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Hi all,Newbie question here:I'll be picking up my 1st welding machine, ESAB 281i TIG over the next couple of days and was wondering whether to get a 2nd Argon tank as a spare. I'll be getting a 125cf tank but am not sure how predictable running out of gas is. I'd hate to run out unexpectedly mid-day Saturday when the LWS is closed and then lose the weekend. Is it fairly easy to tell when there is say a couple hours of welding time left on a tank? I'd rather fill it a bit early instead of running out. I could do a second tank, but can think of other uses for the $200 that it would cost and would prefer not to take up more of my rapidly filling garage space having an extra tank sitting there.Thanks!Scott
Reply:What happens if you can not finish something because you are out of gas? If it is just a hobby thing might not matter enough to invest in the second tank. More a question that only you really can answer for yourself.Mike
Reply:The circular gauge shows you how much pressure is left in your gas cylinder. When its getting close to zero you should start considering filling/swapping. As I learned when I got my first TIG not that long ago, You've still got some welding time even after the gauge reads empty!
Reply:I have a large Argon bottle and also the smallest Argon bottle for my TIG for the exact reason you stated. I probably wouldn't have gotten the second bottle if I didn't get a VERY good deal on the small bottle. It is nice to not have to worry about running out on the weekend but if you pay attention to the gauges you should be able to plan ahead and refill before completely empty. Refilling/exchanging with a small amount of gas still in tank is a pretty small cost compared to a second bottle.
Reply:Always have a proven clean fresh spare bottle just in case you get a dirty refill. Beats knocking your head on the wall in frustration when things don't feel right.My rig at home had a 125, 60, and 25. The 60 and 25 went mobile. Each one was tested prior to storage to be clean.Last edited by shovelon; 01-01-2014 at 07:48 PM.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonAlways have a proven clean fresh tank just in case you get a dirty refill. Beats knocking your head on the wall in frustration when things don't feel right.
Reply:I would watch craig's list for a spare. See what sizes the supplier has on hand for a backup. It really doesn't need to be a 125. Maybe he has a 40 or 80 that maybe cheap. See if he can give you a deal on two 125 's. ONLY issue is that it may cost almost the same to fill the smaller as a 125.
Reply:Yes always have at least 2 tanks!I have at least 7 tanks, 1 helium, the others are a mix of c25 and argon. From a 20cf to a 125cf.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Or get to know someone who has spares. I don't keep spares of tanks that I keep on more than one machine, such as 75-25 but I have Co2 as a backup.Miller xmt304, Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:As far as how long a cylinder will last you, it's pretty easy to figure this out. Lets say you have you flow rate set at 20 cf per hour. That means a 125 cf cylinder would last about 6 hours of weld time. If we assume that when "full" it registered 2000 psi, it's pretty easy to guess at how much gas is left in the cylinder. If the gauge reads 1000, you are 1/2 full and have about 3 hours of weld time left. If it reads 500 psi, you have roughly an hour and a half left. Having a standby cylinder on hand isn't a bad idea, assuming that it's not going to cost you an arm and leg for the occasional times when you might need it. One other option guys haven't mentioned yet is working with your supplier. Since I have an account at my LWS, they usually don't have an issue if I take a "spare" on loan over the weekend. That way if I'm down to say 800 psi, I don't have to trade in a partial to get a full one to work with. Usually if I pick it up Friday afternoon, and return the "empty" Monday morning, my guy doesn't mind. At worst he just bills my account for a rental if I can't get it back for some odd reason. I can only think of one time I couldn't make it back Monday morning 1st thing, and my guy was fine since I called to tell him I'd be late and might not make it until Tuesday instead. One of the benefits of having an account, and doing business with a local shop on a regular basis..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 AdvanThe circular gauge shows you how much pressure is left in your gas cylinder. When its getting close to zero you should start considering filling/swapping. As I learned when I got my first TIG not that long ago, You've still got some welding time even after the gauge reads empty!
Reply:Yes, get a spare bottle, even if its smaller, like some guys have said. That's the bottom line. Say someone needs a welding job done RIGHT NOW, and has enough money to pay for that spare bottle in a single job, for 2-3 hours of work. If you're out of gas, you're out of gas. Be prepared.-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:When I first started, I always ran out of gas on the weekend Happens every time. It's like firing up the grill and having no propane.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I got a 160 cu.ft. Argon about 20 years ago with a Lincoln Idealarc 250. I ran out on a week end a couple of times and so I bought another one.I use straight CO2 with my MM252 and presently have only one 20# cylinder. I plan on getting another CO2 cylinder at some point. That way you can change and keep working and then exchange when you have the time to do so. It's an excellent idea to have two tanks.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:When you run out of gas at 5pm the night before the start of a 4 day weekend it will make sense.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:My Spare tank has a Spare, and if I know I will be doing a lot of welding I will swap mine out if it's below 500 and I am going that way for anything, I would Rather wast a little gas, than risk running out its not that far to get them filled but time is money.....Syncrowave 180 SDMillermatic 250XSnap On MW 120 Econopac 50Victor O/A with some Smith Attachments 30 X 50 shop with a 400 Amps
Reply:If you are a hobbyist then why bother, especially if space is limited. You just have to be sensible about checking you have turned off your gas when not using it and checking the level before the weekend.
