Tools & Fabrication - Welding experts - Tank exhange questions

5 or 6 years ago, I bought a Miller Sidekick Mig (90 amp) to do some light work. I bought it at a garage sale and have next to nothing in it. It also came with what I can guess, with what little knowledge I have, a "K" size tank thats 248cu. ft. with CO2 in it. It's huge, 9" across and 48" - 49" tall to the top of the valve, and steel. The tank was about 1/3 full and it's taken this long to use it up. My problem is, the tank is a Piedmont Welding Supply tank, last hyrdroed in 1991. Piedmont was bought out by Sunox who was bought out by Airgas. I'm pretty sure this was a leased tank, but I think it's so old that no one will have record of it. I have no information or documentation on the tank, it just came with the welder.

Well now it's out and I'd like to get it filled. Ideally, I'd like to switch it to an 80 - 150 cu. ft. tank that's more manageable. However, I've heard horror stories online about Airgas confiscating tanks if you try to get it exchanged. I guess worst case scenario is I take it in and explain and they keep the tank. I'm trying to get out of buying a tank, but if I have to, I will. They're really the only local company around, and probably the only one I have a chance with since it has a name on the collar. Any ideas or suggestions? Anybody local to NC wanna trade me a smaller tank (empty of course) for this larger one???? Just a thought;)

Sounds like you're at their mercy here. Bad thing about "leased" tanks.

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. I'm gonna call them today and see for sure what the deal is. It's not the end of the world, I've got hardly any money so I won't be out anything except the price of a new tank. Since I'm using straight CO2, are there any ideas as far as different tanks?

craigslist :lol:

First things first, they dont confiscate your tank if you dont let them. Try and swap it out, or call first and see what they say. I would be inclined to just go up there and talk with them in person. They are more likely to be lax about it.

I actually called and the guy told me to bring it in and he'd look at it. If not, I think I've got another connection to get it filled. I've just heard too many horror stories online about tanks being taken. I'll try it monday and see.

Being the hydro test is likely out of date, they probably won't refill it....The local guy here wouldn't do mine. Wanted to charge me for a test, and then refill.

There has to be somebody besides Airgas in your area (may
be that you need to enlarge your area).

I've, um, "fixed" a lease tank before with a little bit of
Bondo, sandpaper and spray paint ;)

The little guys aren't as fussy as the corporate types
in my experience. Tanks come in, tanks go out, any
testing is somebody else's problem.

Your best bet is to shove that tank to the side and just lease the size you actually want.