Argon tank to buy

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Hi new here, I bought a Clarke MIG welder that uses Argon shielding gas. I am looking for a small tank 20CFSIs there any better place for prices, I see the average price is $75 dollars, any better deals? or should I go to a welding place and pay what it costs.
Reply:A few things to keep in mind. Gas is usually cheaper per CF in larger cylinders. My O2 for example: I pay $28 for my 100 and $35 for my 282cf cyl. Guess which one gets used most and swapped? Not all that $28 is gas, there's handling charges, Hazmat fees and so on that runs up the price of the smaller cyl. You pay the same charges with the larger cyl. the only difference is the extra gas.Also a 20 cf cylinder will not last long. Under best conditions you'll be lucky to get 2 hrs weld time, worst say an hour. That means you get to run back for another cyl. It would take me longer to go run over to swap the cyl than it would to run out the 20cf welding. This SUCKS if you have a project you want to do on a weekend and the supplier is closed. Also check and see that they carry a few 20's in stock all the time. I've run into issues in the past where they only order in a couple of the smaller sizes since they don't get a ton of call for them. You show up only to find out you were #5 and they only had 4 on hand... If I want a different mix in a small cyl, I need to give them a weeks notice to get it in. Say I wanted 92/8 instead of 75/25 in an 80cf. for some reason. (usually it's cheaper to just get the larger "stock" cyl and "waste" the extra gas.)I started out with a 40cf for my mig and almost immediately upgraded to a 60cf. Then added a 2nd 80cf as a "spare". Now it's a 125cf and I grab a 282cf if I have any real serious mig work to do. (125cf is easier to keep on the cart and store).No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:watch Craigslist...just the other day i saw a 280 cuft bottle for $85i called the guy on it but he sold already sold itand yes  larger bottles are cheaper to fill/exchange  (per cuft)Aaron
Reply:Thanx guys this is interesting news, I will start looking for the bigger tank...Thanx again for the heads up info.
Reply:I see 20CF oxygen tanks all the time.  They're great for jewelers who need a needle tiny flame, and last some time for that.  Also good for A/C techs who don't want to carry a larger tank up onto a roof.But use them to cut, and you're counting down seconds till empty.Same thing goes for argon.  Unless you're combining a "suitcase" welder, hellbent on absolute portability, I wouldn't suggest that a hobbyist get anything smaller than 60CF.On the other end of the scale, 125CF is the largest I will transport in my car, and is about all I'm comfortable moving around.  YMMV.
Reply:The GTS Welco I go to....Will exchange any type of gas cylinder for another of the same size.