On Mon, 9 Jan 2006 06:14:42 -0800, Peter Haas
wrote:

On 2006-01-08 22:43:32 -0800, Enoch Root said:

He said the tanks are $100 each and you get them
replaced when they're filled, or charged that if you don't already have
them, so I got that welding kit minus the tanks for $100...

Reasonable.

Check the date on the tanks.

Unless there is a "star" after the tank's code "3A1800" being an
example of a code for O2 without a star, and"3A1800*" being an example
of a code with a star, each tank must be within 5 years of the last
hydrotest date in order to be filled. 10 years if a star is present.

If you own the tanks, then it's your responsibility to have the tanks
tested, and most suppliers will perform the testing and filling in one
turnaround.

Even if you own the tanks, some suppliers will simply exchange tanks,
but in this case you surrender your tanks. But, you also get out from
under the requirement to test the tanks on your dime.

My tanks are somewhat special in that they are "sold" (to me) and are
especially painted so my supplier knows to do a "fill and return" and
not just an "exchange".

If the tanks you got with you setup are "owned" (by a supplier), then
these can legally be filled only at the owner's facility.

Victor is good stuff. Perhaps the best. I prefer Victor's "J" torch,
which is its so-called "aircraft" model.

Practices differ in different areas, so it's best to check with your
gas supplier. In MN, small tanks (40 cf and less, don't know about
60's) are considered "owner" tanks. Mine do have datecodes on them,
but nobody seems to worry about them. I own my larger tanks also
but the suppliers charge me a small annual "mainenance fee" on each
larger tank -- which, over 10 years or so, amounts to the cost of a
hydro test.

The larger tanks are "registered" in my name and have the gas service
company's name on them. Only the place where they are registered
will fill them -- although it's no problem to transfer the
registration from one company to another. They do that routinely.
My reason for transferring mine was to use a more conveniently-located
supplier. Then when I brought my MT in to exchange for a full one,
I got a tank from that place and the old one presumably went back to
the other company somehow.

I can take the smaller tanks anywhere and exchange them for full ones.