pHEnomIC

iTrader: (14)

I have a mig welder that i would like to get a tank for. I am new to welding and only expect to do a little here and there, but would like to get the capability.

What is the best kind of tank/best size to have a decent amount and still be portable. Should i buy the tank online and fill it locally?

I remember I called a welding supply place a long time ago and they wanted an insanely high price for a tank or monthly rental fees. How much should i be lookin for the tank and fills?

97FormulaWS-6

iTrader: (1)

Fills are cheap, $40-$50 for a 80-125cf tank.

Tanks are expensive no matter where you get them. Plus most places don't fill your tank, you trade them in like Propane tanks.

Call around to the different local welding suppliers; they're going to be your best bet. I just got quoted $275 to buy/fill/surcharge for a 80cf tank, and $290 to buy/fill/surcharge a 125cf tank. With future fill charges being $40/$46 respectively.

Paul Huryk

Most welding supply places can sell you are rent a tank for MIG welding. 80ft^2 is about 4 hours of welding.

aknovaman

iTrader: (7)

I found a site that sell new Q sized argon bottles for $199. About 4 feet tall.

aknovaman

iTrader: (7)

http://store.cyberweld.com/migaccessories1.html

gto69judge

iTrader: (32)

If you happen to have an old Oxygen or CO2 tank, you can probably get a welding shop to exchange it for no charge. My supplier said some valves are different but he could take the other tanks in trade with no problem.

You might check Craigs List for used tanks in your area.

Larger tanks are the best way to go since the charge for filling them is almost the same as the cost of filling tanks of half the capacity.

You can secure the big tank to your garage wall and just run a normal air hose with quick connects as an "extension cord" between the regulator and your welder.

BlackLS1Bird

iTrader: (2)

Definitely a cylinder lease is the best way. Typically on a medium size bottle such as a 117 cubic foot a one year lease will run in the range of $100. But when it is empty you simply drop it off at the place you're leasing from and they throw a fresh one on the truck for around $40-$50. You can buy a cylinder, but they will cost about $250 or more, and when you go to get more gas you have to drop it off and either wait for it to get filled or come back and get it later and the fill up price is still the same. The 1 for 1 swap lease program is worth it. A lot of places will deliver a filled cylinder to you and pick up your empty one as well when you order it from them.

aknovaman

iTrader: (7)

Also if you mive a long distance like out of state, if you lease you can turn in the bottle and get your deposit back and do it again after settling. If you own a large bottle, moving companies charge extra or won't move filled bottles.

97FormulaWS-6

iTrader: (1)

Note to OP - I just picked up a Full 200 cubic foot tank of C25 this weekend for $150. Freshly certified (pressure checked and blasted/painted as of 7/12); and a blank ring (meaning I own the bottle and anyone can fill it).

This was on the local version of Craigslist here in UT (KSL.com). There are plenty of deals to be had on used tanks.

To address something else - A lot of places will "swap" blank ring tanks as well so you don't have to wait to have your tank filled.

BlackLS1Bird

iTrader: (2)

That is a really good deal on a 200 foot tank. If you can find a spot to swap it without a lease like formula did then that is a good deal too. I personally havent found anywhere that will swap without leasing in the areas I have lived but I suppose it is possible depending on where you live.

Jimbo1367

http://www.usaweld.com/Gas-Bottle-Re...ed-p/99900.htm I got this