Best Argon Welding Tank Cylinders Budget & Pro

The 75% Ar–25% CO₂ mixture is ideal for MIG or mild steel welding. It allows a compromise between the splatter you get with 100% CO2 and the “frozen” molten puddle that results from using 100% argon.

The bottle meets all relevant DOT and ISO regulations, has a capacity of 80 cubic feet, and is fitted with a CGA 580 stop connection to ensure compatibility with your equipment. Before delivery, it is filled at an industry standard of 2,015 psi.

This bottle has a 10-year hydro-test date stamp and is within two years of this date. It has a capacity of 125 cubic feet and is fitted with a CGA 540 connection, which is standard for oxygen tanks.

Since this is an oxygen cylinder, it is suitable for welders who want to increase the oxygen flame temperature to weld locally or to transition from MIG to GMAW processes. This product meets all DOT and ISO regulations and comes filled at an industry standard of 2,015 psi.

100% argon is ideal for TIG processes to shield your bead, prevent tungsten oxidation, and ensure a perfect weld appearance.

This product comes standard with a CGA 580 outlet for equipment compatibility. The bottle also has a 10-year hydro-test date stamp, and it is less than two years from this date. The capacity of 40 cubic feet means it can last around 2 to 2.5 hours.

This bottle comes filled with 75% Ar–25% CO2 mix, making it a viable option for MIG processes and mild steel welding. The 10-year hydro-test date is stamped on the outside, and all cylinders are within two years of this date.

The container has a capacity of 40 cubic feet, which lasts up to 2.5 hours. It is fitted with a CGA 580 outlet. Because of this size, the bottle is not equipped with a safety cap.

This oxygen bottle is suitable for occasional use with its capacity of 20 cubic feet and size of 14.76” × 5.34”.This oxygen bottle is suitable for occasional use with its capacity of 20 cubic feet and a size of 14.76” × 5.34”. This product has a durable steel construction with a thick wall and a painted finish. The hydro-test date is stamped on the outside, with a guaranteed 180 days from this date.

The GCA 540 valve is standard for oxygen attachments, and you are not likely to have any compatibility issues.

This MC steel canister has a capacity of 10 cubic feet and is fitted with a CGA 200 valve, rendering it suitable for acetylene and oxy-fuel weld work. The unit has a layer of rust-resistant grey paint, and the body of the valve is fitted with a fusible metal safety relief alloy.

The bottle features a DOT stamp, which makes it easier to refill at a local outlet. Because of the low capacity, this product doesn’t require a safety cap.

This handy two-tank truck has a load-bearing capacity of 500 pounds and can accommodate all cylinder types and accessories. Included with the cart is a hook for hose storage and a steel tool tray that you can use for storing your tips and safety gear. The toe plate has a size of 12.75 × 24 inches.

Fitted to the cart are 16-inch wheels that are puncture-proof and suitable for multiple floor surfaces and rough terrains. The hand truck is equipped with strong chains that tighten using a turnbuckle to keep your cylinders in place.

The cart has a solid build, and its wheels are big enough for a wide range of work settings. The only drawback of this product is that, if the chains are a little loose, the tanks are prone to shifting.

This handy two-tank truck has a load-bearing capacity of 500 pounds and can accommodate all cylinder types. Included with the cart is a hook for hose storage and a steel tool tray that you can use for storing your tips, safety gear, and other accessories. The toe plate has a size of 12.75 × 24 inches.

Fitted to the cart are 16-inch wheels that are puncture-proof and suitable for multiple floor surfaces and rough terrains. To keep your cylinders in place, the hand truck is fitted with strong chains that tighten using a turnbuckle.

The cart has a solid build, and its wheels are big enough for a wide range of work settings. The only drawback of this product is that, if the chains are a little loose, the tanks are prone to shifting.

A standout feature of this Milwaukee hand truck is its retractable casters that allow for use in both a tilted and upright position. The additional casters allow for added stability when rolling cylinders over long distances.

This cart has a load capacity of 300 pounds, and it can accommodate one container at a time. The primary wheels have a size of 8 inches and are entirely puncture-proof. The hand truck is also fitted with a hook that you can use to store the hoses.

Like most other models in the category, the chain doesn’t do a great job of securing the tank to the cart, and you may have to come up with a creative solution to keep the canister from rolling around.

Argon is a chemical element, one of the noble gasses, and the third most abundant gas on earth. Generally speaking, this element is not dangerous to use as an inert shielding gas as it is inflammable and nontoxic. Additionally, it is odorless and entirely colorless.

There are some safety concerns, however, as argon comes in compressed tanks, and you should always follow the proper safety guidelines when connecting, storing, and moving these cylinders. This element is 38% denser than air, and, if you usually weld in enclosed work areas, you should take steps to ensure adequate ventilation.

Welding Cylinders Explained

Gas and arc welding requires a supply of compressed gasses to shield the molten weld pool and prevent oxidation, impurities, and the formation of air bubbles.

The gas you need depends on the process. For example, to weld with oxy-fuel, you need acetylene, propane, propylene, and natural gas, to MIG weld, you need CO2, argon, helium, or a blend, and to TIG weld, you need argon.

Gas is contained above atmospheric pressure inside metal cylinders or tanks. A typical tank has an elongated shape and stands upright on a flattened bottom.

The cylinder type depends on its capacity, weight, size, and the gas it contains. We’ll be primarily focusing on the argon (Ar) cylinder category.

Fitted to the top of a cylinder is a valve and a stop connection (typically a CGA-580) to ensure compatibility with regulators and hoses.

