Question about bottles

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Ok, here's all I know.I bought a second hand Century 140 MIG, 110 volt, Tweco torch, 30 wire.Got a 20 pound cylinder from AGL, a local welding supply shop, it lasted me an hour of practice.What size bottle should I be looking for, and where can I get a bottle to use for exchange fodder?If this is in the wrong forum, I apologize. Just trying to figure this thing out, got a couple of projects i want to get done.Thanks!Larry
Reply:20 lb or 20 cu ft. argon/co2 or straight co2? I would get a 20 lb of straight co2 which is just under 200 cu ftDynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:20 lb? would be straight CO2 and should last a lot longer than an hour.A 20 cubic foot 75% argon/25% CO2 WILL only last an hour at 20 CFH.I would buy the largest cylinder you can.....more product and cheaper per cubic foot.
Reply:sorry 20 cubic feet
Reply:If the bottle was full up, something is bad wrong.  20 Lb of CO2 should give about 165 SCF of usable gas.  (175 total, but you cant hardly get it all out)  this should last for at least 4-5 hrs IF all of your gas control stuff is working properly.  Check for leaks, proper flow meter/gauge, etc.Experience is something you get right after you need it
Reply:Originally Posted by turk20 lb or 20 cu ft. argon/co2 or straight co2? I would get a 20 lb of straight co2 which is just under 200 cu ft
Reply:get yours refilled. spray soapy water on all your hose/regulator connections to check for leaks.
Reply:sorry, it's a 20 cubic ft, 75%argon 25% co2.Can I use straight CO2?
Reply:you can use straight CO2, its cheaper.  just a bit more spatter than mixed gas.
Reply:Originally Posted by brian.pelasciniyou can use straight CO2, its cheaper.  just a bit more spatter than mixed gas.
Reply:A 20lb bottle is a fairly standard size, the local airgas told me they charge around $125 for one and then $25 or so for a fill. Should last on the order of 10 hours of weld time.
Reply:Originally Posted by demonlarryso, what bottle do i use?
Reply:You want the largest possible cylinder you can 1) afford, 2) Physically handle.Get quotes on prices from your LWS .... next ......Run a "Want To Buy" ad on your local Craigslist.You should be able to pick up "customer owned" cylinders for 50% of the retail price.Have them meet you at the LWS and exchange it prior to paying them for the cylinder. Agree to pay them the agreed upon price plus the cost of the gas.In doing this, you assure yourself you can exchange the cylinder in the future.As the others have suggested, check for any leaks or stuck gas valves in your setup.Lincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:"Got a 20 pound cylinder from AGL, a local welding supply shop, it lasted me an hour of practice""sorry 20 cubic feet ""sorry, it's a 20 cubic ft, 75%argon 25% co2"Leak checking is never a bad idea but he is not using an abnormal amount of product for the application.
Reply:Thanks for the tips.I'm going to call AGL today, see how much bottles are. Then I'll try the craigslist route.I never realized the gas would run out so quickly.
Reply:You have 20cf, your flowmetrer is probaly set around 20cfh so it will last less that an hour even when full.  The 20 is a resale cylinder trade it in for a 55 or 92cf.  Again at 20-25cfh you have an idea of how long the tank should last.
Reply:Thanks!