On Sat, 18 Oct 2003 15:43:42 GMT, Larry Jaques
wrote:

Filling it with water expunges the gas,

It doesn't. 8-(

There's a problem with gas absorbtion into the inner surface of the
cylinder (often slightly rusty). You "empty" the cylinder, then you
either leave it standing or you heat the metal - then it outgases and
there's an explosion. It's not (usually) enough to injure you, but
it'll cost you a new pair of pants.

Your google exercise for the evening is to find the web site of the
guy who had this happen to him, whilst making halloween lanterns.

Please don't post any "advice" for cutting propane cylinders open
unless you've done a bunch yourself, and you've conducted a proper
risk assessment. My protocol for doing these is a couple of pages
long, and there isn't a single step that I'd omit.

--
Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods