Tanked oxygen or concentrators?

[Tropical Heat]

Could someone please explain the pros and cons of tanked oxygen and concentrators? I've used a hot head for 5 years and am thinking about upgrading to a big girl torch.

[Mary K]

I started out with tanked oxy. I didn't like paying rent on the tank, & I could not lift a big tank, it was mega heavy,so I had to go with a small tank, that ran out FAST. It also seemed to run out on a weekend when the oxy place was closed. It took me 45 min to go get more oxy when I needed it. So I got a concentrator. I started out with an M-20 and recently upgraded to a Hurricane. I have only used the Hurricane a couple of days, but I think I'm really liking it. You should think about what torch you will use and get a concentrator that will run it well. My M-20 ran my Minor fine, but was not enough when I got a Lynx. One thing for sure, I don't run out of oxy on Saturday anymore! Depending on your budget, I would say, get a concentrator.

[Tropical Heat]

bump

[Hayley]

That depends on your torch, your budget as well as if you want the convenience of not having to refill your oxygen tank . . . storing and securing your tank is another consideration. One the flip side, oxygen tank is hotter than oxycon.

If you have an entry-level torch as such a Minor, Mini CC, Minnow or Bobcat, getting a oxycon will power it almost 100%. The one-time cost is $300-400 and you will never have to worry about it again.

If you have a larger torch - Lynx, Betta - you may want a bigger oxycon and that will run you $700-900 or you may need two smaller ones.

If you have a large torch - Bullet, Barracuda, Hellcat - you will need two big oxycons and that will run you $1500+.

I don't like the hassle of oxygen tank. I started with one oxycon 5 lpm/8.5 psi with my Bobcat and have just upgraded to two M-15s each at 10 lpm/15 psi with a Barracuda. Mind you, neither setup powers the torch 100% like the oxygen tank but at 85-90%, it works!