700psi left in Argon tank, how long will it last?

[jjense15]

Plan on installing a roll cage this weekend, mostly doing fit up and if it goes well, start to weld everything up. Tig welding with about 12 cfh of gas flow. Welding shops are closed on the weekend. Should I get a full cylinder? I was trying to avoid returning my cylinder with 700psi of argon left in it. Or do they give you credit for whats left in the tank. I guess I'm being cheap.

Thanks,
Jason

[Bob Sigmon]

700 psi won't last long. Either get a second tank or sacrifice what is left in the tank. There is nothing worse than getting into a job and having to quit because you're out of gas!!! I love having a second tank. It really removes the worry of running out of gas in the middle of a job.

Just my thoughts,

Bob Sigmon

[HAWK]

jjense15,

700PSI is misleading. You are on empty. At 500PSI you will start sacrificing weld quality. Therefore, exchange or fill the tank. If I finish a job with 1000PSI, I'll pick up an extra tank on rent and then turn in the other one at 700PSI.

[MACH4]

Re: 700psi left in Argon tank, how long will it last?

Originally posted by jjense15
Plan on installing a roll cage this weekend, mostly doing fit up and if it goes well, start to weld everything up. Tig welding with about 12 cfh of gas flow. Welding shops are closed on the weekend. Should I get a full cylinder? I was trying to avoid returning my cylinder with 700psi of argon left in it. Or do they give you credit for whats left in the tank. I guess I'm being cheap.

Thanks,
Jason

Jason,
Like you I "thought" I had enough gas to do a job on the weekend and DUH , I didn't quite make it, had to wait 'til MON. Needless to say the customer was not thrilled. Alas, those were the early days and I now have more than 1 cyl. for ALL of my welding needs.Also, if you plan on welding AL , don't wait 'til Sat. to realize you don't have enough AL wire for the job. Thank goodness for Rural King on the weekend!! Maybe not high quality,but WILL get the job done!!
Mike
MACH4