How long will a tank last?

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I recently purchased a 3200HD and would like to purchase a 75/25 tank for it.  The only two feasible options are a 20lb tank for $106 or a 60lb tank for $182.  How long will each tank last?  I know a definite number can't be given but I'm looking for a guess-timate.Thanks!
Reply:Divide your flow rate into the tank volume.example: a 20cu/ft tank wil last for 1 hour at a flow rate of 20cu/ft per hour (CFH)
Reply:Originally Posted by Poppy360I recently purchased a 3200HD and would like to purchase a 75/25 tank for it.  The only two feasible options are a 20lb tank for $106 or a 60lb tank for $182.  How long will each tank last?  I know a definite number can't be given but I'm looking for a guess-timate.Thanks!
Reply:Originally Posted by jjsjeffOne of my coworkers said to refill his little tank is barely cheaper (if at all) than refilling his larger tank.
Reply:Originally Posted by KTIin cost of filling a bottle 95% is a cost of labor and 5% is actual cost of gas. That's why (at least here in IA) filling 20lbs CO2 bottle cost only $2 less than filling the huge one (I don't remember - about 50/80lbs). Thats why you should get the biggest one you can afford.
Reply:Welp, it's definitely an issue of cost so the 20# tank it is. I just got done doing my first welds ever!  I used the flux core on some 1/8" and 3/16" plates.  Not too shabby but I definitely need a lot more practice.  Once my fiance gets home with the camera I'll post some pics.The 1/8" was easier initially but I think I was running it too hot.  The end of the welds were concave as compared to the plate.The 3/16" took more adjusting with the speed of the wire.  At first the welds were porous so I re-wire brushed the metal and tried again.  Same results.  I upped the speed a little and that helped greatly.  The welds actually looked pretty good.   My first project is making a welding table so that I can get off the ground.
Reply:Originally Posted by Poppy360I recently purchased a 3200HD and would like to purchase a 75/25 tank for it.  The only two feasible options are a 20lb tank for $106 or a 60lb tank for $182.  How long will each tank last?  I know a definite number can't be given but I'm looking for a guess-timate.Thanks!
Reply:You can get a 80 Cubic foot tank brand new on ebay for $137 shipped to your door. You have to fill it at your local gas supplier but it only cost me 18 bucks to fill at Gasco. They also have the 20 and 60 Cubic feet tanks on there and they are a bit cheaper. I went with the 80 because it would cost me $15 to have a 20 cubic foot tank filled so for another 3 bucks I get 60 cubic feet more gas. It is a little more money up front but over the long run it will save you money and trips to the gas store.
Reply:So, you can use straight CO2 instead of the 75/25 mix?  What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
Reply:Straight CO2 is cheap as dirt and lasts for ever, just a little more splatter. Heavy equipment buckets cant tell the difference.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:I have a LOT of CO2 that I use for my home brewing and for my jeep.  Maybe I'll stick with that...
Reply:You are gonna need this adapter http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...epot/A809.htmlto use on beer tanks.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Straight CO2 - a little more spatter and a little deeper penetration.  The penetration is helpful if you are working on thick(er) steel, not so good if you are working on thinner sheet metal.  Cheaper.  You are supposed to use a slightly different regulator with straight CO2, at the very least you'll probably have to get a fitting adapter to connect your regulator to the CO2 tank (different threads).  CO2 is compressed liquid, you have to use the tank upright and be aware of the cold from the boiling liquid (don't get/let the liquid CO2 in your regulator or on your skin, etc)75/25 Ar-CO2 - cleaner and neater welds, better than CO2 on sheet metal.  More expensive than straight CO2, but uses the regulator your equipment  most likely came with.A 20 cu ft tank is relatively tiny.  About the only reason to get one is if you -need- the portability.  It will cost almost as much to fill a 20 ft3 tank as it does to fill a 40, 60, or 80 ft3 tank.  Each is within literally a few dollars price difference on the refill for 2x or 3x or 4x the amount of gas.At a gas flow rate of 20 ft3/hr (standard small MIG gas flow rate, give or take a little bit), a 20 ft3 tank will last one hour.  The 80 ft3 tank will last 4 hours.20 ft3 tank = $106 + 3x$28 = $190 for 80 ft3 of gas (4 hours arc time at 20 ft3/hr flow rate)To get 8 hours of arc time from that 20 ft3 tank, you'll have to refill it -another- 4 times.  Drive back to the LWS, refill/exchange the tank, drive home.  Cost for that 8 hours of gas is now $190 + 4x$28= $302.80 ft3 tank = $198 for 80 ft3 of gas (4 hours of arc time), next refill would be ~$35.  Cost for 8 hours of arc time = $198 + one refill at $35 = $223Prices from Cyberweld.  Also check IOC.  See if you LWS will price match or do a little better on their original pricing on the tank.Generally, get the biggest tank you can afford and handle weight/size-wise.  It's less expensive that way.
Reply:Thanks for all the info!
Reply:Moonrise mentions that striaght co2 is liquid.  One problem I have seen is frozen regulators...but, that usually is because of a tank leaning or flowing too fast.  If you are just learning, mig, co2 will give you a lot of practice for the $...Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Originally Posted by Poppy360I have a LOT of CO2 that I use for my home brewing and for my jeep.  Maybe I'll stick with that...