Is this a good deal? 80 cu ft acet bottle $45

[Krunch]

A local person is trying to sell what they describe as a "80 cu. in. acetylene container" ... I think they mean 80 cubic FEET, right?

Anyway, they want $45 ... is this a good price? If I look at it, what should I look for? Do acetylene bottles have an "expiration date" like propane bottles do, where they have to be pressure tested every so often?

Thanks for any clues. I don't know anything about oxy-acetylene except that I'd like to have the equipment if I can find it at a reasonable price.

[ptsideshow]

First an 80cu/ft is a common oxygen cylinder 3 foot tall about, and not acetylene a 75 cu/ft about 2 feet tall.

Second find out what type of cylinders that your local welding supply uses and if they accept foreign cylinders.(any cylinder not originating at their location is considered Foreign)

Also some make the tank owner pay for testing and any repairs to valves.

In addition to overall condition of the valve make sure you can open and close it easily NO WRENCH on the handle, just to get it started!

There are from one to four safety plugs two around the neck and two in the bottom if the four. Depending on the capacity of the cylinder. They are fusible plugs that melt at 212"f to prevent the cylinder from rupturing in intense heat.

Any sign of heat damage or slight scorching should be suspect,(and You should pass)
Every 5 years is the testing dates along with the serial number tare weight gas capacity,DOT specs Manufactures registered symbol, lot number and the dates since it was originally manufactured will be stamped on the area.

The condition of the neck threads for the safety cap and that it has a safety cap if it is that type. The ones that have the collar around a valve with out a handle attached and require a T wrench to open. Some LWS don't take those to exchange. A lot depends on your LWS.

It would be good idea to head there and ask some question on their policies regarding the cylinders.

As for the price that is a regional thing to some extant. It does seem good(low) It could be somebody is getting rid of it.
or it could be stolen, if it does has a fresh coat of paint on it, like they painted it to sell it I personally would pass. But thats just me.

[Zrexxer]

Any sign of heat damage or slight scorching should be suspect.Actually any sign of scorching or heat damage is full stop. It won't pass visual if they see that when retesting the tank.

[ptsideshow]

Actually any sign of scorching or heat damage is full stop. It won't pass visual if they see that when retesting the tank.

I was referring to Krunch, that he should not listen to the sales pitch any further and like you say don't bother.

[Krunch]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like there are a LOT of potential land mines...considering that my LWS ain't so "L" (60 miles away) I think I'll pass.

[Sberry]

45$ isnt much, I would give that and even add the 20 at a trade in program somewhere.

[Hotfoot]

Heck, I'd go look at it! Follow your instincts at that point. If its scrap, they have already found out they can't scrap the darn thing ...no yard will accept it...no welder supply will accept it...so be a bit "nosey" and look at the re-cert dates (I bet mine is out of date, now that I said that!).

if its out of date a good way to get rid of one is give it nice coat of paint and leave it outside ( or in the back of your pickup at a shopping center at night)...someone will steal it!!! Its called 'baiting'...:p

[Aeroweld]

Every 5 years is the testing dates along with the serial number tare weight gas capacity,DOT specs Manufactures registered symbol, lot number and the dates since it was originally manufactured will be stamped on the area.

.
PT,

Great advice for the most part but Acetylene cylinders are good for 10 years between test dates.

Personally, I would take a chance on the bottle @ $45.00. However heed the advice and make sure you can swap the bottle at your LWS.

My $.02, mileage and results will vary

[mike landrich]

If its full $45 for 80 cf is about the cost of a refill. I pay $79 for a 135 (I think its 135 anyway) and $84 for a 145 cf. Use it up and take the "baiting" advice.

[MichaelP]

My LWS is always willing to exchange my cylinders for larger ones at no charge. I'm sure a lot of smaller shops will gladly do it for you too. By giving to you their cylinder they make you their permanent customer. And if the cylinder is large, they get more money for a refill.