I need an old propane tank, where to get.

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I'm in Loveland Colorado. I need an old tank to covert to smoker. This is harder than I had suspected. I found a lot full of them rusting away in the weeds but owner won't sell one. ?????How does one acquire one of these things?Ryan DickensheetsLincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:I'm in the same boat. My dad recommended getting a keg or using a up a propane tank. I don't have aluminum welding capabilities at home. Getting the keg and propane tank empty should also be fun. (Beer and cookouts for 2 weeks)
Reply:We've got so many small ones (5 to 10 gallons), they are stacking up out back. Even the scrap dealer doesn't want them.  What size smoker do you want? If you have an RV/Trailer shop in your area, try asking the service manager.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Maybe there is a liability issue with selling an old tank knowing its going to be cut up? I'm just guessing here.
Reply:I was also thinking of getting sheet metal rolled up at a local machine shop, then welding the ends on at home. I was thinking of building a tailgate grill/smoker. Just something small for parties and football games.
Reply:Originally Posted by trapperjohnMaybe there is a liability issue with selling an old tank knowing its going to be cut up? I'm just guessing here.
Reply:I used an old steel 50 gal. fuel tank from a mack truck. "Every choice you make will effect at least one other person"
Reply:The best thing to use (as in easy to get) is to use water storage tanks for use with well water. They a semi easy to find .Just watch out when you cut them apart........The rubber liner Burns real good if it starts....lol red.Lincoln Percision tig 225 (Water cooled)Lincoln 350MP Power mig (with spool gun )Lincoln GXT 250 With Tig  ModuleLincoln Ln-25 Pro Dual PowerCentury 50 plasma cutter.now Lincoln .
Reply:Good info I will try reasoning with the guy (cash transaction no receipt serial number ground off possibly) then the RV route.Thanks.Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:I got mine free from the guy who installed my septic system.  He also does all sorts of excavation including removing old underground butane tanks.I considered buying large diameter (24" or so) casing pipe from the local steel supplier.  It was expensive at something like $35 per foot.  It was definitely expensive as compared to a free tank.  You might try your luck for tanks or pipe at the scrap yard.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:look on creg'slist there are a lot of them around here
Reply:Ill try to cull one from the herd but they are mighty slipperyZeb Attached ImagesMillermatic 200Miller Dialarc 250 ac/dcAll people have the right to stupidity but some abuse the privilege
Reply:LOL!  Leave it to a "newf" to come up with something like that!  Hilarious!    I'm still laughing at the expressions on their faces!Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:the wanted sec. on craigslist
Reply:I got a few for free from the propane supply co. Out of test cylInders. Told them they were for a smoker project. Might finish itsome day/ yearG
Reply:Our family owns an oil and propane company in NJ and we only sell them for scrap because it's to much of a insurance issue but hen again what is not an issue in NJ."The most important thing about the job is getting the job done"
Reply:Contact your local propane supplier or tank testing facility. It you come off as competent, they might give you one. I got 30 off a guy that tested them and they were stacking up in his backyard. He was happy to see me! I fill with water until over flow a bit, let sit over night, empty, and cut or weld them. Sometimes the rotten egg smell is there but it's just the odor they add to make it smell distinctly to make it easy to smell if there's a leak.  Can you buy an empty new one at your local hardware store or RV shop? Nice and new with no rust to clean-up!Bert200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:That is awesome....
Reply:I agree, the propane companies have to cull their bad ones from time to time and they usually sit around.  Several of the local propane companies actually have 3 or 4 smokers/grills made out of them sitting next to their propane cylinders that they loan or rent out.But if you can't find any from them, farm equipment auctions, especially large monthly or semi annual ones usually have one or two for sale.A local auctioneer who travels with Weeks auctions buys used equipment and resales it locally. He has probably about 100 behind his place empty and waiting to be cut and used.  He wants about 200.00 apiece, but that's kind of high in my book.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Ive got 2 100 lb tanks, one is being donated to a semi homeless tech that has a leaky compressor and the other I'm going to use for extra capacity for my home compressor. I got them from the guy I work for, he had alot more but i didn't know he was going to sell them back to the gas company, or I would have got 2 more.I don't know how long it take to get the smell out, but i'll give it time, I'm think a long term soaking in wate and lemon juice or vinegar.HH187Hobart 500i plasma cutterClark 4.5" GrinderDewalt 14" chop saw30 gallom 1.6 hp compressor10 gallon pressure pot sand blasterlots of hand tools
Reply:Originally Posted by kenklingermanIve got 2 100 lb tanks, one is being donated to a semi homeless tech that has a leaky compressor and the other I'm going to use for extra capacity for my home compressor. I got them from the guy I work for, he had alot more but i didn't know he was going to sell them back to the gas company, or I would have got 2 more.I don't know how long it take to get the smell out, but i'll give it time, I'm think a long term soaking in wate and lemon juice or vinegar.
