Buy or lease gas cylinders for welding?

[grimjaw]

I just bought a Lincoln SP-175+ off Ebay used. The welder is in great shape and has all of the accessories. I have bought a HF mask and already wired the outlet on the shop. I just need wire and gas. I figure Airgas is the place to buy both.

Which is better, to buy my own cylinder or lease one from them? I can buy one for $150 from IOC shipped. I have no idea on lease cost.

School me.

 

[sweetk30]

if you can buy do it.

airgas is crazy high in our area. and a big pita to deal with. glad we have a second companywith better service and prices.

 

[cbbr]

I have been pricing gas for the exact same setup. Looks like the cheapest route is to get a cylinder off of eBay (that's where I bought my welder too) and get it filled locally.

 

[ramjet gmc]

i would advise you buy the cylinders at the place that will fill your tanks some places are a PITA on testing / certifications on tanks - if it is from them no problems -- just what i have found

 

[Muddytazz]

I'd buy one. Some places don't even lease anymore.

 

[ntsqd]

Used to be that leasing was the better deal. Cost was the same either way. Leased tank meant they'd just exchange it and they had to do the Hydro-testing. Owned meant they re-filled your tank (= wait a couple days) and you had to have the hydro-testing done.

Now they exchange "owned" tanks and they do the hydro-testing. Don't really see a downside to "owning" the tank.

 

[OrangeCrushK10]

if you can buy do it.

airgas is crazy high in our area. and a big pita to deal with. glad we have a second companywith better service and prices.

Crazy. Airgas is the exact opposite here. The guy takes great care of me and normally tacks on a slight discount on their already lower than others price...



Anyways, Buy the cylinder. You can do a smaller cyl at first and upgrade as you go for just the difference in cost of the two cylinders. You won't actually own a single cyl but exchange it for a different one.

Exactly like exchanging your propane tank for your gas grill at Home Depot.

 

[chevyin]

Just a few weeks ago I purchased two tanks for my torch set from Airgas in Santa Maria, CA. In this area they are better in the gas and tank area, but you have to check around for prices of supplies and equipment. For the tanks, however, buying was less cost than rent for two years. Also with Airgas, the tanks are exchangeable nationwide. For those of us who tend to move around, this is a real advantage.

 

[K5MONSTERCHEV]

I didnt even know you could lease. I dont see why you would want to really. Just buy it.