Welding a Gas Tank

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I will need a custom size gas tank for my biodiesel fuel to fit in one of the storage bays on my Motorhome.  It will be a normal box shape but I am getting quotes in the $1200 range.  I want to build it myself but I have no welding experience.  I do alot of DIY except welding.  The thing is I will study on how to weld but I am having no luck in finding how to weld your own fuel tank.  It will need to be strong since it will hold 100 gallons and 7 lbs per gallon.Is it realistic that I could weld my own tank and would it be cheaper if I do it myself?  I see Harbor Freight has a ARC welder http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93350.  I would like to learn to weld but many non welders I talk to says it takes years to learn.  I would like to build it in a month or so.Thank you
Reply:Seeing as how you've never welded before I would say NO.You might be able to aquire the skills necessary to become fairly proficient at welding within a month but I would not attempt a fuel tank as my first project...and especially not with a flux-core welder.Are the dimensions of the tank you need oddball sizes for the compartment in your RV?If they are not, then maybe you can look into pre-manufactured storage tanks. Places like Northern Tool carries a good amount of various sized tanks.Here's a link to some of the ones they offer.- Paulhttp://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:for a DIY guy would be a tuff project, at least take a coarse at local vo-tech and i agree  with  ztfab.  if you have never welded b4 look  for a readymade tank  **ITS  FUEL TANK**
Reply:Thanks for you answers.  I think I may draw it up and take it down to some welding shops and see what they quote.  I am in the Austin Texas area and I think there are alot of shops out here.  I have attached a ROUGH drawing what it will look like (wide means length).  The width will be 20 inches.  Thank you. Attached Images
Reply:Sorry to sound so discouraging...I am all for everyone learning how to do things on their own but sometimes it's best left to a professional for either monetary and/or safety reasons.I would still encourage you to learn how to weld. This way you will know how(or at least have the skills) to do a job like this when the need arises in the future.- Paulhttp://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:I wouldn't do it just because it's probably cheaper to find one close enough already made.
Reply:Ditto, I would not recommend you make your 1st real welding project a fuel tank.      What about looking for several (2 or 3) small tanks and plumb them together?   That would also take care of putting baffles in one large tank.There are no small projects
Reply:imagineer,That may be a great idea.  Thanks sooo much.  I will make a trip to the salvage yards and check them out.PS.  Thanks to you all for the fast information.
Reply:my reaction times are in the weeds lately.. ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I have made several fuel tanks for trucks. It is not a beginers project. And to make a steel one it would weigh a ton and in my opinion warp like crazy. And to make an aluminum one you will need skill. Just my 2 cents worth.
Reply:As only a hobbiest welder, I concur with the pros opinions that it is not a good idea to start out with a fuel tank project, and it is especially not realistic to expect to take up welding with a view to making a fuel tank in a reasonable time frame.  I also agree that you will not regret learning welding so you will be ready when the next need arises (and have a lot of fun in the meantime). Since you were looking for information on making tanks, one source of some insight into tank fabrication is chapter 11, "TANKS," in Ron Fournier's paperback book, "Metal Fabricator's Handbook," HP Books, Inc., P. O. Box 5367, Tuscon, AZ 85703 (1982).  (602)888-2150.  ISBN 0-89586-171-2.  (Another of my interesting finds in my local independent used book store.)  I have no idea if HP Books is still there, but you can try a search at the used book search sites.The full title inside the cover is "Race and Custom Car Metal ...," which tells you something about Ron's orientation.  Might make you appreciate why you are getting quotes of $1200.If you are determined to make a custom tank, perhaps you can find a sympathetic welder who will allow you to cut and prepare the pieces under his guidance and then weld them up for you.  awright
Reply:Another Item that has not been mentioned is the tank should meet dot requirements for liability reasons.