Beer Keg Project...need advice

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Hey guys,   I am looking at buying either a Stainless Steel or Aluminum Beer keg to turn into a sanblaster.  I can't seem to find a used discarded compressor tank or Propane tank.  So here's the question, I'm not sure what kind of SS or Aluminum these vessels are made out of.  I need to cut one end off of the tank invert it and weld it back to to the tank (forming a funnel to feed blasting material into the tank). I will need to weld up some fittings for air and what not as well.  Do you think it will make sense to go with one material over the other.  I haven't done much aluminum with my TIG unit and I'm not sure how thick the aluminum is on a beer keg.  Since I don't drink I don't have much experience with the kegs and was hoping some of you guys do.  Any advice would be appreciated.  I'm just getting frustrated on not being able to find a good steel tank and I can pick up beer kegs on fleabay easily.
Reply:Both aluminum and Stainless steel Kegs are available. Stainless is more popular because of bacteria. If it were me I would go with the stainless steel, but that is because I think it would be much easier to tig up and I suck at aluminum. Just my opinion. I may go consult my keg now.Drivesector Hobart Handler 140Hobart Handler 180Ready Welder 2Hobart Air Force 400Airco Stinger 225Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."OZZY"
Reply:Originally Posted by 383bigblockHey guys,   I am looking at buying either a Stainless Steel or Aluminum Beer keg to turn into a sanblaster.  I can't seem to find a used discarded compressor tank or Propane tank.  So here's the question, I'm not sure what kind of SS or Aluminum these vessels are made out of.  I need to cut one end off of the tank invert it and weld it back to to the tank (forming a funnel to feed blasting material into the tank). I will need to weld up some fittings for air and what not as well.  Do you think it will make sense to go with one material over the other.  I haven't done much aluminum with my TIG unit and I'm not sure how thick the aluminum is on a beer keg.  Since I don't drink I don't have much experience with the kegs and was hoping some of you guys do.  Any advice would be appreciated.  I'm just getting frustrated on not being able to find a good steel tank and I can pick up beer kegs on fleabay easily.
Reply:Use a freon tank. Go to the air conditioning places and get one of their empties. They give them away free.
Reply:Zap,  I could buy one at Northern however most of those models don't pressurize the tank and their design is somewhat flawed. I can probably convert it to a pressure assisted tank (that is adjustable which is key) and make a half-way decent one.  I've used one of the pot belly types that Northern sells (though it wasn't from Northern but they are all pretty much the same) it didn't work worth a ****!  This guy Rob Berkel designed one that is on Yahoo and the comments from everyone who has made one say it is truly amazing.  I need a better solution than taking my stuff to a local guy for blasting.  For what I've spent I probably could have bought a nice one by now.  I'm to the point of stripping my Marvel #2 Drawcut saw from the early '20s and I need a decent unit.  I just need to know if Stainless Kegs are a good raw material for welding.  I'm not sure how thick the metal or what kind of rods I should use.
Reply:go stainless how big of a propane tank you looking for? they are dime a dozen around heresince all the old ones are getting exchanged for the new valvesi have 5-6 small ones laying around the shop and 2 big ones
Reply:Prop-doctor,I am looking for a 60 to 100 lb size (if it were an air compressor tank in the neighborhood of 30 to 50 gallons).  I've seen the 100lb size and it looks to be just what I need.  I can't find any around here for sale.
Reply:Originally Posted by 383bigblockThis guy Rob Berkel designed one that is on Yahoo and the comments from everyone who has made one say it is truly amazing.
Reply:Have you looked at my all time favorite, water heater tanks. People come close to paying me to take them.I'm not a Engineer, I just play one on the weekend.
Reply:hey 383, find an asphalt plant around your house. not sure who is in texas, but i'm sure APAC is out there. anyways, asphalt uses a ton of propane. they heat the TAC with it and stuff. but i know our plant has 3-4 in the scrap heap all the time. but apac is the largest paving company, if ya got one, drive to there plant ask for the maint man, he should give ya one. i got mine from there for a smoaker."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:Thanks for the lead.  I'm not sure we have one around here but I will check there's bound to be paver with all the roads we have.    I can probably find a a hot water heater somewhere but I've never taken one apart to see what is inside??? Is is just a plain ole steel tank?
Reply:I am looking for a 60 to 100 lb size (if it were an air compressor tank in the neighborhood of 30 to 50 gallons).
Reply:Look up your local HVAC contractors in the phone book and call around. Im sure they would be more than willing to give you a scrap water heater. Just strip all the tin and insulation off and you have the perfect tank that you are looking for. They look much like a compressor tank after you strip them.
Reply:I used a 50 gallon water tank to build mine,picked it up from plumbing company. It was taken out and replaced with bladder tank and they had quite a few lying around. The S.S. beer keg is easiest to weld most are 16 ga. and rated to 130 psi. Personally I would rather see kegs used to build brewing equipment or full of beer!!