Millermatic 251 bottle rack mod

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This is a project from a few weeks ago.  I use 125 size bottles and got tired of swapping them when I wanted to use the spoolgun.  So I proceeded to dissasemble my welder while crossing my fingers and hoping I didn't ruin it.  Goal was to fit two bottles on and make them easy to change and look like they belong there.  I already had an extra regulator so there was nothing holding me up but lazyness.  Future project is to add a couple 110v outlets and possible a 220v so I can piggyback my plas cutter.  I am going to say in advance that I know I can't run the welder and plas at the same time, but I only have two hands and work alone anyway. I only have one extension cord that will reach out to the driveway and things would be so much easier if both machines could remain on and ready to go as I cut, weld, cut, weld, you know the drill.  Here is the bottle rack mod in progress and completed. Attached Images
Reply:More pics... Attached Images
Reply:Some more pics... Attached Images
Reply:Last ones.  I should mention that I had to move both the gas inlet and the power cord over so they would clear the bottles.  For the Mods, if this is too many pics feel free to delete the worst ones. Attached Images
Reply:looks great and millers kit cost over $250.00i dont know how they sell some of therecarts and trailers there way over priced
Reply:I think thier dual bottle rack is also for the big bottles.  I didn't want that.  I like the smaller ones cuz I can throw them over my shoulder to move them around.  I'm kinda embarassed to say, but it took me 3 days for this project.  That does include paint and design time though.  I took my time cuz I figured I am going to be looking at this thing for years to come and I didn't want any regrets.
Reply:Nice work there, looks like you got a tight fit on the bottom of those bottles.  You do realize some bottles will vary slightly in diameter.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Originally Posted by Hammack_WeldingNice work there, looks like you got a tight fit on the bottom of those bottles.  You do realize some bottles will vary slightly in diameter.
Reply:Nice job are the rubber bungy cords temporary or permanent?Lincoln 225 ACLincoln Mig Pak 15Lincoln Mig Pak 10Purox Oxy-Acet Outfit20 Ton PressHonda Generator
Reply:Rubber bungies are permanent.  I put heavier hooks on them.  I know, I know, but the chain rattles as I roll it around the garage and the bungies are just the right length every time, and cheap.  I think they are 10" and about $1.28 each.  Plus, with my lack of thinking, resulting in a tight base,  the bottles won't fall out even without the bungees on.  I actually have to pry them straight up to get them out. Hopefully the next exchange will be for bottles on the small side of the variation.
Reply:OK now that's cool!MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Thank you.  (you prolly won't hear that from me much)  I have a speech problem that prevents me from saying it. Or maybe it's a mental problem?
Reply:Look pretty nice.I'd say to use chain and not rubber bungies, rattle or not and tight fit on the base or not.  Want to put a rubber pad on the chain or some tool-dip, go ahead.  But use chain around the cylinders.Tight fit on the cylinder base, you already heard and found out about that one.I'd also suggest some rubber/plastic grommets on the hole that the gas hoses run through.  That will minimize the hoses getting cut or chafed from the metal edge.But all-in-all, I think it looks pretty nice.    The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Originally Posted by MoonRiseLook pretty nice.I'd also suggest some rubber/plastic grommets on the hole that the gas hoses run through.  That will minimize the hoses getting cut or chafed from the metal edge.
Reply:Nice Job!!! I couldn't wait to get my bottle off my welder let alone roll it around with 2 of them. But your's looks like it will work well...Bobhttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...956#post273956Bob WrightSalem, Ohio  Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun
Reply:Nice job. Lot of work, but like you said, it's going to be around awhile.I couldn't live with rattling tanks either, even though the welder is seldom moved. I included a pic of my solution. The stacked nuts are a crude length adjustment. If I were going to change anything, I'd use a longer bolt with a handle welded at 90*.I think the bungies might dry rot faster than you think. Attached Images9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in DenverI think the bungies might dry rot faster than you think.
Reply:A bungee can and will break easily, even new ones!I drove big trucks for 23 years, and would buy bungees by the dozen pack, not the cheap $1.28 bungees either, those would break on the first use!A bungee can look new, but fail because of all sorts of reasons, the most common reason is, once a bungee gets a nick along its length, it is compromised and will rip right apart, then theres manufacture defects, most common in cheap made bungees, bad rubber batches, poor bonding during the press operation, and yes, when I was young, I worked at a rubber manufacturing plant here and we made such things as bungees, the company was called Schacks Rubber Co, anyone remember the old rubber sink stoppers with Daisy stamped on them, we made those, the owners wifes name was Daisy, if you ever wondered why they where named Daisy!We also made mallets, rubber hose, rubber band, anything that you can imagine that was made of rubber, we probably made!You would be much better off buying a rubber coated piece of chain or at least a piece of hose and put a chain through it, like what I use!I went to TSC and bought a length of twisted chain and a matching length of clear plastic hose, it worked nice to calm down the rattling, and looks nice too!I would post a pic but my camera quit on me.#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:I put both mine on the side of the cart: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronnielyons/369525720/Ronnie LyonsMeridian, Idaho
Reply:Originally Posted by Ken DennisA bungee can and will break easily, even new ones!
Reply:id get rid of the bunjiesComplete Fabrication Shop specializing in pipe fabrication. Also offering heavy steel fabrication and sheet metal work.
Reply:Nice addition. Takes some balls to do that to the bottom plate of your Miller. How did you make the nice curves in the flat bar?
Reply:Originally Posted by scubaholicid get rid of the bunjies
Reply:Originally Posted by yellowNice addition. Takes some balls to do that to the bottom plate of your Miller. How did you make the nice curves in the flat bar?
Reply:Did you heat and bend or use a roller?Rubber hammer, leather gloves, clamps, and an.....um.....er....bottle. No heat.