New to welding. Looking for gas cylinders.

[quackquack]

Hey all,

I'm a hobbyist and looking to do some welding. I've got myself a multi-process welder, helmet, respirator, gloves and some accessories but I'm in need of a gas cylinder and gas since I want to start out with MIG.

What is a good place to get a gas cylinder that's filled with 75/25 Argon/CO2 gas? I'll be starting out with simple mild steel.

On the Internet, I see a lot of hate for AirGas but I went into one of their stores and they quoted me about $330 out the door for a full 150cf tank. I'd honestly prefer a smaller tank but the 80cf was only $25 less or something ridiculous like that. I called a few other local welding supply stores and nobody quoted me anything less than $400.

As far as used, I'm seeing a few cylinders on Craigslist and OfferUp but they're all in the $200-250 range. Factor in the $100 or so to fill the cylinder and it ends up being about the same as the AirGas price. That's assuming I don't screw up and get a cylinder that isn't exchangeable.

Is there a good place to get a good deal on exchangeable used gas cylinders? Other than Facebook, I'm not touching that with a 10 foot pole.

Thanks!

BTW, I'm in Renton, WA.

 

[LeeG]

I just bought mine from the LWS that I planned on getting my refills at. Saved a bunch of headaches. I started with a small tank, but the refill cost on the small was pretty close to a large. So I upgraded to a 330cf. That was great, until I needed to be mobile, then it was way too big. I added a small tank for both mobile work and for when my big tank is empty. I have since picked up a few off of CL or FB. I've not had any problems exchanging them, but have had to pay the extra hydro testing fee.

Lee

 

[Terra Nova]

Bottled gas cylinders have unfortunately gotten expensive lately. I have gone both routes, bought new at local welding store and used from Facebook Marketplace. I would recommend biting the bullet and going the LWS route.

Been burned once on market place (my fault for not knowing better) but it’s an option. Recently bought a #4 acetylene cylinder on Marketplace from a seller who is a part-time dealer and had been at it a while. Cylinder was full and in date with an AirGas tag on it. Will be easy to swap when it’s empty. 6 and 1…

 

[quackquack]

What is LWS?

Local welding store?

 

[ybnormal]

I think @Terra Nova and @LeeG should go into a little more detail on the expense side. I know about it but not enough to explain it correctly.

you can buy your tank and have it refilled but the tanks also have to be re-certified every X number of years. there is a fee for that (naturally). alternatively, you can buy from a local vendor such as Tractor Supply, etc, and trade the tank back in for a new one when you run empty. it really depends on how much welding gas you'll use and what your local options are.

 

[quackquack]

you can buy your tank and have it refilled but the tanks also have to be re-certified every X number of years. there is a fee for that (naturally). alternatively, you can buy from a local vendor such as Tractor Supply, etc, and trade the tank back in for a new one when you run empty. it really depends on how much welding gas you'll use and what your local options are.

AirGas near me only does exchanges. I didn't realize that others would actually fill the tanks. They were the cheapest of the local options.

I am only a hobbyist, I am not going to be welding a lot at this point. The 80cf tanks would be big enough for me but I don't mind getting a bigger one if it's basically the same cost.

 

[dscheidt]

AirGas near me only does exchanges. I didn't realize that others would actually fill the tanks. They were the cheapest of the local options.

I am only a hobbyist, I am not going to be welding a lot at this point. The 80cf tanks would be big enough for me but I don't mind getting a bigger one if it's basically the same cost.

Not many places fill tanks while you wait, I used to have a supplier that would fill tanks, but they were 'leave it, come back in a couple days'. Exchanging a tank gets you one that works properly (if it doesn't, which happens, they'll swap it), is in date, etc. Most suppliers are also happy to let you swap from one gas to another when you swap, without a charge other than the gas price.

The actual cost for gas is small, most of what you're paying for is inspecting a tank, transporting it, maintaining it, the overhead of the operation existing, and so on, which are largely the same regardless of tank size. So bigger tanks are usually much cheaper per cubic foot of gas. They are bigger and heavier, of course. But getting the biggest cylinders you can deal with is almost certainly the best option for most uses.

 

[LeeG]

LWS = Local Welding Supply

When I say fill, I mean exchange. I believe they will actually fill your tanks, but swapping for a new one is less hassle.

My local store charges $55 to exchange a 122cf tank with 75/25, and $75 to exchange a 275cf tank with the same. I think an 80cf tank is about $45. The cost per unit is much lower as you go with larger tanks. There are handling and HasMat fees with each fill, so that is part of it.

