Beverage Aluminum tank/bottle for welding?

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I've searched around in this forum....Can i use those beverage co2 aluminum tanks for welding? The smallest size co2 tank at my local welding shop has is a 20 lb. regular steel and an aluminum. Are all aluminum co2 tanks the same? There are 5lb, 10lb, and 20lb beverage aluminum tanks that i'm interested in. How long do the different sizes last?
Reply:Yes, I had the LWS make me an adapter to go from the valve to the regulator and used a bev. cylinder for straight CO2 welding on my little mig.  It does create a bit more spatter, but it cleans up pretty easy if you spray it with PAM or nozzle gel before you weld.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:Originally Posted by RbeckettYes, I had the LWS make me an adapter to go from the valve to the regulator and used a bev. cylinder for straight CO2 welding on my little mig.  It does create a bit more spatter, but it cleans up pretty easy if you spray it with PAM or nozzle gel before you weld.Bob
Reply:more spatter than C25 mix
Reply:http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden...0/product.html Don't forget spare sealing washers.I use my steel (I wanted the threads so I can run a a safety cap as shown) CO2 tank for tire filling, and since I use a long pneumatic hose to allow for expansion, it'll run an impact gun nicely in a pinch.Try a small tank, exchange it if it doesn't suit your preferences! Attached ImagesLast edited by farmall; 04-11-2012 at 09:40 AM.
Reply:About 2 min. of welding per oz of CO2.
Reply:Originally Posted by toycoma98I'm just gonna build a small cart for a first project, fix our gate, a little sheet metal, and some frame/chassis on my truck. Before i start on the cart, i gotta figure out what size tank to get.
Reply:I have an aluminum #20 that I use for mobile welding. I got it from the LWS with the cga 580 valve on it, it's very handy. How ever it is pretty small, I have to fill it up about every other day when I'm welding outdoors. I would not want one so small for my main tank.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:I have to fill it up about every other day when I'm welding outdoors.
Reply:I bought a 20 lb steel CO2 tank, which was being used for beverage service. I have been able to use the CO2/Argon regulator that came with my Lincoln MIG. I did have a buy a CGA-320 to CGA-580 adapter, I think it was, to use that regulator. CO2 tanks use a CGA-320 thread, and CO2/Argon tanks & regulators use CGA-580. I bought it at my local Airgas for about $17. A dedicated CO2 regulator seems to be around $50, so I was happy with just the adapter. A CO2/Argon regulator can apparently be more likely to freeze up during use, vs one meant for CO2. But I can live with that. If I have problem with the regulator wanting to freeze, I will rig up something to keep the regulator warm (some people have mentioned having something like a work light by the regulator). As far as run-time, I've read that 1 lb of CO2 is about 8 cubic feet. A 20 lb CO2 tank is roughly 160 CF. Many people apparently use a flow rate of about 15-20 cubic feet/hour. Based on that, 160 CF might last about 8-10 hours of actual, trigger-pulled, welding time. With my expected, around-the-house usage, I'm fine with 20 lbs, that will last me a long time. If you can get a good deal on a 20 lb tank, that may save you money in the long run. The cost to fill different sized tanks is often quite similar. You're essentially paying for labor, more than gas. Maybe it's $25 for 5 lbs, $27 for 10 lbs, and $30 for 20 lbs. Hypothetical numbers. But for a 25% CO2, 75% argon mix, Airgas quoted me $30 for 40 CF, $30 for 60 CF, and $32 for 80 CF. Check Craigslist for used tanks. Most places around here will let you bring in a tank you bought somewhere else. Be aware that, if the tank is past its hydro test date, you will need to pay to get the tank inspected before it can be refilled. That can be around $20-25, so consider that with the price. With most gas places, you just give them your tank, and leave with a different one. You exchange, you don't refill. So if you're going to buy a specific tank (eg, you want aluminum, and you want it to stay shiny & new), you may need to find a place that lets you drop the tank off to be refilled.
Reply:Tanks do not hold high pressure gas. Just so's you knows.
Reply:CO2 may be the lowest of the high pressure gas or the highest of the low pressure gas. That is why it comes in a high pressure bottle.
Reply:Thanks guys.The aluminum 20# is $199+$60 to fill. I think i'll use my Hobart paintball portable kit for now.
