Oxy/Ac setup tank size...

[Cuda416]

Good morning folks.

As I get closer to starting my project, I'm looking a the last (hahaha) remaining tools I'll need to get started. I am going to need an Oxy/Ac setup but have no idea what size tanks to get.

The only reference I have is from auto body school 35 years ago and that was a high school alternative class I did in the afternoons, and did not end up a body man (sometimes I regret that but hey). Those tanks were about 4 feet high.

Point is I have no idea how long the tank fills can be expected to last with occasional use and for what size tank will be adequate.

Thoughts?

[1 Wild R/T]

Before you buy tanks you might want to talk to your insurance provider... Mine allows small tanks but if you have larger tanks & have a fire you could be denied coverage...

[JS29]

Some company's won't sell you the big tanks. plus the room to store them. I like a bigger oxygen bottle, if you are going to be doing a lot of cutting. 

[anlauto]

They do come in handy, but how much do you really think you'll be using them ?

[Cuda416]

I think maybe I made it seem like I have a problem with small tanks. I'm not apposed to them at all, just no idea how often I'll be filling them etc. I've never owned a set. i used to weld a lot with gas in school, but never since. I'll be using it mostly for bodywork.

I guess the question at this point, is what do people use/recommend?

[gzig5]

Unless you are cutting twenty feet of 1/2" plate, the compact tanks you can get at the Home store should suffice for any jobs on the car.  You might have to get them filled/exchanged but they are a lot easier to move around than a full size set.

[Brads70]

I'd buy instead of renting the middle size tanks (3-4 feet high) I rented them and never used them, got sick of paying rent and returned them full. 
I found it's pretty rare that I needed them with cut off wheels etc... I'd buy a mig welder before a oxy/ac  set up.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

At home I've used propane, not as hot, but that little that I use it for its good enough. Don't rent tanks..... its like crumpling $20 bills an throwing them away

[7E-Bodies]

I bought a 3' set complete at a farm auction for $200 that gets me by fine.

[Racer57]

Get the full size tanks and make/buy a tank cart to move them around.  Nothing worse than running out when you need it. Not like the gas goes bad sitting around.

[anlauto]

When it comes to the restoration of a car, what would you use that much heat for ? 
I get by with a small propane torch just fine 

[1 Wild R/T]

I agree with those who say it's not needed...   Especially for body work....  You don't want to gas weld body panels, to much heat = warpage...  You could use the heat to heat shrink but it's easily done with a Mapp gas torch...   I have small bottles & on cars I've only used them to heat frozen bolts... I use them for other stuff on agricultural equipment but not cars...

For body work you want a wire feed MIG welder...

[JS29]

  I use mine to heat up stubborn bolts more than anything else. 

[anlauto]

I use mine to heat up stubborn bolts more than anything else.

They're very efficient for that  I use a propane torch and it takes for ever 

[RUNCHARGER]

I would have to agree that an oxy set is not really needed. I've worked on cars for 45 years without a set. A MIG welder is pretty much required though along with a method (s) of cutting sheetmetal. Zip cutter, air chisel, spot weld cutter, tin snips etc. More money but a plasma cutter would be nice although not a must have.