Trading in a 300cf tank for 2 smaller ones. What's a good deal?

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:59:44 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Trading in a 300cf tank for 2 smaller ones. What's a good deal?

My dad was nice enough to give me one of his 300cf tanks to trade in for a couple of smaller ones. He is retired and only does a little garage welding these days. I too am only a hobbiest welder. I'm heading over to AirGas later this week to trade it in. They already told me that they would take it for 2 smaller ones but wouldn't tell me what kind of deal until they saw the tank. I was hoping for at least a couple of 80cf tanks (maybe even filled). Is that a good deal or should I expect more? Thanks in advance. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:I don't know if (2) 80s would be worth it to me. They're smaller and more manageable maybe, but...they're a lot smaller.  I personally wouldn't settle for anything smaller than (2) 125s if I were you. The 125/150 sizes are ideal for the home hobbyist IMHO - in cost/size/overall value.Aim high. Ask for 150s.Millermatic 211 w/Spoolmate 150Hypertherm PMX45XPWishlist:HTP Invertig 221
Reply:So, What are you trying to gain? If your a hobbyist I'm guessing you don't move the tank around the shop much and I would rather have 300 cf of gas than 160 cf, so what are you gaining?
Reply:O i guess I should have specified that part. Haha. One will be for my dad and one for me. My dad doesn't do much welding anymore so he had no need for the big tank. Instead of me having to buy my first tank or lease one, if I trade his tank in for 2 tanks, then I get a free tank and he still has one. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using TapatalkLast edited by mberta2; 06-28-2016 at 04:57 PM.
Reply:I'd pass on Airgas's offer if it was me, but that doesn't mean that's best for you. I'd keep the 300 and find a LWS that wants your business, they're still out. One that doesn't require you to lease. Then find your old man a smaller bottle.
Reply:Originally Posted by hillbillyfabI'd pass on Airgas's offer if it was me, but that doesn't mean that's best for you. I'd keep the 300 and find a LWS that wants your business, they're still out. One that doesn't require you to lease. Then find your old man a smaller bottle.
Reply:I presume that you are talking about Argon. It would be ideal to have two customer-owned 160 cu. ft. tanks - one for your dad and one for you. 80 cu. ft. tanks will only provide about 5 hrs. of welding time and, knowing Airgas as I do, I'd bet the farm that they will charge you the same amount for an 80 refill as for a 160. Thinking back, I doubt that Airgas will do anything nice for you. After all, you are just a potential customer and they are Airgas.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:I wouldn't trade it for anything less then (2) 125's. Personally I'd also drive an extra hour NOT to have to deal with Airgas....RyanMiller Multimatic 200 tig/spool gun/wireless remoteMillermatic 350P, Bernard/XR Python gunsMiller Dynasty 350, Coolmate 3.5 & wireless remoteCK WF1 TIG wire feederMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeOptrel e684Miller Digital EliteMiller Weld-Mask
Reply:In the past i traded a 330 owner cf tank for 3 154cf tanks at praxxair they get a 330 they can now band and lease i get a few mobile bottlesMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:airgas can go pound sand and choke to death for all i care.  I only do business with them when i absolutely have too.  Their prices are ridiculous and their customer service is worse than crap.  Take it to a local welding supply ... dont use air gas unless you have to.AWS CWI xxxx21711968 SA200  Originally Posted by WelderMike  I hate being bipolar, It's awesome.
