Gas question (Welding!)

[Cruiserdrew]

Wondering how you guys deal with a nearly empty shielding gas bottle.

In my case, this bottle is down to about 400psi. I want to get full use out of my bottle, but I don't want to run out of gas on a Sunday!

The last bottle I was in the middle of my FJ40 build, and exchanged when I was at 500 psi on a Saturday afternoon, just to avoid running out on Sunday.

Right now, I'm just doing little projects where if I had to leave it for a day or a week, it wouldn't matter that much, but I do want to finsih my FJ40 sliders in the next couple of days.

So should I wait until it runs out, or replace now to avoid the frustration of no more gas.

 

[fj40charles]

I have several cylinders available to use. Never worry about running out on the weekend. Any chance you have a Home Depot nearby that sells welding cylinders?

I would buy another cylinders to keep as a spare so you never have to worry about running out on the weekend.

 

[nicholastheczar]

I second having multiple cylinders. Ebay has some pretty good prices on new cylinders with free shipping to boot. I think a 80cf is around $140.

But if you are going to keep one cylinder and have a decent size welding project planned for the weekend, I would take it in and exchange it now so you don't run out in the middle of a weld.

 

[Junk]

I prefer several smaller cylinders rather than one big one for this exact reason. With more than one there is no reason not to run it down to empty - you'll always have a full one ready.

 

[fj40charles]

I second having multiple cylinders. Ebay has some pretty good prices on new cylinders with free shipping to boot. I think a 80cf is around $140.

But if you are going to keep one cylinder and have a decent size welding project planned for the weekend, I would take it in and exchange it now so you don't run out in the middle of a weld.

Another option is the buy a 150CF cylinder (filled with C25) from Homo Depot for $229.00 You'll be at $175.00 by the time you get you 80CF filled.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I really don't have room for another cylinder, but I hear there is a mod for my 210's attached cart that holds 2 cylinders. A second 80 CF bottle is $150 full, so maybe that's the option. I did a small project today on a friend's 80 series, and plan to get the sliders done tomorrow. That will definitely finish the tank. Thanks for the thoughts. What is most clear, is that I need more space.

 

[450 DUDE]

Yes finding your self out of gas on sunday is a total bummer.

Do it on Saturday or get a spool of flux core , justin
Maybe bump up a cyl. size.

ken

 

[REZARF]

Another option is the buy a 150CF cylinder (filled with C25) from Homo Depot for $229.00 You'll be at $175.00 by the time you get you 80CF filled.

What is C25?

Thanks- Rezarf <><

 

[Cruiserdrew]

What is C25?

Thanks- Rezarf <><

25% CO2
75% Argon

 

[REZARF]

Drew-

I am going to run straight CO2 since I already have 2 twenty pound tanks in my garage. That might be a good enough excuse to look into a CO2 setup for your rig that you can get dual purpose out of; filling your tires and, to get you through the occasional Sunday empty tank.

Just a thought!

Rezarf <><

 

[brian]

Drew-

I am going to run straight CO2 since I already have 2 twenty pound tanks in my garage.

Rezarf <><

unless you're running flux core(dual shield) wire, you are not going to like the results. er7X wire works much better with the 75/25.

will it weld? yes, but not as nice.