Reply:How's this?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  SF bay area craigslist > north bay > for sale / wanted > free stuff  Propane Tanks (sebastopol)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date: 2010-04-27, 10:38PM PDTReply to: [email protected]  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Been sitting outside for years. it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests Attached Images
Reply:You can buy new empty ones at Menards.An air tank off a dead compressor is an option too.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Why not an old water heater?  an Electric would probably be easiest as it won't have the exhaust tube running up the center of it.
Reply:Originally Posted by mdlbldrmatt135Why not an old water heater?  an Electric would probably be easiest as it won't have the exhaust tube running up the center of it.I've seen them bieng used for small fireplaces.....   I have yet to cut into the gas one I just removed from the house.  Stripping the foam insulation off was a PITA  it doesn't really burn too well...  plus bieng in the city limits... I can't open burn it on a small brush fire.
Reply:OK I got one! Steel salvage yard in my town. 100lb size no dents for $18. It was full still. It's been hissing in my driveway for an hour!!How thick is the steel in these things?I will fill with water and try to get the nerve to torch the ends off. Anyone have a better/safer method?RyanLincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:Take off the valve, once empty of gas, fill with water, leave over night, empty, blast away. I've done dozens of tanks this way. Murphy's law not withstanding 200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Thanks. How thick is the skin on this 100lb size?ps - the valve is being stubborn. Is it normal threads or reverse?Last edited by skywest; 04-28-2010 at 01:45 PM.Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:Be very careful!   A propane tank that size can take a while.  Also propane can hang low near to the ground for quite some time, an explosive situation.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Understood.Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:They are about an 1/8" thick.
Reply:Originally Posted by skywestOK I got one! Steel salvage yard in my town. 100lb size no dents for $18. It was full still. It's been hissing in my driveway for an hour!!How thick is the steel in these things?I will fill with water and try to get the nerve to torch the ends off. Anyone have a better/safer method?Ryan
Reply:Too late. It's gone. I went thru heck to find the bottle, I need to get this project rolling. grilling season is upon us. It would take me a year to use all that propane anyway.I did feel bad wasting it, I assumed it was empty as I wrestled it home. It was in a pile of rusty scrap metal that looked 400 years old.It's full of water right now. Cutting starts in the morning........Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:Originally Posted by 2rodsThey are about an 1/8" thick.
Reply:Post after you cut it.......so we know all is good!!! Always crack the valve off slowly. You can make your own wench to fit and put a long handle on it. Good ratchet strap will hold the tank firmly.200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Originally Posted by bert the welderPost after you cut it.......so we know all is good!!! Always crack the valve off slowly. You can make your own wench to fit and put a long handle on it. Good ratchet strap will hold the tank firmly.
Reply:Even when taking the above posted precautions, I would discourage anyone from placing themselves anywhere near a propane tank during its initial heating and piercing.Hypothetically it would be possible to place the tank in a very remote area in the vicinity of something like a steel beam lying on the ground. Then with the torch lit and adjusted to a hot oxidizing flame, the torch could be placed so that it rests with its head and flame hanging over the beam's flange, but well away from the cylinder. Then from behind and under the nearest bulldozer or loader bucket, the torch's 1000 feet of hose could be used to pull the lit torch down the beam "track" so that the flame contacts the cylinder and burns a hole in it. But again, that's just a hypothetical foolish idea; I wouldn't actually suggest that  anyone try it.It would also be hypothetically possible to pierce the cylinder with an arc which is remotely  powered-up.Now, not hypothetically, but absolutely and definitely I will discourage the idea of any person or non-expendable property being anywhere near a cylinder during an initial cut; regardless of how safe the cut "should" be.Good LuckLast edited by denrep; 04-28-2010 at 11:34 PM.