Lee

 

[quackquack]

Thanks, 150cf is the biggest I can deal with.

They want $110 or so for the gas here. Likely since it's western Washington state and everything here is expensive.

So...other than buying new it's just basically Craigslist/Offerup/Facebook? Nothing else?

 

[682bear]

I bought two 125cf tanks from our local Airgas... one with C25 for MIG, and one with pure argon for TIG. I own the tanks, but they simply swap them out when empty, then I own the new tanks.

They have never charged me for a recertification, even though I have swapped out of data tanks before.

I've heard horror stories about Airgas before also... but our local one is a very good place to do business.

-Bear

 

[chris142]

you want to own them. Do not rent them.

 

[quackquack]

I've heard horror stories about Airgas before also... but our local one is a very good place to do business.

-Bear

Right, I'm confused by the horror stories as well. The one I went to had the best prices and they were really nice.

 

[quackquack]

you want to own them. Do not rent them.

If I exchange, am I renting or owning?

 

[KwikFab]

You're going to get varied answers, you need to look for yourself locally.

I live in Central CA, and I too am a hobbyist welder.

My favorite place sells 150cf bottles of 75/25 for about $390 total with tax and fees.

From there, you own it and it only costs $57 total for an exchange; I own two of them.

If I needed, I can get them filled at a small privately owned welding shop as long it isn't expired. I know this because the shop owner gave me a free refill as a "thanks" for making him a 3D dinosaur otherwise his cost is slightly higher.

With my exchanges, I never have to worry about a hydrotest and/or expiration since it's their labeled bottles you're exchanging.

Which brings up my last point. I took in an 80cf tank for exchange. This was a personally owned bottle I got from a friend and all I paid was a $40 hydrotest fee, as well as the normal $35 exchange for argon. They now have a bottle added to their inventory and I still own a bottle but that has their label on it for exchange purposes. Otherwise I own all three bottles and have no obligation to the shop. I just go there because it's cheap, customer service is great, and I don't worry about expired bottles ever.

If I move, the tanks come with me and the shop doesn't care to never see them again.

So it just comes down to your local shops.

 

[quackquack]

My favorite place sells 150cf bottles of 75/25 for about $390 total with tax and fees.

From there, you own it and it only costs $57 total for an exchange; I own two of them.

Even more expensive than here!

OK I believe based on this that I would own the tank they quoted me.

I'll look around for a used deal for a bit but if I can't find one within a week, I'll just go with the AirGas quote.

 

[KwikFab]

Even more expensive than here!

OK I believe based on this that I would own the tank they quoted me.

I'll look around for a used deal for a bit but if I can't find one within a week, I'll just go with the AirGas quote.

Interesting.

In different cities throughout CA, airgas is much more expensive.

Although they do fill-up along with exchanges.

Out here I believe an exchange through airgas is like $80 or so.

 

[steel 35]

For me the last straw was 100.00 Each tank same day, two places.
Yes I have two sets same size; + some.

 

[liliysdad]

I just lease mine. It cost me $60 a year and I don’t have to worry about it.

 

[Rusted Nut]

Thanks, 150cf is the biggest I can deal with.

They want $110 or so for the gas here. Likely since it's western Washington state and everything here is expensive.

So...other than buying new it's just basically Craigslist/Offerup/Facebook? Nothing else?

I get mine at Central/Pacific Welding Supply, branches all over Western Wa. Only one branch will fill on site (can’t remember which one) other branches swap out.

 

[dcg9381]

I use Tractor supply. By the time I need a refill, my tanks are out of cert..

 

[Sumboodie]

LWS = Local Welding Supply

When I say fill, I mean exchange. I believe they will actually fill your tanks, but swapping for a new one is less hassle.

My local store charges $55 to exchange a 122cf tank with 75/25, and $75 to exchange a 275cf tank with the same. I think an 80cf tank is about $45. The cost per unit is much lower as you go with larger tanks. There are handling and HasMat fees with each fill, so that is part of it.

Lee

That's super cheap. I got a 150 c25 recently and it was over $100

 

[Sumboodie]

I get mine at Central/Pacific Welding Supply, branches all over Western Wa. Only one branch will fill on site (can’t remember which one) other branches swap out.

In AK too

 

[KSJeff]

I bought a set off amazon and just exchange them locally. If not, you have to setup a lease. If you can find some off craigslist, someplace might take them on exchange, but you never know.