Reply:Take the time to look for a used one on CL as stated above. You'll actually save money in the long run with a second tank. When you get low with one tank and have an upcoming project, you'll be forced to refill it before it's completely out of gas. This expense can add up. You just need a small spare to use while the bigger tank is being refilled.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255Take the time to look for a used one on CL as stated above. You'll actually save money in the long run with a second tank. When you get low with one tank and have an upcoming project, you'll be forced to refill it before it's completely out of gas. This expense can add up. You just need a small spare to use while the bigger tank is being refilled.
Reply:Originally Posted by D1ckoIf you are a hobbyist then why bother, especially if space is limited. You just have to be sensible about checking you have turned off your gas when not using it and checking the level before the weekend.
Reply:Dont want to high-jack this thread Shovelon - how about a picture of that transfer set-upi like the idea - that it wouldn't matter whose bottle - you could refill and take lws back for swap - - - ThanksThe main thing is not to panic or get excited Bobcat 250, X-Treme 12VS, MM211Meltabo, Milwaukee,Porter Cable,Dewalt,MakitaVictor O/A, Ingersoll-RandEvolution Rage2, 40 amp PlasmaLincoln 225 AC/DC
Reply:@ sblanchette - presently run'n three (3ea) tanks: 155CF of Ar (TIG), 155 CF of C25 (MIG), and 80CF of 98Ar/O2 (MIG Axial Spray). Recently scored an 80CF *new* bottle from Amazon for $135 delivered. Currently leasing the 155s for $62/yr each. My LWS will not accept/refill a customer-owned "155" for action. SuckFest. However, they will refill/swap a customer-owned or store-leased 300CF. Not looking to switch to another LWS because the dudes there take care of me and would rather not go to AirGas. Rock an 80CF for sparing and future growth in GMAW. Charge her with Ar in the interim for TIG ops and you'll be GTG. Cost $ to fill a "155" and "80" here are equal. As with the stock market, the LWS gas servicing industry is a total puzzle.Last edited by ManoKai; 01-02-2014 at 04:39 PM."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKai@ sblanchette - presently run'n three (3ea) tanks: 155CF of Ar (TIG), 155 CF of C25 (MIG), and 80CF of 98Ar/O2 (MIG Axial Spray). Recently scored an 80CF *new* bottle from Amazon for $135 delivered. Currently leasing the 155s for $62/yr each. My LWS will not accept/refill a customer-owned "155" for action. SuckFest. However, they will refill/swap a customer-owned or store-leased 300CF. Not looking to switch to another LWS because the dudes there take care of me and would rather not go to AirGas. Rock an 80CF for sparing and future growth in GMAW. Charge her with Ar in the interim for TIG ops and you'll be GTG. Cost $ to fill a "155" and "80" here are equal. As with the stock market, the LWS gas servicing industry is a total puzzle.
Reply:Thinkin again, two tanks might be good if your a scuba diver .
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Thinkin again, two tanks might be good if your a scuba diver .It is pretty easy to tell. Question is, are you willing to refill your tank before it is really out on the chance you might have weekend work and you are running low? I ran on one tank for years when I was doing welding on the side. I generally have 5 mig gas tanks now, 1 small one in the truck, one for each shop machine and a small spare. I keep a spare Oxy and acetylene as well, plus the TIG gas bottle as well, so usually more than 3 ways to skin a cat
Reply:Being that the large tanks I use are only available for rent, I just watch my guage and pickup my refill before I return the empty. I'm paying rental on two tanks for the overlap, but being that I do this for a hobby income and I only set out time when my wife works (mainly) I don't have time to muck with an empty tank. Which I have done, loosing fill days of work to.
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerIt is pretty easy to tell. Question is, are you willing to refill your tank before it is really out on the chance you might have weekend work and you are running low? I ran on one tank for years when I was doing welding on the side. I generally have 5 mig gas tanks now, 1 small one in the truck, one for each shop machine and a small spare. I keep a spare Oxy and acetylene as well, plus the TIG gas bottle as well, so usually more than 3 ways to skin a cat
Reply:Hey allThanks for all of the input - I ended up picking up my new welder on Thursday, an ESAB Heliarc 281i (love it). Got a pair of 125cf tanks, LWS cut me a pretty good deal. Main reason is it could take me a couple weeks before I could run to the LWS on a weekday, so this means I won't be down for a weekend or two if I run out. I did find another LWS that is open from 8-12 on Saturday, but when I went in to check them out I wasn't overly impressed - prices were high and they were a bit of a PITA to get to.Scott
Reply:AWESOME on the TWO tanks, money well spent. I always ask them to put a gauge on the tanks to check pressure. They are not close and I want to make sure I don't get home to find I got a half full tank. Tank and fill prices as discussed here many times are high and low depending on supplier and location. Play safe ! |
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发表于 2021-8-31 23:23:09