Pot bellied stove, or majestic pig scupture?

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Hi all,So, yesterday I was out in my shop, (garage), I had my little radiant heater that screws onto a propane tank lit.  I had my back turned to the heater working at tacking up a large piece when I noticed the heater didn't sound right, there was just a funny, low, rushing air sound.  I turned and was shocked to see flames rising 12-18" off the top turn handle/valve of the 5 gallon propane tank.  I panicked for about .5 seconds, which seems longer when you are imagining a propane tank exploding 6' from you.  I threw on a welding glove and ran over and shut the valve, which put the flames out.  I tell ya what, those 2 or 3 turns to close the valve seemed like 6 or 7 turns as the flames enveloped my gloved hand.  So, long story short, I don't trust that propane tank/valve anymore, and I don't want to just trade it in so some other poor guy has to deal with it.  Like an old nag that broke her leg... it just needs to be put down.So;Option 1)  go outside, purge the tank, break out some cutting disks and hit the scrap pile and turn it into a little pot-bellied stove for the garage.  (I like this option, except the garage has no chimney, so I would be ventilating it by just popping a temporary stovepipe out the window, which my wife is convinced will induce passers by to call the fire dept, but she won't let me cut a hole in the wall or roof for a proper stovepipe, as we are hoping to sell the house and move in a few yrs.)Option 2) go outside, purge the tank, hit the scrap pile and turn it into a majestic pig sculpture for the yard... so everyone can enjoy it.  Though I can't promise I will do whichever option gets the most support, I will weigh this heavily into my consideration.Thank you.Last edited by DSW; 01-02-2013 at 12:07 AM.Check out my channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkz...bZg8AYNXGqBjZQ"Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of arms." - Aristotle
Reply:Oh, Option 2 isn't unbolded because it is less desirable to me, I just forgot to bold it.  Check out my channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkz...bZg8AYNXGqBjZQ"Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of arms." - Aristotle
Reply:Originally Posted by IronHideOh, Option 2 isn't unbolded because it is less desirable to me, I just forgot to bold it.
Reply:Make it a pig Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:I couldn't vote in the poll because my option wasn't there, unless I voted for both, but that's not possible the way it's set up. I say make a Pot-Bellied Pig stove. A wood stove that looks like a pot bellied pig. Then you can put it out in the yard as you described for all to enjoy and when you get permission to install a proper smokestack you can invite the little fellow in to the shop to help warm it. This combines BOTH of your ideas into one project, and serves TWO purposes. In the summer the pig can live out in the yard saving some space in the shop too. Maybe you should add this option to your poll if possible, Maybe DSW can help with that too.
Reply:Hi, down in OZ we have a BBQ propane bottle exchange program, where you just get a new bottle of Propane in exchange for the old empty one.You have to buy the bottle with Propane in the first place, but after that it's just a change over, no refilling like it was previously, so you don't have to worry about the bottle having to be retested at your expense when the expirary date is reached, which is mandatory in OZ.I used to have one of those pot bellied stoves years ago to heat the garage, but I used a propane ring burner inside it instead of firing it with coal or wood to get a radiant heater....still had to vent the fumes from the burnt gas, but didn't get the smoke etc.Ian.
Reply:I Do suppose that the tank valve was all the way seated on the top seat.  Propane valves and acetylene valves have a seat on the bottom and a seat on the top and by all the books should be opened all the way till they seat or closed all the way till they seat. I've had propane tanks that leaked when the valve was just barely opened.    Mac
Reply:Originally Posted by Tool MakerI Do suppose that the tank valve was all the way seated on the top seat.  Propane valves and acetylene valves have a seat on the bottom and a seat on the top and by all the books should be opened all the way till they seat or closed all the way till they seat. I've had propane tanks that leaked when the valve was just barely opened.    Mac
Reply:Originally Posted by SquirmyPugDon't open acetylene valves all the way..
Reply:oink oink, whee whee whee oink oink! I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Caution: (only for anyone who does not already know this, I make no claim to know anyone's background)When I used to work as a propane guy (several years ago), there were many examples of customers across the country who tried welding propane tanks and ended up with injuries/death.Please use a gas detector to check for proper purging.Plus: the valves are fixable and replaceable.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:for what it costs to buy a new one I'd just take it back and swap it for a new one. Metal is too thin to make a wood stove IMO.
Reply:Originally Posted by cd19for what it costs to buy a new one I'd just take it back and swap it for a new one. Metal is too thin to make a wood stove IMO.
Reply:I turned two 55gal drums into a double barrle smoker using one of those wood stove coversion kits. works great. As for the project. I like the pot belly pig stove suggestion. dual purpose is always good.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Build the pig "BUTT" put propasne burner in rear flame inside come out snout  but put scrap iron chevy heads are best to heat up keep you warm too. Built one here 4 pieces 6" thin wall pipe 5" long  stacked 4inches apart on 2 legs 90deg to connect together dome cap onlast one 2inches off sofumes get out. Heat up 40X50 shop.