Welding gas supplier

[Chewie]

I overlooked this at first, but they are open weekends and their prices are about half or less of other distributors. Out here we call them the National Aircraft Parts Association.

 

[Bdflies]

Hi Mark,
Does NAPA simply exchange any cylinders you bring in, large and small? Or do they just swap the smaller (20 & 40 cu ft Oxygen/ "B" & "MC" Acetylene) cylinders? What size are you using and how much for a full exchange? I used to own an Acetylene plant and a distributorship. I'm sure glad I got out before the internet! This stuff still interests the heck out of me!

Bill

 

[Chewie]

Bill,

Yes, it was a simple exchange. I have Oxygen 80 and Acet 3 bottles. Napa's exchange price for oxy was $7.77 and Acet was $35. At the machine shop a few blocks further down Oxy is more like $25 and Acet around $70 for the same sizes! Weird industry...

 

[Bdflies]

Those prices are excellent indeed! You've found a good supplier. I'd suggest that you'll find their prices are fair for the other goods they sell.
"Wierd industry"? Oh, over a few beers, I could tell ya stories! But then, all industries have stories.

Bill

 

[Chewie]

Yeah, I hope that "acetylene" is legit!
I wouldn't say their other prices are cheap, maybe they just scored with a gas supplier.

 

[Bdflies]

I wouldn’t have any concerns about the gases. Acetylene cylinders are heavy for their size because they’re filled with porous materials and saturated with acetone. Filling such is a long slow process, whereby the Acetylene gas is dissolved into the acetone. No other fuel gas could be in there. Besides, Acetylene is the only fuel gas that welds steel properly, because of its 'Triple Bond' nature. Don’t ask me to explain that part...I know the business and processes, not the chemistry.

Those are good prices Mark! I’d be surprised if anyone is doing much better.

Bill