Oxygen Tank Fillup

[dlbirtwell]

Where do you get your O2 tanks filled? I have a concentrator for my lampworking torch now. But I am looking at getting a Little Smith soldering setup from Rio Grande and instead of the disposable O2, I might get the O2 tank with the disposable propane.

But when I asked at a local (in Chicago) welding shop, they will not fill tanks other than their own. And theirs are huge! I would not be able to carry them.

Thanks for any info.

Diane.

[Cosmo]

Most all welding supply companies will only fill their own tanks. If they don't sell small tanks (60 CF or so) ask them about delivering the larger tanks. Most will deliver to a home. Larger tanks are usually done on a rental basis. Ours are rented at 20¢ per day, or I think $55 per year or something.

[loco]

Diane, Call every welding supply place that is any where near you! You can lease or buy the tank. Some shops will only fill "their" tanks others will fill any tank provided it has a current hydro stamp. You will find the prices will differ for fills and lease's, shop shop shop over the phone.

Example: The closest place to me is 42.00 per tank to fill. I drive 15 miles and get it for 15.00 per tank if I pay cash (no receipt) and 17.00 if I need a receipt or pay with a check. That 15 miles saves me 54.00 well worth the drive!

[Dale M.]

Most shops have tanks as small as 80cuft... Stands about 28 inches tall ....

I have one that I use for welding torch... I purchases tank because sometimes "that" tank sits for a year or two with out being used...

Check different gas suppliers, each has different rules....

Dale

[MikeAurelius]

What ever you do, be sure to check the date of the last hydro test and be sure the tank has at least 2-3 years before the next one. Some less than scrupulous oxygen companies will sell tanks that are about to expire for pressure testing, then hit you with exhorbitant fees for the testing service (so they don't have to pay for it themselves).

[J. Savina]

Hi Diane!
I'm in NW Indiana and I own a small business in Hammond, IN. There's a company called Mittler Welding supply on 41 (Indianapolis Blvd) just north of the 80/94 expressway. I've purchased 2 tanks from them, and just exchange them when I need to. They can deliver, but I live so far from Hammond, and it cost as much to deliver as to fill the tank so I do the exchange when I'm in town for business purposes. I'm not sure if you buy the tank, that you can just re-fill and not exchange.
Just recently purchased a used concentrator and I'm sure I'll be making fewer trips to exchange the tanks, but the guys that work there are super. Ask for Dennis or Jeffrey. Hammond's just a hop skip from Chi-town.
Take care!!!
J.

[RSimmons]

If you want to use your Little Torch with the 1lb propane tanks you'll also need to get a regulator/cut off valve for those tanks. I got one for about $40.

Robert

[Dale M.]

Actually the SMITH LITTLE TORCH should work with oxygen concentrator just fine... When you think about it, it is a much smaller flame that your lampwork torch.... There is no reason you can not "Y" connect "little torch" off your lampwork fuel/oxygen supply and have it work just fine....

All you would need is torch & tips and hose. Probably do not need regulators ...

http://www.littletorch.com/index.html

23-1001ALP Propane kit with torch, 8' hose and tips 3-7.

Dale

[dlbirtwell]

Thanks for all the replies.

More than likely, the welding shops will be selling their own tanks and they will be big. Delivery is not an option unless they will do it on Saturday which I doubt. But, as suggested, I will call around and get the facts.

Unfortunately, Hammond is too far to drive. I am on the North side of the city and it would probably take an hour. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Dale, I might try it with the concentrator to see if there is enough pressure. Have to buy the 'Y' connector. Maybe that will work!

Diane.

[loco]

Diane, O2 tanks come in many sizes. I have 2 large tanks and 1 small tank. The small one is only 30 inches tall and is quite light.

[RSimmons]

Here's a link for the adapter you need to connect the torch with a B hose fitting onto a 1lb disposable tank.

http://store.cyberweld.com/smrefordita.html

Robert

[suncoastbeads]

I use my little torch with a 5 lpm concentrator...have to turn the concentrator way down low because the hoses are so small on the little torch. Works great! Don't go through the trouble of buying tanks.

Paulette
(see special on 5 lpm page)

[smutboy420]

a smith torch willwork with oxygen concentrator just fine even with a big tip on it. even there small melting tip works fine.
So you don't need a tank of o2 at all or have to worry about getting one filled.

[badboys8813]

I live in Tinley Park,IL can anyone tell me where I can purchase a used/refurbished oxygen concentrator-locally?

[BlackRiverBeads]

I do wish I could get a tank filled for $15.00. It cost us $27.00 and I have to pick it up.

[FlameFilly]

Our gas guy is awesome he only charges us 12. and sometimes only 10.! Too bad I haven't refilled/exchanged our O2 tanks since I bought my concentrator. He charges welders different fare than artists since we are/were coming in every week as opposed to welders that come in a lot less often.

In ohio at home depot the have oxygen tanks now that you can exchange just like you do with bbq propane tanks. They were more pricey than our gas guy but can be more convienient because they are open more often.