oxygen acetylene cylinders

[fordbroncodave]

I am in the market to buy a used set of oxygen and acetylene cylinders with a cutting torch and a cart.

Can someone clue me in on what to look for on the tanks to make sure I am not buying something I don't own?

I have a few misc pieces of farm machinery that need to be cut up for scrap. after that I could really use the set back at the house for all the car repair we do in the garage. It ***** not having a torch for adequate heating.

I would rather have a larger set of tanks vs. a small set

It looks like the going rate for a complete setup used on craigslist is about $400-675.

 

[zkling]

Your best bet is to call around to your local weld shops and see if they will refill customer owned cylinder.

When purchasing a used cylinder, look for a date stamp (two digit) followed by a star (10 cert) or no star (5 year cert). Also look at the neck for a owner stamping. Just because someone thinks they own a cylinder, a neck stamping will cause you a lot of headaches when trying to refill it.

What you really need is the paperwork from the previous owner.

See what your local shops will charge first, buying a cheap cylinder from some random person can be a real gamble, usually not going in your favor.

 

[nine4gmc]

I wanted a set and put out a barter ad in CL, within days I had several options to choose from. I ended up getting a complete Victor Professional Journeyman II outfit with like 10 extra tips, only one tip used for a $15 trade. I will buy the bottles from the local Airgas when I get ready to do some cutting. Keep an eye out, but be cautious of the used bottles.

 

[wafrederick]

You can get them transfered into your name by making out a slip you purchased them from the previous owner.

 

[fordbroncodave]

Your best bet is to call around to your local weld shops and see if they will refill customer owned cylinder.

When purchasing a used cylinder, look for a date stamp (two digit) followed by a star (10 cert) or no star (5 year cert). Also look at the neck for a owner stamping. Just because someone thinks they own a cylinder, a neck stamping will cause you a lot of headaches when trying to refill it.

What you really need is the paperwork from the previous owner.

See what your local shops will charge first, buying a cheap cylinder from some random person can be a real gamble, usually not going in your favor.

Yes the local shop refills owned cylinders. I need to pay a test fee and pay for the product and its all good. Coworker said the local shop is pretty lenient as he has brought in 2 different sets before.

when you say neck stamping are you talking about around the top where the cap screws over the valve? look for what it says there?

You can get them transfered into your name by making out a slip you purchased them from the previous owner.

just a sale of purchase or is this something to get at the welding supply store?

 

[Fireball027]

Check to see what the largest size of tanks you can own are. In my area we cannot own anything larger then about 75cuft. Anything larger is considered a rental or lease tank and cannot be filled. Also my purchased B tanks are always just exchanged so you never have to worry about the re certification.

I have larger tanks at work and B size at home. Even though I have to fill them more often they are alot nicer to more around than the large tanks.

 

[machine_punk]

A lot of it is going to depend on your Local Welding Supplier (LWS). I would talk to them personally first. I have tanks in the 150 CF range and my LWS doesn't have any problem with them. They are out of date, so I will have to pay a testing fee, the first time I turn them in. Then, I'll have their tanks anyway, so of course they will take them in exchange.

I have heard that some folks make arrangements to meet the CL seller at the LWS and make the deal contingent on the LWS accepting the tanks (of course, you wouldn't want to do this with 'full' tanks...you will pay for a fill you don't need).

Most people seem to want these for cutting rigs now, so they often seem to be sold with some sort of cutting torch on them. I got mine for actual OA welding, so I ended up having to buy torches for welding.

Keep an eye on CL. I did and I got my set (about 150 CF oxygen and acetylene, FULL, with industrial gauges and a cutting torch) for less than $250. You can, of course, buy new tanks from the LWS, then be really depressed when you turn in your new tanks and get scruffy old tanks in trade.

My LWS advised me that it is best to have an oxygen tank which is approximately twice the size of the Acetylene tank (in CF), since you use about that ratio of oxygen to acetylene. My tanks are about the same size, though.

What you can do, is check with your LWS about 'swapping up.' I will do this (swap up to a larger oxygen tank), when I get mine filled for the first time. There is, of course a fee involved, but they will let me turn in one size tank, pay an upsizing fee, and end up with a bigger tank. This might work for you (buy a relatively small set of bottles for a decent price, pay the upsizing fee, and get into whatever size bottles you really want). All stuff you should discuss with your LWS.

What you may consider, if you will have time-sensitive projects, is having a larger set of tanks for normal use, then a smaller set of tanks for hauling around as needed or to cover when your big tanks run out in the middle of the weekend and the LWS is closed. Eventually, I plan to keep my eyes open for a smaller set to take to Metal Meets and spares for the couple of days each week when the LWS is closed and I run out of gas.

Kev.

 

[WWIIjeep]

when you say neck stamping are you talking about around the top where the cap screws over the valve? look for what it says there?

There are three places where owner's marks are generally located:

1. Neck ring, right below the cap threads. Name can be cast, embossed, or stamped on the neck ring.

2. Shoulder, the curved top part of the cylinder, where you'll also find the hydrotest markings and the date of manufacture, and the DOT or ICC codes for cylinder type and pressure rating.

