oxygen and acetalene tanks

[drizler]

Yeah i'm in the dark here I was not aware that they were using propane to replace acetylene. Our problem is we only have one supplier here.

It doesn't really but let's face it who really bottle welds anymore. For cutting it works just fine although it's a tad more temperamental and slower . Sure it uses more oxygen but compared to getting ripped off 2 ways it's a deal. I weld exhaust pipe and light stuff with no problem which is about all the welding need I have for it and most times I just weld with the cutting torch on such stuff. Proper no but it works fine. My true use for bottles is heating and cutting anyways.

 

[ultrarunner]

I fill my little O2 tanks from my big tank...

We go through about 10 cylinders a week so no rental charges.

My buddy set me up with the line for filling and he was plant Super Intendant of an industrial gas plant.

It takes longer to fill my Acetylene because I have to wait for turn around to fill my customer owned tank.

 

[Oldpath05]

My renew contract is due now for acet/oxy, $90.00/year but the place I've been going to for 25 years is no longer open on Sat. and doesn't seem to have the weld supply he used to have, maybe he want's to semi-retire. So next week I'll check another place out, called this morning, little further away but I've been there before couple years ago, he does have that> I want to do business with you attitude, he recommended that I buy the tanks for $347.00, and not lease, said he has the similar size, he said come on down and we'll talk turkey.....

 

[dragoneggs]

You folks that don't need to lease your tanks are lucky.

I might of missed it. Are you saying you cannot buy/refill or exchange tanks in your state or only certain gas type tanks?

 

[BukitCase]

You DID miss it - post#9 ...Steve

 

[sam5570]

It doesn't really but let's face it who really bottle welds anymore. For cutting it works just fine although it's a tad more temperamental and slower . Sure it uses more oxygen but compared to getting ripped off 2 ways it's a deal. I weld exhaust pipe and light stuff with no problem which is about all the welding need I have for it and most times I just weld with the cutting torch on such stuff. Proper no but it works fine. My true use for bottles is heating and cutting anyways.

the only reason I need my tanks is for cutting metal or heating something to get it apart , I have a welder for putting it back together. Our problem here is we just don't have the choice that most other people have.

 

[Oldpath05]

I really don't see the point of using propane if it takes a lot more oxy. to run it, and dont see the reason in welding with torches or why. At the shipyard acetylene or propane is not used, I think it's something like map gas, it's cuts through some really thick steel I've seen it cut 2" steel with no problem. I kinda like the smell of it when the worker drains the hoses, think it's 5 days off if gas lines are still hooked up after shift, another reason why more mechanics rather use the plasma equipment.

I wonder where would gas cutting torches would end up IF they developed a plasma cutting machine that will produce a hotter flame for heating?

 

[BukitCase]

Plasma "flame" is already several TIMES as hot as either acetylene/oxy, MAPP/Oxy or Propane/Oxy - I think the design change would need to be to "de-concentrate" the plasma stream so it doesn't cut instantly.

I've used the scarfing tip on my PM45 a few times and it doesn't "blow things away" as quickly, maybe going FURTHER with that type of tip?

Dunno, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if I could get the plaz to eliminate a couple more tanks... Steve

 

[DK35vince]

I got my tanks probably 20 years ago.
A 99 year lease was $400 or 500 at the time.
Never had any issue swapping out tanks.
Can swap tanks at the local welding shop or the local Tractor Supply.

 

[sam5570]

I leased my tanks for 30 some years as well just took them and exchange, but the price of the lease just got so high I cannot justify the cost so i'm searching other options.