Welding Gas Cylinders: A Beginner's Guide

A quick run through of the basics a welding beginner needs to know about buying shielding gas.
Shielding gas is needed for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). In this video we go over the following:
0:00 Intro
0:09 Safety
0:43 Cylinder date markings
1:50 What type of shielding gas should I use?
3:40 Regulator flowmeters
6:20 What size cylinder do I need?
6:50 How much do welding cylinders cost?
8:12 How long can you weld on a cylinder?
***Affordable self-paced welding courses taught by me***
courses.timwelds.com
**Gear you might want**
(These are affiliate links that provide a small commission to support the making of these videos)
Torch Flowmeter: amzn.to/3vufLn1
80 Cubic Foot Cylinder (Empty): amzn.to/3eH0Qjn
80 Cubic Foot Cylinder (Argon Full): amzn.to/38zs9YI
80 Cubic Foot Cylinder (C25 Full): amzn.to/30FUWXo
125 Cubic Foot Cylinder (Argon Full): amzn.to/3tdXo3C
Welding Regulator (dual gauge): amzn.to/3cwWecE
Single Regulator Flowmeter (floating ball): amzn.to/3eCkywu
Dual Regulator Flowmeter (floating ball): amzn.to/3eBtq5G
My Favorite Saw: amzn.to/2ZgYmis
Primeweld AC/DC TIG Welder: amzn.to/3pA2ULz
My Welding Helmet: amzn.to/32KBIC6
Less Expensive Welding Helmet (I have this one too. It's good, but has a smaller view area and fewer controls): amzn.to/39giwgI
Welding Jacket: amzn.to/2OLT6OE
Welding Gloves: amzn.to/3hrqSF4
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Some of the links on this page are affiliate links which provide a small commission from sales to help support this channel and make these videos possible. Thanks for your support!

[@TimWelds]

You can learn to weld. I'll show you exactly what to do in my affordable online welding courses at courses.timwelds.com.

[@joeunterwagner1397]

Tim is a great at explaining in detail that is clear and quick to the point . Inspires me to want to learn more . Thanks Tim !

[@Mir4yAll]

Hi there. I work as a metal worker at a Russian Roscosmos branch company. I do the assembly of aluminum and stainless steel parts, putting them together using clamp gear and stuff like that and welders do their part. I came across your videos because I wanted to learn some new vocab in a professional way. Thank you a lot!!!

[@ballstank3904]

Man, been watching a bunch of your videos for the past couple months. Learning both stick welding and now mig welding. You're a wealth of knowledge and i just want to say thank you for all your videos. They've helped out a lot. All the best man

[@DStein-jn9ls]

Another great video!! Been wanting to get away from flux core welding and this really helped me understand what it takes to weld with gas.

[@actionjackson5759]

Timwelds, Hi there, could you please do a video on Safety and What Respirators to use for Welding please, this video will be so crucial for us. Thanks!!!!!!

[@MasterofNone365]

Combed through a ton of videos and this was, by far, the best and most informative video describing the process and what to look for when being gas and cylinders. Subscribed. Thank you!

[@Hawk74]

Great video, very informative for a beginner who’s just trying to get their feet under them. Thank you.

[@mako757]

Dude that was great information! You took the mystery out of it for me Bravo!!!

[@stevesixo2]

This video literally answered every question I had thank you

[@isticclouds7579]

Brother Tim you're a blessing to the world....thanks for the vid learnt a lot 👍

[@gustavosoto8644]

This video was very helpful for me.Thanl you for taking the time out to make it!

[@glasslinger]

Absolutely excellent content! Just what I needed to know!

[@robg8827]

Great video, very clear and tons of helpful information.

[@dougtenney1029]

Another well executed and very helpful video. Thank you!!

[@chrismitchell45]

Excellent! Now I know what to get on Tuesday!

[@BobBlarneystone]

the oldest date that I've ever seen on a cylinder was an 02 cylinder, recertification stamped in the early 1920s. For accuracy, the flow rotameter must be plumb, and pressure will be adjusted to maintain flow. Also, never use a regulator made for one gas with another gas - it might not be accurate or safe. This is absolutely true for oxygen regulators.

[@danielchambers1958]

Great video Sir….. useful info as well….. thank you Tim for helping the hobbyist ✅👍👌

[@eelson2]

Just the info I was searching for thanks!

[@roussell]

Perfect content, exactly what I was looking for! New sub!

[@whiqeddik7615]

Love ya man, thanks for the fresh expertise and all.

[@BulliKid]

Helpful for new tig welder.

[@crystalpettry3519]

TimWelds i saw that you organized your video in labeled sections so i could skip ahead to what i want to see. because of that, i liked your video and subscribed to your channel

[@jvazquez53]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@dhargrove4928]

Excellent Sir, much appreciated!

[@WilloW0024]

Great video. I wish i saw this when i was shopping for a cylinder.

[@F1DesignUS]

This was a super helpful video!

[@shnepper]

This was really helpful, thanks!

[@chalmerelkins8965]

Thanks for all the good info appreciate it.

[@jimalessandra5908]

extremely useful, thank you!

[@powersonic6255]

Very detailed , subscribed .

[@pnp8849]

Thank you for such information.

[@davecao908]

Easy to understand. i need to learn how to mig steel.

[@TheStroupdog]

Thanks for the great information.

[@HanSolo__]

I'm a new Subscriber here, and I like and appreciate sharing knowledge with your method. It fits me perfectly, straight to the point. I wish you could add text values in metric measures. Constant stopping video and checking the quantities you talk about is quite disturbing, and just like me, every European guy or military guy that starts to learn a new method of welding needs to do the same thing.

