Can someone tell me if I got ripped off?

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I am new to owning welding equipment. I have welded a lot in the sculpture studio at my college but just got my first personal welder yesterday from a friend.  Lincoln 140c with tank.  Untill today I had never went to get a tank filled. The tank i brought in was purchased not leased.I took the tank to a welding supply place and they took my tank and gave me a replacment one that is smaller.  They said it holds the same amount of gas.   75% argon / 25% C02 They charged me $53 plus a $8.50 hazardous material fee.  Is this out of control?  The tank i brought in was purchased not leased.  The man said the tank they gave me is not a lease tank.I researched gas prices I couldnt find a lot but everyone said $30 max for small tanks.I cant find a size chart for welding bottles but my current tank is 7.5"diameter 18" tall BUT approx 8" shorter than my previous tankIs this a scam? or am I just a noob?  1.  Smaller tank?2.  over charged?If anyone can help ease my mind I would appreciate it.  I have not used the gas so I can go back and chew  them out if they gave me a bad deal.  Thanks in advance
Reply:I dont think you got ripped off. Prices differ in some areas.  $8.50 haz fee sounds a bit high though .  By chance was it NexAir ? Where you located? weld it like you own it
Reply:Do you remember how far your needle went on your gauges when you turned on a new cylinder? If so just compare and contrast. Maybe a new style of cylinder or something.Not sure how much the smaller cylinders cost because I have never used one. Sorry I couldn't help out more.
Reply:Sorry got the welder yesterday dont know the guage levels.   My friend said its bone dry so I didnt even try to hook it up.  Im in Denver Colorado.  I went to United States Welding on Santa Fe.  Wow good forum fast responses.
Reply:Last week,  I bought a new tank of 82% argon, only paid 45 dollars with a 390 CF tank, tax included from Air Gas.It is a lease tank but I'd say its12 inches diameter and 5 foot tall.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:Originally Posted by baggotSorry got the welder yesterday dont know the guage levels.   My friend said its bone dry so I didnt even try to hook it up.  Im in Denver Colorado.  I went to United States Welding on Santa Fe.  Wow good forum fast responses.
Reply:Speakin' of rip offs, or just plain ol' Life bein' unfair......Buy Acetylene in the Summer, and it's like the never ending bottle.  Buy it in Winter, and you're back to the LWS in a day"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Well thought id chime in here since i also just filled a bottle, and live right in youre area.Dont know what size bottle you have, but i just filled a #5 92cf bottle of argon right across the street from work at General Air on 1105 Zuni St. For a whopping $39.11.Then total all the taxes and haz mat it was $44.18 out the door (haz material charge was only $1.76)Ive never been to US welding supply but some of my previous employers used them.I have always been taken care of by General Air and will continue to give them my buisness.Very friendly and free soda fountain inside lol...Aslo if you find youreself needing any help or suggestions i am a local instructor and would be happy to givea local any tips just shoot me a pm if needed.Good luck with youre machine!
Reply:LWS here charges $62 plus about $6 hazmat for a 80 cubic foot tank!Another in town where I don't have the so called ripoff "lifetime" lease charges $33.Miller 140 w A/SHF Flux Core WelderDewalt Chop SawSmith O/A TorchHarley Electra Glide Classic
Reply:My last refill on 75/25 was $71.26.  That's for the large Size 30 cylinder.Hazmat fee here in Central PA is $5.  Just got 2 acetylene (picked up one for a neighbor) and 1 oxy.  Fee was $5 for all.