Ever cut an old Air compressor tank?

[CNC Dan]

Anyone ever cut one and have an idea of the general material thickness??

Check on youtube for user ChuckE2009. He has a few vids showing the cutting of tanks for BBQs.

Or unscrew one of the inspection ports and use your finger and thumb to feel how thick it is.
Or if you can get a small visegrip C-clamp into the port, you can adjust it so that it just touches, and then take them out and measure the gap.

But remember, the bottom will be thinner due to rust.

 

[Bird]

I've never cut one, but didn't we have a thread on TBN in the past in which someone said there's a possibility of an explosion danger due to oil that migrated from the compressor into the tank?

 

[Western]

Did a search on the web last night, seems there are BBQ forums and many guys have made them out of compressor tanks. I have read that tanks run the gamut from 1/8"-over 1/4", but seriously doubt this one is on the "thick side". I may go ahead and remove the motor, tank was only in service for about 2 years, may be able to get a caliber in some how .

If the tank is over 1/8", it should be fine for smoking since the firebox is a separate chamber (still has to take up to 300* without warping.)

I may just save the tank, could always run it parallel to my 80 gal Ingersol Rand and just buy the heavy pipe. I like working with heavier metal anyway. I was just curious after having to move it yet again yesterday:laughing:

 

[Gary Fowler]

If you cut it with a zip disc on your grinder, it shouldn't warp at all regardless of thickness. I too suspect it is about 1/8" thick just based on the size of welds on it, but that is plenty thick for a BBQ pit with a separate fire box. Schedule 40 pipe is going to be heavy to move around so light wall would be an advantage in that respect.

 

[Western]

Gary, that is what I was thinking as well, shouldn't be exposed to to much heat over 300*. I would use my plasma for the cutting, I would be more worried about the warping (flex) under cooking heat situation. I may try to get a look inside over the weekend.