Aquiring gas

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I only have experience with the flux core process, and am ordering my first multi process welder next month, so I have a couple of questions about gas.Are there specific rules to follow when transporting tanks?  I'm guessing I can't just go buy one and throw it in the back of my truck.  I know welding rigs have tank holders...and I could easily build one, but then the next problem is what are the common tank sizes?  I've searched the internet already, obviously failed at it.  Found a lot of confusing stuff.  If anyone has a quick fix link to my concerns here it would be much appreciated.
Reply:Don't do this ...Do something like this ...Or at least this ..."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Quick fix, build a "headache" rack or "window protector" (what ever they are called in your region).Stand tank up, ratchet strap in place.This is my favorite method.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Some suppliers will move tank to your vehicle. It is up to you to load and secure. This removes their liability in case of a issue.
Reply:throw it in the back of the SUV laying horizontal with a $2 bag of playground sand to keep it from rolling. leave the windows open so you dont suffocate if it is leakingMillermatic 211Everlast 200DX Thermal Arc 181iKlutch ST80i lunchbox stick welderLincoln Weld-Pak 100Century Stick welderPowermax 30 plasma cutterHenrob 2000 torchLogan 200 lathe (60 years old)Clausing 6339 Lathe (for sale)
Reply:In a pinch, I've even strapped one into my passenger seat in a car, but I definitely don't prefer or endorse doing so.Putting the head of the bottle outboard of the seats headrest and strapped in with the seat belt, at least it's not going through the window, or onto me.Windows open, as said above, to at least prevent interesting and dangerous accumulations of gasses.
Reply:1926.350(a)(4)When cylinders are transported by powered vehicles, they shall be secured in a vertical position.
Reply:Thanks for all the replies.  After making this post I noticed a 'sticky' about tank sizes, thanks for not rubbing that in my face yet.  Headache rack with straps sounds like it'll be the way to go.  Buying my first TIG machine when I get back to the states next month.  Was really set on an everlast unit until I did some reading around here.  So now I'm starting all over with my search.
Reply:There are a couple of considerations that go beyond what is "good enough".If it is in/on a commercial vehicle and it isn't secured properly when the Road Safety Unit stops you, your wallet will empty quickly- read and follow the regs. Look at the HAZMAT regs too.I know of an electrician that borrowed a B tank and torch from a plumber on a large jobsite, placed it in his pickup in the morning, the job had a OSHA inspection that afternoon and the electrical contractor got cited for the unsecured tank in the pickup, sometimes it doesn't feel like your fault but it is going to be someone's problem.Thunderbolt AC/DC330AB/P + Bernard coolerSyncrowave 250Oxy/Ace torchDayton 160 MIG6CF pot with 185 compressorToo much big equipmentEven more small tools
Reply:If you follow the DOT rules then you'd be ok. If you are in a private non commercial vehicle I guess you are allowed to be stupid. But most every LWS isn't going to touch your vehicle. You load it. You secure it. Your problem. Best practice is to transport vertically in an open bed, SECURELY fastened. Most pickups that's not easy unless you have a substantial headache rack, so next best thing is on side, cap to the rear, SECURELY strapped down with some blocking so it can't roll. Last choice would be inside an SUV/van with windows open, SECURELY fastened, cap to rear, blocking for no rolling. ^^^That's all taking into account NON-flammable and NON-oxygen tanks. Propane/acetylene/oxygen, ugh. I can show you really nasty pictures of what can happen. Actually I believe at my local Tractor Supply they won't fill more than 2 - 20lb tanks if you're not transporting it in open vehicle/pickup bed etc.RyanMiller Multimatic 200 tig/spool gun/wireless remoteMillermatic 350P, Bernard/XR Python gunsMiller Dynasty 350, Coolmate 3.5 & wireless remoteCK WF1 TIG wire feederMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeOptrel e684Miller Digital EliteMiller Weld-Mask
Reply:I've even seen pictures of a Nitrous Oxide tank going boom when a bottle heater was left on, after a track day and the temp switch failed (as well as the rupture disk, apparently.)  That one blew the car down on the shocks hard enough that it punched the suspension through the shock towers, as well as breaking the garage door of the house it was parked in and a few windows around the house, to say nothing of all the glass in the car.Even disregarding the issues with flammability or oxidizers, any of the compressed gasses have hazards just due to the stored energy from the pressure they are under.Last edited by Hey_Allen; 01-18-2016 at 12:20 AM.