Different Types of Welding that Require an Argon Welding Tank

Argon is commonly used in MIG- or TIG-welding processes to create an inert shield that is free from oxygen and nitrogen. This gas is suitable for use on non-ferrous metals like copper, aluminum, and magnesium, and it reduces the accumulation of dust and spatter.

Depending on the metal type and thickness, argon can be mixed with hydrogen, CO2, helium, or oxygen to optimize weld quality. Generally, a 75–25 Ar–CO2 mixture is more effective for MIG processes, especially if you weld mild steels. 100% argon is more suitable for TIG welding.

Micro TIG systems require Ar gas to ensure the stable arc needed for a precise and high-quality weld. Bench-top and automated laser welding systems are typically also fitted with argon nozzles and computer-controlled valves to provide a laser with an inert shield.

Since argon is necessary for a detailed and high-quality category of work, resistance systems typically use it for fine or micro spot welding. This liquid state process is used in several applications, including the manufacturing of electric cells, medical devices, and automotive components.

What Type of Argon Gas Will I Be Receiving?

When purchasing from credible suppliers, you can expect to receive Ar 4.6, which has a purity of 99.996%. This purity is also suitable for all TIG processes to prevent the exposure of the molten weld pool to the oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen in the atmosphere, which can result in porosity and splatter.

With the MIG process, however, you will need to evaluate your welding objectives as pure argon may not be ideal. There are several Ar blends, each with different levels of penetration, bead profiles, and travel speeds. CO2 and helium are commonly mixed with Ar inert shield gas for MIG welding.

How Long Do Argon Tanks Last?

In terms of lifespan, a tank can last from 10 to 25 years, depending on how well it is manufactured and maintained.

As for the usage of a container’s Ar content, many different factors play a role, including the following:

– Size of the tank

– Am customer’s usage frequency

– Pressure setting

– Pre- and post-flow settings

If you are continually using between 15 and 20 cubic feet of gas per minute, a cylinder with a capacity of 40 cubic feet will last you around 2 to 2.5 hours. In the real world, however, you can expect a small cylinder to last you a few months.

Will My Argon Welding Tank Require a Pressure Regulator?

A pressure regulator maintains the flow of shielding gas to the puddle. To effectively control the arc, the outflux of gas must be smooth and controlled. However, if you connect the cylinder directly to the hose, you will empty its content in a matter of seconds, and the results will be undesirable.

A regulator is fitted with a knob that limits and controls the rate of flow. A regulator measures flow either as liters per minute or cubic feet per hour.

As a general rule, the thicker the metal you weld, the more inert shield gas you need. The type of metal you weld is also a determining factor when it comes to gas flow.

Consequently, your Ar tank is likely to require a pressure regulator, which you will have to purchase separately.

Size and Portability of Your Welding Tank

Argon Cylinder Sizes and Welding Time Chart Explained

If you are using Ar at a continuous rate of 15 to 20 cubic feet per second, the different cylinder sizes will be used up within the following times:

20 cu ft: 1–1.5 hours

40 cu ft: 2–2.5 hours

60 cu ft: 3–4 hours

80 cu ft: 4–5 hours

125 cu ft: 6.5–8 hours

150 cu ft: 7.5–10 hours

250 cu ft: 12.5–16.5 hours

330 cu ft: 16.5–22 hours

In reality, you will never weld for hours on end, and a cylinder with a capacity of 20 cubic feet can last you for weeks or even months if you are conservative with your usage. If you need gas for large industrial or commercial jobs, you will need a cylinder with a capacity of at least 125 cubic feet.

Best Way to Transport Your Tank Safely

If you have a small tank with a capacity of 20 cubic feet, it may save you a lot of time to carry it yourself over short distances. However, if you have two or three tanks with a capacity of 150 or 250 cubic feet, a hand truck can save you a lot of time and effort. They work as an effective delivery system to move your Ar container or containers around your work site.

Some cylinder carts can accommodate two or more tanks, so you can keep them strapped into the cart for use without taking them down. If you work at different sites and have to haul your MIG or TIG welder around, it may be more sensible to purchase smaller tanks.

Argon Gas Storage Recommendations

Where Is It Safe to Store?

You should always follow safety protocols when storing your welding gas tanks. A cylinder should be stored upright in a cool place where it will not come into direct sunlight. The bottle storage area should also be completely dry to prevent corrosion.

Don’t store your tanks inside an enclosed vehicle, even for short periods. If you must, make sure that there is sufficient ventilation to prevent the build-up of heat and pressure.

If your cylinder is in storage for a long time, remove the regulator, close the valve, and put on the safety cap. You should also inspect the exterior regularly for signs of rust and other signs of deterioration and check the valves for signs of damage.

The cylinders should be fastened with straps or secured against a wall to prevent them from falling over. If you move the tanks to a storage area, wear gloves, safety glasses, and shoes with steel toe caps to prevent personal injuries.

How Is It Transported Best for Safety?

Moving cylinders can be a challenging endeavor as they are heavy, volatile, and awkward to handle. If you have to move them over short distances, a hand truck or cart may be your best option. On the other hand, if you have to transport them with a vehicle, you will have to follow the same safety protocols that apply to storage.

Ventilation is crucial to prevent high temperatures. You should also take steps to ensure that the cylinders are securely fastened to fixed structures in the vehicle so that they don’t fall over and sustain damage. Before transportation, close the tank valves, and put on their safety caps.

If you don’t have gas available for your metal construction needs, one of your first decisions is whether you should purchase or rent your tanks. Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of owning a container.