Welding Tips and Tricks

I still have no O2 tank. Some guy not far away is trying to sell one just the right size for $90. The stamp date is 1974.

Would you buy a tank that old on the assumption it would pass inspection? If it passes, I can swap it, pay the fee, and still come out pretty good. If not, it's scrap.

Other than that, it looks like Amazon is about the best I can do. They sell tanks for $229, empty.

I figure the local tank will run me somewhere around $160 if I swap it, plus about 90 miles of driving, so that's another $20 in fuel.

I would not.

Chips O'Toole wrote:I still have no O2 tank. Some guy not far away is trying to sell one just the right size for $90. The stamp date is 1974.

Would you buy a tank that old on the assumption it would pass inspection? If it passes, I can swap it, pay the fee, and still come out pretty good. If not, it's scrap.

Other than that, it looks like Amazon is about the best I can do. They sell tanks for $229, empty.

I figure the local tank will run me somewhere around $160 if I swap it, plus about 90 miles of driving, so that's another $20 in fuel.

Make sure your lws will swap that size tank.

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Does Zod weld with argon or just krypton?

I have a really good rapport with my local supply guy. I'm actually taking in a big ol acetylene bottle and trading it for a tri-mix.. all I have to pay for is gas. Talk to your local guy. I still have 6 empty tanks of various sizes and gasses that I have bought off CL and use for swapping. I was able to get a small oxy/acy rig, a c25 bottle and an Argon bottle all without having to buy a new tank.

There are tanks out there, still in use, with a swastika stamped (and usually overstamped) on the side. I think you're fine.

varekai wrote:I have a really good rapport with my local supply guy. I'm actually taking in a big ol acetylene bottle and trading it for a tri-mix.. all I have to pay for is gas. Talk to your local guy. I still have 6 empty tanks of various sizes and gasses that I have bought off CL and use for swapping. I was able to get a small oxy/acy rig, a c25 bottle and an Argon bottle all without having to buy a new tank.

Same here, most of my tanks I've gotten off craigslist.

Chips O'Toole wrote:I still have no O2 tank. Some guy not far away is trying to sell one just the right size for $90. The stamp date is 1974.

Would you buy a tank that old on the assumption it would pass inspection? If it passes, I can swap it, pay the fee, and still come out pretty good. If not, it's scrap.

Other than that, it looks like Amazon is about the best I can do. They sell tanks for $229, empty.

I figure the local tank will run me somewhere around $160 if I swap it, plus about 90 miles of driving, so that's another $20 in fuel.

It is gamble on any used tank.
I have seen tanks that was 40 years old still in uses.

Feel lucky
Dave

FYI
I purchased new tanks back in 1980's and still have the tanks.

Living 90 miles I would look at exchange type tanks. some supplies will sell you tank for exchange. One trip for fill up

I'm one of those who has purchased and exchanged old tanks as well.

My 250cf that I bought had an old Army Air Corps marking, if I remember correctly. It also had an impressive amount of hydro stamps...

The LWS was more than willing to take it in trade for a full one.