 

[whateg01]

If I exchange, am I renting or owning?

Could be either. Some people like to keep their bottle pretty so they will drop off and come back for that specific bottle. But they are responsible for paying for test etc. Most people exchange the empty bottle for a full one so they can get on with their day. When you do that, even though you "own" the bottle, you really just own "a" bottle. Renting is the same except every 10 years, it whatever term your lease is, you have to pay again.

 

[no704]

I just use pure CO2 and get a liquid fill at the local brewing supply store.

 

[rkevins]

there are suppliers online, I looked at primeweld but they are out of 80cf, it was cheaper than my local supplier.

 

[liliysdad]

I just use pure CO2 and get a liquid fill at the local brewing supply store.

There are five welding supply shops within 15 minutes of me….and I’ve never even seen a brewing supply store.

I just googled it…looks like there is one an hour and half from here.

 

[no704]

There are five welding supply shops within 15 minutes of me….and I’ve never even seen a brewing supply store.

I just googled it…looks like there is one an hour and half from here.

Well that doesn’t sound like a good alternative for you. Owner of my brewery supplies is also a friend of mine. At any rate I’ve alwas used straight CO2 and prefer it for mig, and it is cheaper.

 

[liliysdad]

Well that doesn’t sound like a good alternative for you. Owner of my brewery supplies is also a friend of mine. At any rate I’ve alwas used straight CO2 and prefer it for mig, and it is cheaper.

That’s a damned cool alternative for sure.

 

[hilld]

Hey all,

I'm a hobbyist and looking to do some welding. I've got myself a multi-process welder, helmet, respirator, gloves and some accessories but I'm in need of a gas cylinder and gas since I want to start out with MIG.

What is a good place to get a gas cylinder that's filled with 75/25 Argon/CO2 gas? I'll be starting out with simple mild steel.

On the Internet, I see a lot of hate for AirGas but I went into one of their stores and they quoted me about $330 out the door for a full 150cf tank. I'd honestly prefer a smaller tank but the 80cf was only $25 less or something ridiculous like that. I called a few other local welding supply stores and nobody quoted me anything less than $400.

As far as used, I'm seeing a few cylinders on Craigslist and OfferUp but they're all in the $200-250 range. Factor in the $100 or so to fill the cylinder and it ends up being about the same as the AirGas price. That's assuming I don't screw up and get a cylinder that isn't exchangeable.

Is there a good place to get a good deal on exchangeable used gas cylinders? Other than Facebook, I'm not touching that with a 10 foot pole.

Thanks!

BTW, I'm in Renton, WA.

Since you are in WA, look at Central Welding Supply, they have a lot of branches in WA and OR.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

I lease mine from Airgas. If I want to change sizes it's no big deal. You could always rent then decide what you like and then buy. In the long run buying is likely the way to go but I like the flexibility of the lease set up. We use different gasses and processes every once in a while. So I pay for the convenience.

 

[finn]

AirGas near me only does exchanges. I didn't realize that others would actually fill the tanks. They were the cheapest of the local options.

I am only a hobbyist, I am not going to be welding a lot at this point. The 80cf tanks would be big enough for me but I don't mind getting a bigger one if it's basically the same cost.

Airgas in Tucson told me they would refill my tanks at my request, but it would take a day or two.

I opted to just do an exchange. Bye bye shiny new tank, but it’s not going in a show garage anyway so it made no difference to me.

When I bought the tank in question, Cyberweld had the best price for a filled tank. Even the Airgas counter man agreed that for personal use a tank from the Internet was the best value, then have it refilled locally when the time comes.

 

[Lwel9226]

Try Central welding Supply.... They are all over Washington.... I think their Corp. office is in Smokey Point....
Much better to deal with than Air Gas.......

LynnW

 

[Jswain]

Well that doesn’t sound like a good alternative for you. Owner of my brewery supplies is also a friend of mine. At any rate I’ve alwas used straight CO2 and prefer it for mig, and it is cheaper.

I also switched to CO2. Hard to argue with the cost/size. Welds very nice.

Bonus is I got the old c25 tank filled with argon for a spare for the TIG and built a wye hose in case I want to run c25ish.

But asking where/what gas to buy is like asking what flowers to grow in your front yard. All depends on where you live, big industrial city/small town etc. all going to make a huge difference. In Calgary the cheapest place to buy tanks(new/owners bottles) also fills them so it makes sense to own your own.

