening and reading about how they are hated and cleaning up their act a little. The one in Joliet Il' is full of jerks that act like you're bothering them when you come in the door. I found a little mom and pop lws when I bought a bandsaw off Craigslist...the owner was the manager of the store. They treat you like family there. Every time I go there I leave with tons of free samples of grinding wheels and flap disks, booby calendars sometimes work gloves. Love that place.

I'm in NC and totally agree about Airgas. I've got an account with them and Arc3. I use Airgas just in case and they're closer. They're way expensive and do treat me like I just walked in off the street and haven't done business with them a lot in the past. Arc3 filled my argon tank (150) for like $18. Airgas $53.

Arc3 gives you the contents of the tank for free the first time you buy one too. Airgas does not. No surprise.

All of the local shops I have found only deal in propane. I am still looking, but so far I have not found anything

Every time you see one of these in your area, get the name and number off the side. Not all are BIG names. These are "local" deliverers, and have a local base of operations, and most will have retail. Granted, it might be 30 or 40 miles from Buford, but if it's a "mom and pop", it may well be worth the drive.
Steve S

Otto Nobedder wrote:Every time you see one of these in your area, get the name and number off the side. Not all are BIG names. These are "local" deliverers, and have a local base of operations, and most will have retail. Granted, it might be 30 or 40 miles from Buford, but if it's a "mom and pop", it may well be worth the drive.

deliveryimagelink.jpg

Steve S

To be honest I have never, ever, seen a gas cylinder delivery truck in my area. I posted a suggestion in the feedback forum asking about maybe adding a source list of welding gas dealers.

How about this one in Loganville?

http://palmerweldingsupply.com/

Steve S

Otto Nobedder wrote:How about this one in Loganville?

http://palmerweldingsupply.com/

Steve S

That is not terribly far from me at all. The traffic will suck, but 24 miles isnt bad. I wonder why they never came up on any of my searches...?

As an update...

I went to Palmers Welding Supply and met Trey and his wife. They are really nice folks.

So a 330cf +/- tank of Argon, yearly rental, is $80+tax including the first fill. Refills are $68 and if they come to do the swap out there is a $10 fee. Which for me, someone with disabilities, I will gladly pay the $10 instead of lifting the tank, loading it into the truck, and driving it over there.

So now I just need to get the tank out of the truck and get it hooked up to the welder and I will be set.

Oh I almost forgot to mention that they also own a metal supply company which is right next door to the welding shop. I bought 20ft of 1-1/4" 1/16" thick wall, 20ft long square tube for $90 I think it was I need to find the receipt to be sure. The whole bill with tax and cut fee ($5) was around $188 I think.