Beginner TIG and Argon

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I recently got my primeweld tig 200 dc machine and am planning to use it for the tig function. I was wondering what a good place to start would be. I do not have a gas cylinder yet, but am thinking about going for a 150 c/f tank. Anyways I was wondering how much it usually costs to fill up something like that (to capacity) and how long it would last/ how often it needs to be refilled.
Reply:I would Google a local welding gas supplier and see what their prices are, I use that size as a DIY type and it lasts about a year.  It all depends on your use, remember to always close the valve on the top.  I put a quick disconnect in the hose line, I spray Argon into paint, PVC glue containers closing them.  This removes any oxygen and stop them from going bad for a long time.  No need to change the flow meter setting just a few seconds will work great.

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Reply:At 20 scfh it should last 7-1/2 hrs of continuous use.
Reply:Also meant to ask (I know I said a 150 c/f tank) what is a good tank size to begin with. I’m not going to do a ton of welding, maybe a just once a week for like 10 minutes of continuous total flow time (over a couple of hours of work), but I also would like to have a decent amount of argon saved away, so I don’t have to go constantly refill. Can you recommend a tank size for that or is 150 c/f a good choice?
Reply:150 ft³ is good size tank, and should cost around $30-$50 to refill/exchange, but it varies GREATLY depending on your supplier...https://weldingweb.com/vbb/threads/6...s-Costs-Threadlots of starts/stops use up extra gas if the regulator/flowmeter is calibrated for 50psi on the output side.  It causes a bit of gas to be stored in the hose between the tank and machine, that ends up being lost during the pre-flow stage.

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Reply:A lot of people buy the smaller 80 cu ft tanks because you can own them. But they tend to be around $200-300 to buy. They are much more expensive to fill on a price per cubic foot basis. So the smaller tank is really more expensive. If you are just starting out, I would lease the tank. I would probably start out with the smallest one your supplier leases. That way if you decide this isn't for you then you can turn the tank back in for minimal loss. If you decide you like it and are in for the long haul ask them to change you to the largest tank they have so you will end up paying less for the gas on a per cubit foot basis. Argon gas never goes bad. I used to mess around with the 80 cubic foot tanks because I didn't want to wrestle the giant 330 cubic foot tanks, until I figured out my gas supplier will deliver to my home. Its the best decision I have made in a while!Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:So I’m a bit lost still. How much is a 150 c/f gas tank? Everyone has been telling me to lease a tank, and the tanks are only about 200 dollars. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not made of money, nor do I have a lot, but are we talking about the same tanks? All these people with 2000 dollar welders (across multiple forums like this I’ve looked at) have been saying to lease a tank. Am I just not seeing the true cost, are they thousands of dollars? I have absolutely nothing against leasing, just bewildered. Once again brand new to tig, if I’m making a dumb comment please take it easy 😆.Edit: Misread the comment above this. After reread lease makes a lot of sense. Thanks.
Reply:It's between $50 and $100 per year to lease, based on who the supplier is. The cost to fill a 330 cubic foot tank is only slightly more than the cost to fill an 80 cubic foot tank. Again, depending on your supplier. The point is, shop around and compare all the variables.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Louie1961

The cost to fill a 330 cubic foot tank is only slightly more than the cost to fill an 80 cubic foot tank. Again, depending on your supplier. The point is, shop around and compare all the variables.