If your area won't touch owners bottles then it obviously doesn't. Every 10 years it costs $75-100 to recertify(for me) so cost of ownership = under $10/year.

Looking in your own area you need to start from the source and then back up, find the gas suppliers, contact them. Ask if they sell/lease bottles. Ask if they fill/exchange bottles. Ask if they will fill your own bottle not under contract. Ask where to get your bottles recertified if your going with owners. Some places that fill won't touch a bottle with a current big gas suppliers name on the neck of the tank, some don't care. That's something you need to ask because if they won't then you definitely don't want to buy one used that says air gas on the neck.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I also switched to CO2. Hard to argue with the cost/size. Welds very nice.

Bonus is I got the old c25 tank filled with argon for a spare for the TIG and built a wye hose in case I want to run c25ish.

But asking where/what gas to buy is like asking what flowers to grow in your front yard. All depends on where you live, big industrial city/small town etc. all going to make a huge difference. In Calgary the cheapest place to buy tanks(new/owners bottles) also fills them so it makes sense to own your own.

If your area won't touch owners bottles then it obviously doesn't. Every 10 years it costs $75-100 to recertify(for me) so cost of ownership = under $10/year.

Looking in your own area you need to start from the source and then back up, find the gas suppliers, contact them. Ask if they sell/lease bottles. Ask if they fill/exchange bottles. Ask if they will fill your own bottle not under contract. Ask where to get your bottles recertified if your going with owners. Some places that fill won't touch a bottle with a current big gas suppliers name on the neck of the tank, some don't care. That's something you need to ask because if they won't then you definitely don't want to buy one used that says air gas on the neck.

Which company in Calgary is it that is cheapest? I own my tanks and recently moved to Airdrie... I wouldn't mind some options.

 

[TxSteve]

Another option is to check FB marketplace for empty tanks. Then take them to your local welding supply or HD or Tractor Supply and swap for a full one. Call your LWS and see if you can swap different tanks for what you want. ex - argon tank for C25 tank, etc.

If you're a hobby welder - the 80cf will probably be what you want. Those have enough to last you quite a while.

FYI - your local welding store is more than likely going to be the cheapest to swap tanks.

Or Amazon delivered for $329 https://www.amazon.com/75-Argon-Welding-Cylinder-Tank/dp/B00I4Z6QCY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Jswain]

Which company in Calgary is it that is cheapest? I own my tanks and recently moved to Airdrie... I wouldn't mind some options.

Kms tools by Chinook mall. Also a pretty decent tool store so I don't mind to kill 45 minutes walking around while they fill the tank... They will usually tell you 30 minutes, give them an hour then go ask if they are done. Pick your times as it can get busy, ie: avoid the weekends.

KMS Tools & Equipment

KMS Tools & Equipment | - Air Tools Autobody Hand Tools Air Compressors Construction Metalworking Tools Outdoor Tools & Equipment Power Tools Safety Equipment Shop Equipment Tool Boxes Welders Woodworking Hot Deals Classes and Gift Cards C.A.R. Parts Air Nailers and Staplers Gift Ideas Cordless...

www.kmstools.com

Closer to you would be Majestic hydrotest which also now fills tanks & that's the place to go to get them recertified. I haven't used them to fill yet as they just started this year but have used them numerous times for hydrotesting. Their prices are similar I believe.

Majestic Hydrotest & Fire Extinguisher

Majestic Hydrotest offers expert hydrostatic testing, fire extinguisher services, and fast CO2 refills in Calgary.

majestichydrotestandextinguisher.ca

Oxypro will also do owners bottles without a contract I believe but I stick with KMS & majestic as it's been relatively painless. If you find out something better let me know!

https://www.oxyprocalgary.com/

 

[manwithtools]

Believe it or not, Amazon has decent prices on new full tanks just as @TxSteve posted. Take a look there, they will deliver to your house as well.

 

[Jswain]

Believe it or not, Amazon has decent prices on new full tanks just as @TxSteve posted. Take a look there, they will deliver to your house as well.

Just have to make sure you can get it filled locally. Or you're stuck with a $300+ dollar one time use tank.

 

[GaryM909]

Which company in Calgary is it that is cheapest? I own my tanks and recently moved to Airdrie... I wouldn't mind some options.

I had accounts with both Air Liquide and Alpine(Linde) where I leased the big bottles. Now I am retired I just have small owner bottles. I still find KMS in Calgary to be the cheapest.