TheSamba.com :: View topic - what size shield gas cylinder for hobbyist level MIG welding

Tue Oct 05, 2004 10:58 am

Okay i just broke down and bought a new Hobart Handler 135 with a cart for $399 from my local farm supply store (Jax Farm and Supply)...it was on closeout as they are being replaced with a new model for next year....

this store also supplies shielding gas in four cylinder sizes...20CF, 40CF, 80CF, and 125CF...you buy the cylinder then simply exchange them for refilled cylinders...they are open 7 days a week, so running out on the weekend is not a big concern to me...

what i am wondering is how long the gas lasts when you are MIG welding...for example, an acetylene 20 CFS cylinder has a burn time of 30 minutes...are MIG uses comparable? In other words, would a MIG shielding gas 20 CFS container for mild steel body panel welding (lowest voltage, .024mm wire, wire feed speed set at 10 ) last for 30 minutes of use?

also the containers leak over time...any thoughts on how long it takes for a cylinder to deplete itself when not in use...3 weeks? 3 months? 3 years?...i have no clue, but would hate to get a bigger cylinder and constantly waste the gas if i just do periodic welding....

does $86 for 20 cfs cylinder and $13 refills sound reasonable?...is it worth it to goto the $116 40 cfs cylinder with $18 refill for the hobbyist welder?

as always, the help is greatly appreciated, Mark

Tue Oct 05, 2004 11:08 am

cylinders should not leak. I have acetylyne tanks which have not leaked and they are at leeast 10 years old.

the 60cf should be fine. you dont use alot of gas when welding.

get the argon/co2 mixture..

by the way a mig welder is the best investment you can make. Now nothing will be a problem. just cut it out and weld in a new panel.

Tue Oct 05, 2004 2:03 pm

For what it's worth, Mark, I explained my situation (very similar to yours) to my local welding supply house. They recommended that I get a 40 CUFT. tank, which they sold me (full) for $102.

I'm going to be doing some sheetmetal repair work, and a welded dash panel. They felt I'd be able to weld for a good long time on that tank.

Larry

Tue Oct 05, 2004 2:07 pm

I got a 40 in Vegas for just under $100 . . . . I traded in a 20 which I thought went too fast and it turns out that I had a leak . . . . my 40 still has plenty of gas in it after welding in my pans. Like 3/4 full or more.

Sun Oct 10, 2004 10:22 pm

You'll use in the neighborhood of 10 to 15 cu ft per hour of welding. The price difference between sizes is usually not too large so you are better off with larger. 20 is out of the question, I think. If you choose 40, why not go a few extra bucks and get the 60. It will last long and fewer trips to get it refilled. 120 is a much larger bottle and may not be as convienent for a smaller MIG cart.