Reply:Keep an eye on government surplus since you are on Guam.  I got some nitrogen cylinders for dirt cheap from a fellow who bought a pallet from Charleston naval base. It was well worth it to pay for hydro and changing them to argon and 75/25.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallKeep an eye on government surplus since you are on Guam.  I got some nitrogen cylinders for dirt cheap from a fellow who bought a pallet from Charleston naval base. It was well worth it to pay for hydro and changing them to argon and 75/25.
Reply:What do you guys think of this one? Its a 10 pounder. $140http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=AEUC6GAA8XY7Y
Reply:Looks like the cylinder is just $90. I don't know if you need the reg and hose for what you want to do.Keep in mind I doubt shipping is included, and I doubt Guam is included for free shipping. I used to work for a dive retailer and had to ship something to Guam. It wasn't cheap. Customer thought he was getting a real steal until he realized how much shipping was going to cost when added to the price....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:Originally Posted by DSWLooks like the cylinder is just $90. I don't know if you need the reg and hose for what you want to do.Keep in mind I doubt shipping is included, and I doubt Guam is included for free shipping. I used to work for a dive retailer and had to ship something to Guam. It wasn't cheap. Customer thought he was getting a real steal until he realized how much shipping was going to cost when added to the price...
Reply:I use 20lb co2 tanks exclusively with my passport. They have the same size valve / threads as larger tanks, so normal regulators connect without adaptors. Full weight is around 45-50lb of the top of my head. Makes it easier to lug around, has an integrated valve guard, and the lws always has full ones available for exchange.Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2Miller: 200dx, Bobcat 225, Passport, Powermax 45, Milwaukee: Dry Saw, MagDrill, grinders
Reply:Originally Posted by JohnRI use 20lb co2 tanks exclusively with my passport. They have the same size valve / threads as larger tanks, so normal regulators connect without adaptors. Full weight is around 45-50lb of the top of my head. Makes it easier to lug around, has an integrated valve guard, and the lws always has full ones available for exchange.Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Reply:Originally Posted by toycoma98So a 20 lb. tank is actually 45-50 lb !?! I didn't know that. I wonder how much a filled aluminum 10 pounder weighs
Reply:As a point of comparison, I have a steel, 20lb CO2 tank. It has a tare weight of 38 lbs, it's 58 lbs full.
Reply:I'll get a 10 lb. aluminum. That way i can still use my paintball 20oz bottles if i have to, but i have to buy a fill station for $31. I can turn the tank upside down and fill them.Lincoln 140 HD
Reply:I went and bought a 20 lb. aluminum tank from the local weld store. $199 for the tank and $61 to fill it so thats $26120lb. is kinda overkill though, i still think i shoulda gotten a 10 pounder instead.  For a 10 lb. its $140 shipped plus $40 to fill here localy.. thats only $180. After spending $260 this is how i feel > Last edited by toycoma98; 04-27-2012 at 04:25 AM.Lincoln 140 HD
Reply:Ouch.Want any spares for a LOT less money? http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=114071Originally Posted by farmallOuch.Want any spares for a LOT less money? http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=114071
Reply:Check the weight then use an online shipping calculator.  If you have any G.I. buddies, shipping to an APO may be a better deal.
Reply:This is what i'm using now.Lincoln 140 HD
Reply:Originally Posted by toycoma98I went and bought a 20 lb. aluminum tank from the local weld store. $199 for the tank and $61 to fill it so thats $26120lb. is kinda overkill though, i still think i shoulda gotten a 10 pounder instead.  For a 10 lb. its $140 shipped plus $40 to fill here localy.. thats only $180. After spending $260 this is how i feel >
Reply:I am a new member and can't find how to post a thread, but my question is similar. Maybe someone has done what I am thinking about doing. I plan to use a CO2 beverage bottle for mig welding. Since it takes a mix of CO2 and Argon, I was thinking about making a wye and tying in my argon and CO2 where it goes into my welder. I plan to adjust the CO2 using my flowmeters to get the right percentages of gas. I suppose i would have to have a small check valve to prevent backflow of the argon to the CO2 hose. has anyone ever done something like this.
Reply:It is highly advisable NOT to try doing this at home.You need high pressure fittings first of all that are'nt cheap and the price to get the proper gas from your LWS is a much better deal.It is not worth getting injured to save a few bucks.