Gas Price TRIPLED!!! HELP... [Archive]

sugarenie

2009-01-02, 8:29am

Hi everyone...I know I haven't been posting here for a while...I need some suggestions or advise from ya'll...

I had a big awakening when I went to purchase a new tank of MAPP the other day...I use a 7# tank which used to cost $15...Then it went up to $26, the other day they told me NO MORE MAPP, only Propeline and it costs $53...What the...

OK...So, I have been using my HotHead for several years with no problem, but this is rediculous...I could go with straight propane, which would be alot cheaper but my husband suggested a new dual fuel torch, buy a concentrator and tap into our propane line (we heat with propane)...

Any ideas or thoughts would be really helpful...I just don't know what to do...

Flonche

2009-01-02, 8:39am

Hey Eileen, I used my HH for 2 years with BBQ-size tanks of propane. Although I don't torch very often (maybe about 10hrs/week), a tank would last me about a month... I know it's only $18 a refill, but if you are looking at fuel costs, HH are not very fuel efficient, to say the least.
I hooked up my Cricket 1 month ago (same size propane tank) and the tank feels 75% full right now. Love the Cricket.

Dale M.

2009-01-02, 9:10am

.....I could go with straight propane, which would be alot cheaper but my husband suggested a new dual fuel torch, buy a concentrator and tap into our propane line (we heat with propane)...

Listen to DH........

OR go to straight propane.... Many use straight propane and have excellent luck... I have been back and forth between MAPP and Propane and quite frankly can't see much difference...

Dale

Jane P

2009-01-02, 9:33am

I used a bbq tank of propane with my HH for a while, as the MAPP was just too expensive. Now I have a Nortel Minor with a concentrator, and I go through the propane at a much slower rate - it seems to last for 2 - 3 months. That is torching at least 3 - 4 times a week, about 6 hours each time. It is also a lot cleaner burning than the HH.

sugarenie

2009-01-02, 9:34am

thanks...i just can't see spending for a new torch, oxy concentrator, etc...but in the long run it may be more cost effective...

Megan

2009-01-02, 9:47am

I think you should go with a new torch and oxycon. :-)

You will be able to make more beads faster and in the long run, it will be cheaper. A $140 Cricket and a good oxycon..

DesertDreamer

2009-01-02, 10:23am

I think you should go with a new torch and oxycon. :-)

You will be able to make more beads faster and in the long run, it will be cheaper. A $140 Cricket and a good oxycon..

I'm with Megan. Running an oxycon is inexpensive, you never have to deal with tanks again. Tapping into your propane line...same story. I love having unlimited fuel whenever I need it.

Megan

2009-01-02, 2:26pm

I unfortunately still have to use the BBQ grill sized propane tank but it lasts me a good month to month and a half on my minnow and only costs about 15 bucks to fill.

playswithfire104

2009-01-02, 3:03pm

We heat with propane too. The gas co came and piped in a hard line to the garage for me. Then I needed them to come back and add a 2nd stage something. I can't remember if it was another regulator or a booster. I never have to worry about running out. BTW I have 2 5LPM concentrators I'm selling. I moved up to a hurricane and don't need the ones I was using. If you are interested PM me.

Lisi

2009-01-02, 4:49pm

Wow, they are really trying to rip you off! You should call other sources in your area and even other places in your state to see what they are charging! I got a price on a 60lb propylene tank this past week, and it was $90.

sugarenie

2009-01-02, 5:08pm

holy cow...$90 for 60lb...that's a bargain...
problem is, i don't have any other gas sources around me that i know of...being on a hothead, i have to run it straight and i don't have good outside placement for such a big tank...

Lisi

2009-01-02, 5:16pm

Check your yellow pages for all the welding shops and suppliers in your immediate area and surrounding areas (so if you get a somewhat bigger tank, they can deliver if you wish), and I would even check with gas companies too. :)

I was using a 27lb tank (or was it 30lbs??), kind of like a thinner but twice as tall BBQ tank, but all they can get for me now is the bigger one. The pressure is the same, so it's not a problem for my safety or the function of the HH.

CelesteK

2009-01-02, 5:22pm

I'm running my hothead off a BBQ propane tank and like it quite well--until I saw the Crickets. I would really like to switch to a Cricket and an oxycon. I'd still use my BBQ propane tank. You might be able to get a propane line for your hothead until you are ready to switch to another torch. Then you'd just need an oxygen source.

Celeste

barbbbeads

2009-01-03, 9:49pm

I think your husband is a smart man. And a sweetie to want to upgrade you to his suggestions. Go for it! New, quieter torch, unlimited propane and O2! You'll love it! I've tapped into my NG line and have a concentrator and couldn't be happier. My husband is also happy that he doesn't have to lug the heavy O2 tanks around anymore. Now I only have a small tank to keep on hand for emergencies if the concentrator kicks the bucket, or if I have to do a demo somewhere and have to supply my own O2.

tracidawn78

2009-01-03, 11:49pm

I got tired of spending $8 on the 1lb Mapp canisters to only have it last for like 10 beads. I was going through 2 of them a day. I bought the 1lb canister of propane for $3 and it works just fine. I know a bulk tank would be better and more cost efficient, but I'm working upstairs in my house and running hoses to a bulk tank wouldn't be realistic at this point. I'll deal with bulk when/if I ever upgrade my torch. Try propane, it works great for me on my hothead.

Dale M.

2009-01-04, 9:53am

.....You might be able to get a propane line for your hothead until you are ready to switch to another torch.

Celeste

I seriously doubt any gas company or qualified plumber will run a high pressure propane line capable of running a hot head into any studio or residence or garage...

Its ILLEGAL almost every where (in US at least) to bring propane inside at a pressure more than 10 psi....

Dale

BetsyNH

2009-01-04, 12:10pm

If you go the oxycon route, be sure to check out medical supply places that may have ones for sale. I bought an almost new one for $100 because the alarm didn't work, so it couldn't be used for medical purposes. There may be bargains out there... especially in this economy. I still have my gas grill tank outside my studio window... but overall the set-up is great for a newbie!

truegem

2009-01-05, 2:05am

What??? I switched to P&O only 8 minths ago and a tank of MAPP gas was $8 then! Unbelievable! Trust me, P&O is soooo much more economical! You will love it! I have only filled my propane tank twice in the 8 months.

Kevan

2009-01-05, 2:17am

You can't use the big tank of propane you use to heat your house, from what we were told. It's not high enough pressure or something.

playswithfire104

2009-01-05, 8:47am

You can't use the big tank of propane you use to heat your house, from what we were told. It's not high enough pressure or something.

Yes you can. I do. The gas co ran the hard line into my garage for me. I did need a 2nd stage regulator to up the pressure a bit. But it only ups the propane going to my torch not what comes into the house.