welding gas bottle

[mickphatmac]

Looking for a bottle I can use for shielding gas, Argon/CO2 for welding. Also looking for a gauge for it as well.
In or near Norco.

[Jesus_man]

Have you called your local supplier? I understand they generally run on an exchange program, but they may have something for you to buy??

[Justin]

I've bought all of mine off craigslist. They usually have to be filled, but the bottle purchase is about 50% off the welding shops.

[mickphatmac]

I did call a couple and it's well, more expensive than I had anticipated. BUT, I suppose that I will just start saving my dimes.

[Jesus_man]

I know I picked my up used too, but it has been years so I don't recall what I paid for it. Buy & sell on facebook?

[Strike2]

Hey Mike,
My only suggestion is that if you buy a used one make sure its has a current hydro test, if the tank is out of the date range you may get an additional "testing" charge at the gas store.

[mickphatmac]

Good info! Thank you Gents!

[1SICBRONCONUT]

And here I thought maybe someone was making a bowling ball mortar

[mickphatmac]

This is a CO2 bottle they are using for a Kegerator!

Will this work!???

[Gunnibronco]

Straight CO2 is fine, many prefer 75% CO2 & 25% argon. Not sure how big that bottle is, looks kind of small, which means lots of trips to refill it. I used a CO2 tank from a soda machine set up.

[mickphatmac]

I think it is pretty small, but is that basically all I need? I can have them put 75/25 argon/co2 in that bottle and use that regulator?

[Gunnibronco]

I was using 75/25 from a CO2 tank when I moved here. I tried swapping it out, but they didn't offer 75/25 in that size, so I ended up with straight CO2. I like it fine enough. Maybe a bit more spatter, but supposed to be better penetration. If I remember, the valve on the tank was different for the 75/25 mix, and there is an adapter piece available to fit between the tank & the CO2 reg. But I may be wrong, it's been about 1 year since I changed to straight CO2.

[Strike2]

If I remember, the valve on the tank was different for the 75/25 mix, and there is an adapter piece available to fit between the tank & the CO2 reg. But I may be wrong, it's been about 1 year since I changed to straight CO2.

Gunnibronco, you are correct the connector on CO vs. mix gas are different.
I've also read that pure Co2 penetrates better but I HATE welding with CO2, IMO welding with 75/25 is much much better.
That tank is too small you may want to call the local welding shop as there might not even be a exchange tank that small for 75/25.

[Gunnibronco]

I've also read that pure Co2 penetrates better but I HATE welding with CO2, IMO welding with 75/25 is much much better.
That tank is too small you may want to call the local welding shop as there might not even be a exchange tank that small for 75/25.

I also should say I haven't welded any sheet metal with straight CO2, only thicker stuff. At the bodyshop I've only welded with 75/25 mixtures. I could see that making a difference.

[mickphatmac]

Do you know if I can exchange a Helium bottle for one that holds Argon/CO2?

I’m going to buy this one if you can exchange the one for the other. (The guy wants $60 bucks and it’s empty)

[phyler]

Do you know if I can exchange a Helium bottle for one that holds Argon/CO2?

I’m going to buy this one if you can exchange the one for the other. (The guy wants $60 bucks and it’s empty)

If there isn't a name stamped on the neck, most places will swap you. At $60, it sounds like a good deal. Even if there is a name stamped, as long as you know it's an owned bottle and not leased, you're good. How tall is it? If it is an 80 or 125 cf, it shouldn't be an issue.

When in doubt call your local welding gas supply store and ask what their policy is. GASES and Buckeye here on the North end of Denver are both really good about swapping bottles.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

[mickphatmac]

Thanks Adam that’s what I was hoping to hear.

[Justin]

Getting a large group of people together (possibly Bronco enthusiasts) to inhale all that helium almost seems like a moral obligation.