Thread: Oxy/acetylene advise

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I am looking to buy a used oxy/acetylene used torch set-up.I think I don't want to buy the small mini ones because of their limited capability.I have been advised to be careful when buying tanks used because the seller could be selling leased tanks which are not theirs to sell or owned tanks that are out of spec needing to be tested or are too old to refill.Looking at Craigslist pricing for the torches,gauges,hoses and the costs of buying tanks,it "could" get to be close if not slightly over $500.00.Ouch!!.I don't think at the race shop 60 miles away from me we paid that,but I don't remember.Need you guys advise.

I think it's best to check with the company that will be refilling your tanks. In my area, gas suppliers will only fill their own tanks. When I need a refill, I simply exchange my empty for a full tank. This way I need not worry about the static pressure test, which, as you said, needs to be done on some sort of schedule. I think it's something like every 10 years. If you buy from a private owner, he should have some sort of title or lease contract that can be transferred to you.

Good luck!

Go visit your local Praxaire shop and talk to them about torch & tanks. I got my tank for MIG at Tractor Supply because they are open seven days a week and always keep gas & wire for the farmers. Praxaire has their own line of torches, made by Victor I believe, and they'll steer you right.

If you have a Northern Tool in your area they will not only exchange the tanks for full ones, but will allow you to upgrade sizes by just paying the difference. I have no idea how that works, but we started out with mid sized tanks and now have what they call number 4's (the largest) because we upsized.

They also don't care about leased tanks or owned, at least from what I have seen. We have refilled tanks many times there, and they ask no questions at all. And yes, get the biggest tanks you can, the smaller ones run out real quick compared to the big ones.

Don

I purchased my TIG argon tank from one of our local welding suppliers, it states on my invoice that I own the tank. When I need a refill the supplier will swap the tank for full tank and state on the new invoice that I own that tank. I don't have to worry about pressure testing or expiration. My wife stitched up a nice denim cover including a pocket for the tank, I'm a lucky guy.

Mike

Argon Tank Cover.JPG