Reply:Gee thanks. Now I'm paranoid.Maybe I'll have my mother in law come over and show her how to torch cut.What if I leave it mostly full of water, would that make everyone feel better?Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:Originally Posted by skywestGee thanks. Now i'm paranoid. You're welcome. You should be paranoid when contemplating cutting a gas cylinder. Maybe I'll have my mother in law come over and show her how to torch cut.No comment.What if i leave it mostly full of water, would that make everyone feel better? Doesn't feel much better. Best scenario is to purge the cylinder and still not be in vicinity of the cut.
Reply:Denrep; With all due respect, how many tanks have you worked with? Just asking because I think you're being too paranoid. I agree that stupidity kills and knowledge is safety. And I don't even advocate taking forum conversation as gospel all the time. I can only say that I, personally, have cut and welded dozens of LP tanks( probably 30+). Various ages and sizes, using the fill with water, soak and empty prep. method I posted previously, recommend to me by a local certification professional, and have had not so much as a fizzle. Like I said, I'm not asking with any sarcasm or malicious intent. I just wouldn't want the OP to scrap his project when not necessary.Regards,Bert200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:I made the cut.Bottle vertical 90% full of water and I cut the top off. No problems. Thanks for everyone's help.Back to you regularly scheduled program.RyanLincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:That's the dangerous part....leaving it partially filled.  That's how the explosions happen.  You need to completely fill the tank to void the gas fully.  Once its pushed out completely, its safe after a soak...A little soap will help to cut the stink out too.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:OK. It was more like 95%. But I see what you are getting at. I just needed room for the cut. Next time I will know the drill so to speak.Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:I've cut my fair share of large lp tanks. The odorant is generally methyl mercaptan or similar organic compound. It can be neutralized using liquid bleach. You need to neutralize it, otherwise you risk stinking up your shoes, pants, truck and house. Not to mention it ticks off the wife! It doesn't take much to ruin your work cloths. Also, exposure will attack your nervous system, making you dizzy, giving you the shakes, or worse. It's absorbed through the skin. Large tanks often have a bit of it in liquid on the bottom, looks innocent, smells bad, but the next day you'll be seeing double until you sleep it off.This is how we do it:1) Use up the gas, obvious but some scrap tanks are still partially full. 2) Remove the top valve and pour in a bit of bleach, close it back up. On large tanks we may add some water to help distribute the bleach. The bleach neutralizes the methyl mercaptan.3) Rotate the tank a few times and let it set. We might do this every few hours. We have rollers for this. See photo. The ordorant can get into the oxide layer which takes time to neutralize.4) Remove the valve and any other plugs and rotate the tank upside down. Drain. Leave upside down so any remaining gas can escape. Remember lp gas is heavier than air.5) You can hook up some air to aid drying the inside. Often when done the tank will not have too much odor.Be careful and use common sense. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by skywestMaybe I'll have my mother in law come over and show her how to torch cut.
Reply:Honestly, don't laugh, I put my auto dark hood and leathers on and dropped a match in there.You asked.Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:Bert the welder - To answer your question - I've cut into a lot of tanks and vessels, cylinders, etc. It's hard to appreciate the potential until you've seen one go off, or the after effects.  Why risk it? When it's so easy to make the initial cut by dragging the torch into the work from a much safer distance.Skywest - I was just lookin' out for you; not trying to rain on your project. The match drop was really wrong to do. I have a feeling that your tank cutting curriculum skipped the prerequisite "Stupid Car Tricks and Explosions" self-study course.  Good LuckLast edited by denrep; 04-30-2010 at 01:04 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepBert the welder - To answer your question - I've cut into a lot of tanks and vessels, cylinders, etc. It's hard to appreciate the potential until you've seen one go off, or the after effects.  Why risk it? When it's so easy to make the initial cut by dragging the torch into the work from a much safer distance.Skywest - I was just lookin' out for you; not trying to rain on your project. The match drop was really wrong to do. I have a feeling that your tank cutting curriculum skipped the prerequisite "Stupid Car Tricks and Explosions" self-study course.  Good Luck
Reply:Back to the original question "where to get a tank".  I asked a buddy who has a business that fills them.   Has a bunch of junk ones that he has to keep fenced and locked, but insurance won't let him sell them, or even give them away.  And they really aren't worth the time it takes to cut them up, so they mostly accumulate.  Apparently you can pay to have them disposed of properly, but it's not cheap.   However he has had some "stolen" from the storage area a couple times.  He said it's really stupid to have to talk in code to some folks, and sometimes they still don't get it.