The Tank Has Been Cut!

[Hotfoot]

(Much to my relief!)The 100 pound propane tank cut went totally without incident, and my little Riland Cut 40 went around it like am X-acto knife through crisp paper. So here I now have a small Patio Fire Pit (I'll cut Chinese or Southwest designs around it) an a giant gong (which I'll embellish with MIG or Stick dot "Rivets").

http://i20.tinypic.com/zxk5tx.jpg

In the foreground is one of the best "Cylinder Rotators I have found so far. I just drop a scrap 1 x 4" along each side, and a cylinder just revolves with ease. Sure beats the Jack Stands I used to use (kept falling off).

OK, now I need to pop back outside and get a gong finished!:)

[68 Massey]

I'm going to have to get one of those 40's! looks real straight. Glad you got it cut,heard thunder to the south this morning & not a cloud in the sky.:rolleyes:

Bobby

[MAC702]

I forgot who the bookie was on whether or not you'd blow yourself up.

I need to pay up.

[usmcpop]

That wasn't thunder...
http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/attachment.php?attachmentid=24296&stc=1&d=1190817116

[Hotfoot]

:p That's a great one, POP!! It pretty much illustrates my fears of that first piercing with the Plasma. You should have put a Plasma Gun in his hand!!:p

[usmcpop]

I should have said "Caption this picture". Offer is still open.

"Hotfoot gives high five."

"Riland launches new promotional campaign."

"Local artisan's work reaches new heights."

"Ridin' that train, high on propane..."

Etc.

Or, "Hotfoot embarks on trip to visit MAC in Papua New Guinea."

[hankj]

Hootfoot,

Finally! Your own forum section!

You're still my art hero....

Hank

[outlaw]

hotfoot, ever cut an acetylene bottle,,, outlaw

[prowess]

Yes, he has.

That's why he's my hero. Take my bravery quotient, multiply it by 8, round it to the nearest decimal, and you have his brass tacks nailed!

Hotfoot, you have the right name for this forum!

-prowess

[Hotfoot]

Well, all does not really go that well...USMCPOP must have Photoshopped out the Plasma Gun in my hand in this picture taken right after I first pierced that Propane tank!!!:eek:
http://i22.tinypic.com/34g60jm.jpg

[docbarb]

Seriously now
What is the danger of cutting into old propane tanks?

Poorly worded. What I really mean is what must one do to avoid the possible worst case scenario of dying in a horrific explosion when tapping a propane tank with spark?
Also old fire extinguishers?
Perhaps I purge them by filling them with water, draining then cutting?

[Hotfoot]

Well, you are on your own, for I can only tell what I do, but do not construe this as advice.
Based on what I read, propane is heavier than air, so, after removing the valve, mount the tank upside-down (but not blocking the opening). where it gets a good breeze, and let it "vent" for a week or so, until there is no longer any odor from the opening.
then I pour about 1/4 tank of boiling water in, and squirt about a 1/4 cup of Dawn Liquid soap in, and roll it around on the ground to wash all the interior, then drain, rinse out with a hose...check life insurance, be sure your will is up to date, then...well, that's the "its up to you" part..:p

It will cut very easily with an abrasive blade in a7" circular saw, an angle grinder with cutoff wheel, a torch, a Plasma, whatever...

[usmcpop]

And if you want to be really sure, after the above prep, you could purge the tank with CO2.

There is some good info here:

http://www.arcraftplasma.com/containersafety.htm

[docbarb]

I know acetylene has some sort of wick thing inside. I can avoid those. But I do have access to lots of expired fire extinguishers. Once I take the valve off are they simply vessels to be purged also? But as I overthink this... How could I possibly start a fire with an unpressurized vessel of fire retardant ?

[scapegoat]

I have been looking for a cheap 100# propane cylinder and this guy just cuts one up for fun jeez!;)

[Hotfoot]

Avoid Acetylene. That "stuff" inside can be like concrete, and it holds the gas in suspension, so you never have an "empty" one. Life is too short. Fire extinguishers depend on the type. CO2 is, well, just CO2. Some are filled with Baking Soda (messy), other water....whatever the particular on is filled with, I would think, as afire Extinguisher, its contents are non-flammable!:)

[caldwellcpl]

I have been looking for a cheap 100# propane cylinder and this guy just cuts one up for fun jeez!;)

I have no idea of shipping or if even possible, but check this out.

http://boise.craigslist.org/for/1020669526.html

[Hotfoot]

I have been looking for a cheap 100# propane cylinder and this guy just cuts one up for fun jeez!;)

I picked up three for free in a year's time. You see them behind buildings and barns, and outside businesses...just ask! Watch Craigslist "free" section..move fast!..and two of the three I picked up still had propane, which I used up making gongs!...:)

http://i44.tinypic.com/14bjddv.jpg