oxy/acetylene tank usage time

[moogoob]

Hello,

New to welding, and been playing with with oxy/mapp as practice. I'm looking for a oxyacetylene rig, and curious of how long tanks last.

the small oxy tanks ($7 each) only last 10 minutes if that... and being new, its hard to practice.

so... question, what size oxygen tanks last how long?

[vette-kid]

Good question. I was just looking at these set-ups the other day. I have no idea how to weld with one, but Im curious.

[speed bump]

How much are you planning on using them? I can't remember exactly which size tanks I have (whichever size is pretty much standard in industry) and the have lasted for a couple of years just being used for body work, cutting and heating.

[nate379]

Can't really say beacuse it's so variable. Torch size, type, how hot you have it set, etc.

I can't remember the size of my tanks, I think the oxygen is 80cu/ft, maybe 125 and the acetylene is a bit smaller.

[ossaguy]

I have the "B" sized tanks that are about half-sized, ( comes up almost to my waist ) and It's hard to come up with a mileage figure,but it's probably something like 3-4 hours of constant use,I'm guessing.Most of the times I use it are for quick little jobs,so it's like 15 minutes of welding at a time.

It depends on what tip you use,and if you use the cutting unit it will run out of oxygen sooner than the gas.The problem is that you can't "use up" the gas til it's empty unless you use the tiniest of tips,since it will get acetone in the regulator,if it draws more than what is recommended once it gets down in psi.That's why it's best to get the full-sized tanks if you will be using it a lot.Plus you save on refill costs.I wish I would've got full sized ones way back when I started.
Taking a class at your local community college is a good way to practice for cheap,and learn all the right techniques.They teach you a lot of the safety part of it too,since it can be dangerous.That's how I learned.
That way you can make sure it's for you,before spending $ for your setup.I sure am glad I have it,as it comes in handy a lot!

Just my two cents worth....

Steve

[moogoob]

Thanks everybody,
3-4 hours of use is ia lot better than 10 minutes. Hard to practice with little bits at a time.
Definatly interested in a class.

[r6_cannibal]

I have B size tanks too, and I haven't had to refill them in over 6 months. Granted they see very occasional use but I use them mainly for cutting more than anything else. I learned how to use it by reading all I could from online how-to's and whatnot, but I am going to take a class to improve technique and undo any bad habits I might have picked up.

[malibu101]

Thanks everybody,
3-4 hours of use is ia lot better than 10 minutes. Hard to practice with little bits at a time.
Definatly interested in a class.
Not to mention the HUGE cost savings instead of buying those little yellow disposables.

[lilredex]

My set up is shown below, "B" tank and 80 Cu. Ft. OX. These days I fill them every year or two as they are only used ocassionally. Previously, doing that Volare job, they lasted maybe 3-4 months. They are the right size for me and I have had them for 25 years+. If you do a bunch of cutting they may not last a month, but just welding or brazing they last a long time and usually run out together.

http://thumb5.webshots.net/t/72/72/5/19/70/2345519700059214605UzLRKn_th.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2345519700059214605UzLRKn)