Gas welding questions

[myredracer]

I haven't gas welded since the late '80s but still have my old gauge and hose set. Will these still be okay to use after all this time? Have kept it coiled up in my tool chest. Not sure if the rubber hoses age out?

I have a Mig welder that I'll be using for restoring a couple of cars but it'd be handy occasionally to do a little gas welding or for when I need some heat to break a bolt loose. Haven't seen any used tanks for sale locally. If I end up buying a used or new pair of tanks in the US (hopefully cheaper), would there be any problems getting them filled or exchanged here in Canada? Do the tanks have a date limitation stamped on them? B size tanks would probably be fine for the little amount of use they'd get from me.

Lastly, would it be a problem storing the tanks inside our attached garage or should I keep them outside when not in use?

 

[Thumper68]

I would replace the hoses, the gages should be fine but you will know right away if they are not.

I can't help with the bottle question

I have always stored mine inside 30+ years but I make sure that the valves are closed when I'm done.

 

[wagon]

Hoses can rot, but typically in very hot or very cold conditions. If you see no cracks in the outside layer, I wouldn't worry. Most "rot" occurs within an inch of the fittings, or where there would be severe bends in the hose.

The regulators are easy to test. The first step would be to back out the T-handle so that there would be no pressure going through the regulator when you open the bottle. Do make sure that you open the valve on the bottle all the way. If the holes on the bonnet on the regulator start spewing gas, or if the pressure relief valve starts leaking, then the diaphragm is blown, and the regulator needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

When it comes to changing tanks out, you MUST, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, call the distributor with whom you'd do business. I've seen places that absolutely refuse tanks with the labels of other companies, and places that don't mind. Even different stores with the same company will have different requirements. Call and ask. Some places, I've heard, don't do "owner tanks", and only lease them.

For storage, either one is fine. You'll feel better having your bottles outside if you're throwing sparks. On the offchance that an acetylene tank is leaking, outside is safer. Saw a guy last week with a B tank that was spewing gas out of the fuse plug. FWIW, acetylene smells like garlic with some pepper thrown in.

 

[hogdaddy]

I would be concerned about anything rubber that is that old. At least have them checked out by a professional.
Many businesses will not refill just any cylinders unless purchased or rented from them.
B tanks are rather small for any extended use such as welding with torches.
I would not keep the tanks outside unless covered or possibly in a shed.