school me on oxy-acetylene rigs

[Moose97]

My son and I are both interested in purchasing soon. This will definitely be a "not every day" use rig. I also feel confident that I don't want the small bottles. I assume I can rent the large ones? What should I be looking at. Middle of the road. Go.

 

[lilredex]

A few ideas here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5713212#post5713212

Unless you really need portability, the sizes I have are good for a home shop, and occasional use. If you are in for the long term, buy the tanks, you'll be a lot further ahead in 10, 20, 30 or 40 years.

There are lots of other ideas here, just Google> gar. J.> Oxy-Act. for more.

 

[Steve from Socal]

Rentals on bottles for infrequent use is an expensive option. The up front cost IS higher purchasing however, in a couple of years or three at most, the rental fees would have paid for the bottle.

By good quality gear, American made Smith, Victor or Harris are the most common. A single stage set from any of these brands would be a good choice.

Unless you want to gas weld consider propane or other fuel gas, acetylene has become very expensive and, for heating and cutting is not necessary. If you want to gas weld what max thickness do you need? The amount of acetylene you can draw from a bottle is a limiting factor in torch size.

This thread should give you a better idea of the limitations on acetylene use.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=327764

Steve

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm going through this now. The thread linked above I created. If I had known before buying my tanks, I'd have gone propane. When I deplete my acetylene tanks I will convert to propane. Evidentially is much easier and a lot cheaper.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I think you need to go talk to your supplier about the tanks. I got mine from a local shop for free - just paid the price of what's in them. No rental, no deposit, just take 'em back for full ones as needed. They guy even told me he didn't care if I brought in bottles labeled from another supplier.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I think you need to go talk to your supplier about the tanks. I got mine from a local shop for free - just paid the price of what's in them. No rental, no deposit, just take 'em back for full ones as needed. They guy even told me he didn't care if I brought in bottles labeled from another supplier.

Man, things have sure changed in that regard. Twenty years ago you had to have an ID card to prove you owned the tank every time, or they would assume it was stolen--at least in this area.

 

[justanengineer]

Remember A before O or up you'll go!

Regarding bottles, I've always just paid a deposit just like a beer keg, bought gas/refills as appropriate, and returned them for a refund of the deposit when I moved or didnt need them anymore. Usually ~$50.