Reply:Haha, I'm gathering that AirGas is not very liked in the welding community. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by mberta2Haha, I'm gathering that AirGas is not very liked in the welding community. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:mberta2The deepest I'll dip - into the 'bottle ownership argument' - is with my 'little toe'.Unless: you are a Industrial Big Dog - a privately owned 300+ bottle is rare.Is: your 300 to two 80's - an ownership exchange - or a contract exchange?Opus
Reply:Originally Posted by OPUS FERROmberta2The deepest I'll dip - into the 'bottle ownership argument' - is with my 'little toe'.Unless: you are a Industrial Big Dog - a privately owned 300+ bottle is rare.Is: your 300 to two 80's - an ownership exchange - or a contract exchange?Opus
Reply:Originally Posted by mberta2Not sure. I haven't actually gone in yet. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldorWesUnless your a business that does a decent volume of gas purchases yah they suck even at a business level they suck
Reply:This 300 cf 2400 psi tank is listed at nearly $700.00 http://instrumentnation.com/air-syst...FYVrfgodUPICDQThis post about prices give an idea what can be done depending on the store you go to.  It might be worth it for you to drive a little to get a way better deal than what you will get at your local Air Gas.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...721#post190721Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:What about SJ Smith?Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by AFFENDENot true.  I knew a few faculty in the University of Tennessee Chemistry department ... they all said they hated air gas and they were a pain to deal with.
Reply:Originally Posted by mberta2Haha, I'm gathering that AirGas is not very liked in the welding community. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldorWesI said they still suck at a business level worse at a walk in level
Reply:Here is the tank in question. It does have raised letters but it's been in my dad's possession since he worked at the machine shop (he quit about 15 years ago). Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Replyooks to be owned and leased by Airgas Better start looking on CL for a cheaper alternative.  You don't want to fall into the lease trap.  Very expensive.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:is airco and airgas the same?Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:With aquisition of different gas suppliers neck rings mean less and less.Blanket statements about cylinders and ownership are misleading......take a pic of the cyl to the supplier you think you want to deal with ask ask them the policy of that store.The gas supplier I use would take that cylinder and exchange or swap down.No one can prove you do not own that cyl, and if they say they can, ask them to prove it.....they can't.I'm 30 years old and it's been in my father's possession for a good majority of my life. He used to work for for a local machine shop. He purchased it from the AirCo delivery guy years ago (along with his oxy/acetylene bottles). A couple of years ago he traded his oxy/acetylene tanks in for smaller ones at the same airgas with the same sales rep that I'm dealing with. He gave my dad 2 smaller bottles (not sure the sizes) and 3 fills for each. Seems like a solid deal to me. And yes I checked my dad does own them, not lease. I'm hoping to get as lucky with this deal. If not I'll have to drive a ways to find a smaller lws. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:I'm going to go in and tell him that I want 2-125cf tanks, filled with 75/25. If he can't do that, I'll walk away. Thank you guys for giving me the insight I need to make this deal. I'm a pushover so I probably would have gotten screwed. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:Oh ya, and I'll tell him that I want to own them as well. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:I'd ask for 3 and settle for -maybe- 2 filled. BTW I was pulling into my LWS and the AIRGAS truck was pulling out. I go in and ask what the bleep AIRGAS was doing there. They said they are looking for welding machine parts. I told them I hope you charged them twice the regular price.   We all had a good laugh.RyanMiller Multimatic 200 tig/spool gun/wireless remoteMillermatic 350P, Bernard/XR Python gunsMiller Dynasty 350, Coolmate 3.5 & wireless remoteCK WF1 TIG wire feederMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeOptrel e684Miller Digital EliteMiller Weld-Mask
Reply:mberta2 Originally Posted by mberta2I'm 30 years old and it's been in my father's possession for a good majority of my life. He used to work for for a local machine shop. He purchased it from the AirCo delivery guy years ago (along with his oxy/acetylene bottles). A couple of years ago he traded his oxy/acetylene tanks in for smaller ones at the same airgas with the same sales rep that I'm dealing with. He gave my dad 2 smaller bottles (not sure the sizes) and 3 fills for each. Seems like a solid deal to me. And yes I checked my dad does own them, not lease. I'm hoping to get as lucky with this deal. If not I'll have to drive a ways to find a smaller lws.
