The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Harbor Freight Argon cylinder?

I just got a little Lincoln Mig welder to do the body panels on my '66. I need a cylinder for argon, and saw that Harbor Freight has a 20 cf one for 80 some dollars. The welding supply place wants $130 for a 1 hour cylinder. I think thats roughly the same size...Any reason not to get the cheaper one form Harbor Freight? I know they have some quality issues with some tools, but I don't really see how they could screw up a cylinder.

On a related note, I am also thinking about getting a blasting cabinet from them. Any experience with these form Harbor Freight?

Thanks

I got my tank from a welding supply because I don't like the idea of a chinese high pressure tank. I do have a HF blast cabinet and its fine, I took the hose off the metal pipe that goes into the sand and just stuck the plastic hose into the sand and it works a lot better.

Thanks. I'll go with the cabinet then, you have a point about the high pressure thing.....Hmmmm.

i wouldn't worry about the china tank, they won't fill it- they will just switch it out for a full one at the welding supply. even if it did fail it would just leak out- prob slowly. although you may get it back some day! my 2 cents- they are both too high. look for a used one don't buy a new one. most welding shops will even take a soda or beer co2 cyl in on trade or another size and pay you the difference or you pay them. the only thing they won't take is a medical o2. so check around you can prob get one for under $20 for that size. i would get co2/ argon and save some money if you will be welding mild steel. good luck.

I've been watching Craigs List, tanks are spendy even used! I didn't realize they just swapped them, although that makes sense. Thanks.

around here the tanks from the welding supply place come filled, so it's not as expensive as buying an empty tank

Bill

Thanks for the input, everybody..I ended up getting one from Praxair off EBay, 40cf for $83 and free shipping vs. $86 for a 20cf cylinder at Harbor Freight...

Thanks