Info Enclosed: Propane tanks w/ screw-on caps

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Hi All,Thought people might be interested in knowing what I just found out the hard way.  As you may know, I'm switching from oxy-acetylene to oxy-propane for torch use on the svc truck.  I'd been everywhere and called all of my local propane suppliers trying to find a tank for sale with screw-on cap instead of the welded-on ring guard like what's on a BBQ tank.  Those who returned my call said cylinders like that weren't available new anymore, but I could still lease one if I wanted.  And they wouldn't sell me one of their used lease cyls.Finally, a local rep from Holtzman Oil Co. called today (a week later) and said he found a company called Manchester that still made screw-on cap low-pressure tanks (MAPP/propylene/propane).  By this time, I'd given up and bought a tank with the welded-on ring.   I may still order one of these Manchesters, and keep the other tank for home use.I don't know about you, but I would MUCH prefer to have a screw-on type cap for industrial use as opposed to just the raised collar.  So in the interest of furthering collective knowledge, here's the link to their site.  In case this link goes bad in the future, the tanks are listed with their "Industrial Welding Cylinders," and there are 3 sizes with screw-on caps: 25.5 lbs, 60 lbs, and 100 lbs.  They also have a higher relief valve pressure than a normal tank, 405 psi.http://www.mantank.com/products/dotp...lcylinders.htmI don't think they sell direct from this website, but they do list distributors.  In case anyone wanted to know.
Reply:as far as furthering knowledge, I have a question on mabe regs or saftey..what is the size limit of a propane tank used for welding?..could you tap a line into the 300 gal tank used for home heating and hook it up to a torch?
Reply:Neat catalog. They also have the nice 5lb propane tanks for portable use.No limit on tank size for cutting, but I would NOT tap my home tank for fire insurance reasons. You could buy a separate tank if you do serious cutting/scrapping.
Reply:Did you try Amerigas? The one by me doesn't lease cylinders, they take an $80.00 deposit. When you are done with it you get your deposit back. Why would I want to buy one! Not sure if they have what you are looking for, but I would think they would.But I do own one and it happens to be what you are looking for. It's an older one that a friend gave me a couple years ago."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Actually, Amerigas is one of the companies that told me the type with screw-on cap was no longer made.  It's also one of the companies listed as being a Manchester supplier!  And finally, Amerigas is where I ended up buying my tank with the ring-type guard when I thought a screw-on type wouldn't be available.  They weren't happy when I called back up today asking for a price on the correct cylinder, AND gave them the part number for it.  I guess someone at our local office is pretty lazy.  I also doubt I'll hear back from them.  If this was the way I did business I'd be looking for another job!As far as why I bought a cylinder, it's because I want to be free to shop around for the lowest LP prices when refill time comes.  In our area you can't do that unless you own the cylinder.
Reply:Just out of curiosity, what made you decide to go from Oxy-Acetylene to Oxy-Propane on the truck?E-2C Hummer PilotLincoln IDEALARC 300/300 TIG Welder Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 BuzzboxLincoln Weld-Pak 155 MIGForney (Harris Style) TorchesoooooOoooooWhen in doubt.. ADD POWER!
Reply:Much more rosebud heating capacity than a similar-sized acetylene-fueled unit would provide (no 1/7 withdrawal rule), cheaper fuel which will last longer, and tips that are easier to clean.I don't do any oxy-acetylene welding from the service truck, which would've been the only reason to keep acetylene in my opinion.
Reply:Originally Posted by tbone550Actually, Amerigas is one of the companies that told me the type with screw-on cap was no longer made.  It's also one of the companies listed as being a Manchester supplier!  And finally, Amerigas is where I ended up buying my tank with the ring-type guard when I thought a screw-on type wouldn't be available.  They weren't happy when I called back up today asking for a price on the correct cylinder, AND gave them the part number for it.  I guess someone at our local office is pretty lazy.  I also doubt I'll hear back from them.  If this was the way I did business I'd be looking for another job!As far as why I bought a cylinder, it's because I want to be free to shop around for the lowest LP prices when refill time comes.  In our area you can't do that unless you own the cylinder.
Reply:I have a cylinder like that. The guy who sold it to me thought it was a huge acetylene cylinder. I did too, for awhile. Real good quality, it was spun in 1946 and had been last certified in 1998. I paid the $23 and had it hydrotested and got to see that amazing thing -- a cylinder with date stamp TODAY. Sold my old 100 gallon cylinder with welded-on ring and plan to keep this one forever. It's galvanized too. The hydrotest facility said it had zero rust on it anywhere. There's another one like mine (not galvanized tho) for sale in my area: http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/tls/2217046695.htmlI too am phasing out using acetylene for heating, cutting or brazing. Propane is simply so much cheaper. I fill my cylinders at farm supply places miles from Seattle. The prices are at least 33% less than gas station propane filling prices. I have a lot of acetylene cutting tips I'm not going to know what to do with pretty soon. Airco heavy medium and light preheat, Victor big, Victor medium. I found out to my delight that my scarfing tips work fine on propane though designed for acetylene.metalmagpie