Reply:I'm pretty sure after 15-20 years he has lost the bill of sale. HahaSent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:mberta2"And yes I checked my dad does own them, not lease".Please post - the check . . . Opus
Reply:So Opus, what are you trying to tell me? If I don't have a bill of sale then all I have is a piece of scrap metal? ASent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:Isnt the test/cert period on tanks 10years?Basicaly if its out of date and he owns it any shop wo,t fill it cause it needs re-cert. They may also tell you flat out no way joe.Another important ? That hasnt been asked, is it empty yet?esab 260 multimasternew tech 150 invertorlincoln 140 cheapo
Reply:It still has a little bit of argon in it. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by mberta2I'm going to go in and tell him that I want 2-125cf tanks, filled with 75/25. If he can't do that, I'll walk away. Thank you guys for giving me the insight I need to make this deal. I'm a pushover so I probably would have gotten screwed. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by xryanI'd ask for 3 and settle for -maybe- 2 filled. BTW I was pulling into my LWS and the AIRGAS truck was pulling out. I go in and ask what the bleep AIRGAS was doing there. They said they are looking for welding machine parts. I told them I hope you charged them twice the regular price.   We all had a good laugh.
Reply:A cylinder does not have a title like a car. Do you possess the cyl? Did you or your dad steal it? Did your dad ever pay rent on it?Yes,no,no....you own it.All the debate and hand wringing on the part of gas suppliers baffles me. You have a cylinder,you want to buy gas,they sell gas,exchange and be done with it.
Reply:Originally Posted by vwguy3A cylinder does not have a title like a car. Do you possess the cyl? Did you or your dad steal it? Did your dad ever pay rent on it?Yes,no,no....you own it.All the debate and hand wringing on the part of gas suppliers baffles me. You have a cylinder,you want to buy gas,they sell gas,exchange and be done with it.
Reply:There are many things that I would do. One thing I would never do is ask Airgas for a break on price or trading cylinders. It would be a total waste of time. They are in busiiness to make money. They do not make money by trading cylinders so it's going to be a non-starter with them. But of course, I mean that in a nice way.Ask Airgas for a break? Hahahahahaha.   Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:Originally Posted by gnm109 They are in busiiness to make money. They do not make money by trading cylinders so it's going to be a non-starter with them.
Reply:Where you ever able to find a place to work with you on a trade in?Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:Sorry for getting back to this post late but I just finally got a chance to get that cylinder swapped out. I ended up going to airgas against all of your advice. I spoke with a few buddies and the maintenance manager at my work and they all had good things to say about our local airgas. They gave me a great deal considering the tank was well out of inspection and the neckband said property of airco on it. He gave me 2-80cf tanks, filled. So the price of the tank I traded covered an inspection, 2-80cf tanks, and the fills. And yes I made sure that I owned them, not leased. They were all really helpful there. Maybe we just got lucky here and have a decent airgas. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:Two 80's is about half of 300.  The hydro test dont cost all that much and the value of the tanks go way up as they get bigger. Oh wait you had to deal with Airgas so you got ripped.  I can see if you dont have any other local shops that you could go to.  Honestly most people IMO that deal with Airgas have company accounts so they are able to offset the expense on their taxes and do so out of convieniance.  Sorry my spell checker is broken and i'm a little cocked.  Bottom line if it makes you happy thats all that matters.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Replyude.. You should have tried for a little old 10# or 20# CO2 cylinder to sweeten the deal..   CO2 goes a long way on a Sunday afternoon. when the 80's are empty.
Reply:Originally Posted by mberta2Sorry for getting back to this post late but I just finally got a chance to get that cylinder swapped out. I ended up going to airgas against all of your advice. I spoke with a few buddies and the maintenance manager at my work and they all had good things to say about our local airgas. They gave me a great deal considering the tank was well out of inspection and the neckband said property of airco on it. He gave me 2-80cf tanks, filled. So the price of the tank I traded covered an inspection, 2-80cf tanks, and the fills. And yes I made sure that I owned them, not leased. They were all really helpful there. Maybe we just got lucky here and have a decent airgas. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Reply:Not always true! My LWS is a multi-state operation. I own several bottles that I bought from them. They are mine according to the law. I have the "proof of purchase" which is the same as a title. They have the LWS name stamped on the neck ring-but I have the bill of sale where they sold them to me. Transfer of ownership! They swap them out instead of refilling them. And I can buy whatever size I want up to a 300. Don't know about anything bigger. I know I can't stand Airgas with their price gouging.