Oxy Acetylene Help

admin

Hey guys.  First post here.  Got a question, hopefully somebody can help.While I don't do a ton of welding and brazing, I do it enough that borrowing my buddies tanks (both 250 cubic foot tanks) is a real pain.My question is, in your experience, are the 20 cubic foot oxygen and 10 cubic foot acetylene tanks worth it, as I have never used tanks that small?  Mind you, I mostly do small repairs/modifications and some cutting.  Basically what I'm asking is, will these tanks be worth it considering size/price/portability or will their small size be a hassle?Thanks guys.
Reply:This question pops up often. I suggest getting the small tanks, and if they don't serve your needs,  get bigger ones and keep the small ones for more portability. This is America, welding gas cylinders don't get jealous of each other. I use little tanks (including ultra-light medical O2 cylinders) for their handiness when slicing up vehicles and other stuff at inconvenient locations. Big tanks stay at the shop. Intermediate tanks go where ever is useful. I got most of them free/cheap via scrounging, Craigslist and patient waiting.Tanks are good. Hunt them down, get many. Welding machines are good. Hunt them down, get many.Tools are good, hunt them down, get many. Women are good...
Reply:While tanks, welding machines and tools don't get jealous of eachother, women do.  I don't suggest getting as many women as possible, at least not all at the same time anyways!The B size acetylene tanks and 80-150 size oxygen tanks are small enough to move around and use portably while still big enough to be worth filling.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Very handy for a fast cut or two when you don't want to lug around big tanks.Any serious prolonged use, and you'll be tearing your hair out.I started out with a Porta Torch kind of outfit, and traded the tanks in on large ones within a few weeks.  The 02 tank is the worst, runs out almost immediately"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33While tanks, welding machines and tools don't get jealous of eachother, women do.  I don't suggest getting as many women as possible, at least not all at the same time anyways!The B size acetylene tanks and 80-150 size oxygen tanks are small enough to move around and use portably while still big enough to be worth filling.
Reply:You also need to remember that a small acetylene tank not only holds less, but that it can not deliver it as fast; the size cutting (or even welding) tip you can use is limited. You need to determine what output you need. If you do a search here, you can find a lot about withdrawal rates.As for saving money, it usually costs much more per cubic foot of any gas to fill a small bottle compared to a larger one. Depending on usage, in the long run a small bottle may actually run you more.  HVAC people often have small bottles because a larger one won't fit where they have to go, and also, they often do mainly silver soldering/brazing, whereas someone who does much cutting would be changing bottles (at least the O2) very often if using those same small bottles.
Reply:portability is good. running out iof gas sucks. and dont forget to do some math and dont exceed the 1/7 acetylene rule, with those small tanks .
Reply:In my opinion, the smallest oxygen tank that is worthwhile is a 60CF (actually, a little smaller.... the ones I have are 56CF). Small enough to carry (one handed if needed, but a carrier with a handle makes it easier.... can make one up out of webbing), but large enough to be useful. These are the largest tanks that don't take a cap to protect the valve, so a rigid carrier is recommended.For acetylene, the larger the better, within the your constraints for portability.