3. Side, about 3/4 of the way up from the bottom (rare, generally only on fairly old fuel gas cylinders).

What you're looking for is a company name, like Airco, Linde, Praxair, Victor, National Cylinder Gas (or NCG), Amerigas, Air Liquide, Fred's Welding Supply, etc. Those are the ones to be cautious about.

Some names are OK, like "Coyne" which was a cylinder manufacturer, not a welding gas supplier.

Sometimes, company cylinders can be OK too, if they have a "sold" or "C.O.C." stamping below or near the name.

The size of the cylinder sometimes determines what ownership markings you many find. Larger cylinders are more likely to be rental cylinders, and therefore company-owned, than small cylinders are.

Those are just a few basic guidelines. If in doubt, ask your local gas supplier.

And, as others have said, it ultimately depends on your location and the policies of the gas supplier you'll be dealing with. Some suppliers can be a PITA to deal with, and some don't seem to care, and general policies in some states tend to vary a little too.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Dave, this is the second cylinder discussion today!! check back a couple pages for the other discussion..... What part of Minnesota are you in?????

 

[Ironhorse]

Just make sure they have a slick neck...or customer owned on the neck....if not you will not be refilling them...or if you get a tank that is airco or airgas..or some other major welding supply shop...you can bring the tank in an exchange it for another cylinder...but sometimes they try to look up an account for you and the tank...at that point your screwed....we ran into that...so we opened an account up...and paid rental on 1 tank..but own about 10...they never figure it out...

 

[fordbroncodave]

Dave, this is the second cylinder discussion today!! check back a couple pages for the other discussion..... What part of Minnesota are you in?????

lake minnetonka

 

[wafrederick]

Get a sale of purchase slip from the seller of the acetylene cylinders.Some places rent the tanks.

 

[firebox40dash5]

Get a sale of purchase slip from the seller of the acetylene cylinders.Some places rent the tanks.

You mean a bill of sale? You know anyone can write you one, right?

I could write you a bill of sale saying you bought the OP's truck from me. You won't own it, but you'll have a worthless piece of paper saying you do. The guy selling you the tanks he leases could write you one saying he's selling you 'his' tanks... doesn't mean Airgas, or whoever he leases them from, stops owning them. It does mean you would have grounds for a lawsuit when you lost your cylinders.

 

[sgs236]

In my area, all the LWS will fill up to the 125 size tanks will no questions asked. Anything bigger then that, you need to be on good terms with them to get them filled without the proper ownership papers. Here is a handy reference guide for all the different size tanks.

http://www.airgas.com/content/details.aspx?id=7000000000234

 

[BDT/NWMN]

lake minnetonka

Sounds like you are near a good dealer... The one I mentioned in the other post is in Bemidji... Great folks to deal with.... Difference between dealers can be like day vs night..

 

[wafrederick]

Have the seller write a bill of sale up stating that you have bought them.My neighbor Ken was given a torch set from his father in law,there was bill of sale written up and did get the tanks transfered in his name.

 

[fordbroncodave]

Bought a set tonight.

a typical set of cylinders, smiths cutting torches and regulators with extra tips. harper cart (front to back tank setup, not a side by side)

acetylene is almost gone, oxygen is 75%.

toll welding acetylene tank and praxaire oxygen tank, both are local welding supply stores near me.

 

[fordbroncodave]

when transporting do I need to remove the regulators and install caps? where can I get some caps?

 

[Strouty]

Just make sure they have a slick neck...or customer owned on the neck....if not you will not be refilling them...or if you get a tank that is airco or airgas..or some other major welding supply shop...you can bring the tank in an exchange it for another cylinder...but sometimes they try to look up an account for you and the tank...at that point your screwed....we ran into that...so we opened an account up...and paid rental on 1 tank..but own about 10...they never figure it out...

Just don't ever let them have more tanks to fill than you have leases, ask me how I know.

 

[fordbroncodave]

Got my acetylene tank exchanged no questions asked. Set up an account first.

Damn it costs alot to fill acetylene. Out the door $86.

Cool place none the less.

My setup is in good working order! Love it

 

[skruft]

Here in NJ, exchanging a B tank is running about $35!

 

[2oolhound]

when transporting do I need to remove the regulators and install caps? where can I get some caps?

I was taught to always keep acetylene tanks upright because of the nature of the gas. It's stored in liquid form suspended in a porous carbon core in the tank. Liquid can leak into the hoses if the tank is stored on it's side (after valves are open). 1hr. settling time is recommended before using tanks that have been on their sides. Acetylene tanks should also not be subjected to impacts because of the nature of the gas, (dissolved in acetone). Flashback arrestors are recommended at the torch base and at the regulator end of the hose (yes 2 of them). I'm not sure the best place to find bells for them but there're good to have on during transporting for sure.

 

[fordbroncodave]

Yep i got some caps. The guy told me the PSI is measured at 70 degrees.

Gonna go cut up some poory made trailers and misc farm equipment for scrap