Cutting an old propane tank

gary1611 · Jun 14, 2006

Iv'e built a pressurized sandblaster out of a tank it worked very well. The tank was empty for a while then i pulled a vacum used it to capture some r-12. Then it sat i pulled another vacuum on it. Blew some firecrackers up in it. then used a sniffer wich detects gases and there was no traces of propane in it. I did a lot of cutting welding grinding on it. I do not smell propane when i use it. will try to take some pics for you. I know you probaly don't have acess to the EQuipment forementioned but this is how i did it.

bobodu · Jun 14, 2006

I like the firecracker idea! Beats a rag on a stick...
I wouldn't worry to much about the tank after filling with water.But if it still makes you uncomfortable,ya might wanna consider using an electric hot water heater tank.

bendrewjr · Jun 14, 2006

25 yrs ago I made one out of an old water tank (Turned upside down) It will be dipped in the bottom for easy fill (I welded a 2" plug in the bottom) go from there. Drew

Onthesauk · Jun 14, 2006

An old fellow here in the NW cuts the ends off big tanks, welds short legs on them and makes some beautiful backyard firepits. Wonder if that burns the odor out?

Ductape · Jun 18, 2006

I'm going to ask a question while we're on this topic. I have a propane tank i was thinking about making into a lawn roller. I'm guessing the valve is made of brass or some other soft metal (someone spray-bombed my tank, including valve, silver long ago) , so as not be any hazard when threading it out of the top of the tank...... correct ?????

METATEST · Jun 27, 2006

The valve and stem are most likely brass. You should not have any problem if they are. Scrape away at it to see the "gold" metal. The propane can "embed' itself in the metal. Same as a gas tank or hydraulic tank. Filling the tank with water to your cutting line(or just below), will do two things. Dissipate the heat and keep any propane residue nil.
good luck...