[@qzr0jt]

I'd like to see a video on how to remove a rusted on cylinder cap. These can really be an exasperating challenge!

[@brianmitchell9890]

Great video! I have been welding flux core for a few months and am looking to switch to mig. This helps a lot!!!

[@nizzurtmontalgizzert3337]

Great info! Thanks

[@Armednready87]

Great video!

[@AirborneSapper82]

Great video!!! Thanks !!!

[@lancerudy9934]

Great video 😊

[@ryanmacewen511]

Liked, subscribed! Cool video man. Just picked up two 80 cuft cylinders on Amazon of all places. Jumping back into welding at home.

[@SquareBodyK5]

How much did you pay? They are $340 to $380 now.

[@ryanmacewen511]

@@SquareBodyK5 $328 & $341 Free Shipping in April 2021. Up about $20-$40 now. I got one each of CO2 mix and straight Argon.

[@benfranklinification]

Great video

[@charlesdjones1]

I was convinced after all the comments I read online that 80-125cf would be the max tank size I could own. Living in the Houston area I decided to call around and find out myself. Yes, most places will not let you own anything over 125cf here, BUT I did find one shop about 35 mins away that will sell one up to 250, and it's only about $50 more than the "GasAir" chain's 125. So basically if that kind of thing matters to you, it's worth making a few phone calls.

[@FiddlerOnTheRoof2024]

Thank you

[@deanmacka4975]

Great info mate , yeah I need more lol

[@mrbridges32]

Thank you for pointing this out 1:20

[@paulpannell8544]

Hi Tim. Enjoy your videos. I would like to find a gas cylinder that has been taken out of service. I want to cut the bottom out to use as a form for when I'm forging candle bases. Any advice on where I can find one. Thanks.

[@13Voodoobilly69]

I like to run my cylinders the same way I do with my propane tanks for my BBQ. I keep 2 of each them and as each one runs out I will swap tanks and swear I will get it refilled before I need to swap again. Of course I don’t and then I wind up taking them both to the store at the same time to swap. That way in my mind I will have a backup which of course I do the same cycle over and over again. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@amgari007]

Thank you for the video. I have an argon/co2 regulator .Can I use it with Nitrogen gas since fits to tank if I change the left low gauge to 100-600 psi one? Thanks.

[@rodgerlogan]

Wow, brother! I don't know where you live, but down here in Mobile, Alabama, I get my 150CuFt refilled for $22.

[@alexcorvi2254]

In CT the going rate from Linde gas (Praxair) 330cuft c25-88$ exchange Letter K oxygen-31$ exchange 3.5 acetylene-134$ exchange (was up from around 80$)

[@Sacrificepain66]

Hi there I’ve been watching your videos and they’re real good but I’m trying to get an hour gone and what size what would I need I mean depending what I’m doing yes but what would be because it’s my first time I bought a prime welding 225 tig for aluminum and steel and what would be the good gas for that machine i’m just asking because this is my first time doing and this is my first time doing this so I’m just starting to learn and what would be the proper size to use this

[@rpavlik1]

Great stuff! Just gotta keep my eyes peeled and hopefully pick up a cylinder for cheap on Craigslist.

[@wildbill23c]

Sounds great, but sometimes places won't fill them if you didn't get the cylinders from them, just an FYI, also if its past its inspection/pressure test date they won't fill them either in many cases.

[@user-gr4sk4jw5q]

can you show a video how you transfer gas between the steel and aluminum tanks?

[@Danohaw]

Man- prices have gone through the roof since this video was made. LGB

[@paulkurilecz4209]

Price of steel for the most part.

[@wirefeed3419]

3 years after this video, I just purchased an Argon 15 cuft and it was $399.00 🇨🇦 just for the cylinder plus fill, plus misc fees. Like everything else cost are way up. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@oneguy8525]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@AntiqueEarthMover12]

In many places near me, 125cuft tanks are the biggest they sell. You can lease larger. But 125s are a good size in my opinion, because they have lots of gas for a hobbyist, and are still manageable to move by yourself, especially if you don’t have a pickup truck

[@autodidacticartisan]

How much does a 125cf tank weigh, roughly?

[@wildbill23c]

@@autodidacticartisan Around 70-80 pounds full if I recall.

[@autodidacticartisan]

@@wildbill23c 80 sounds about right. I want to weigh it and my 250. The 250 is crazy heavy. Hard to lift by myself

[@btrswt35]

Man, I just bought a cylinder like two weeks ago. I wish I would have seen this before just to have a better idea. I got prices for an 80 cf from three places and the prices ranged from $180 to $312, all filled with 25/75 mix. With that kind of fluctuation, I would definitely suggest shopping around before choosing one.

[@wildbill23c]

I called my closest supplier and was quoted for 80cf tanks $350 each filled. That includes the initial tank purchase...so considerably less than that of course for refills, but dang the cost of these cylinders along is over $250 each.

[@mrhitdathoe]

do you know if you can flow in some of of the cheap-ish helium(the stuff they use to fill balloons) when welding aluminum or does it have to be the super expensive high purity helium? i think it would make for an interesting video

[@hendonburgism]

Supposedly to keep the people that inhale it from dying due to lack of oxygen the cheap balloon helium has a good deal of normal air mixed inside of it. So much so that it is essentially useless as an inert gas.

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

Just bought a new full 75/25 and the gage says 2,2oo psi is that full?

[@jayrose9463]

Do you exchange or refill. Guess if you’re always exchanging yiu wouldn’t have to worry about the cert dates? Because before to long you would be getting another? Although if I know mine is good for ten years. I kinda want to keep that.

[@NewLife-qj9mx]

I have a smiths little torch for silversmithing - I use a #1 oxygen bottle with regulator and flash arrestor. Seeings how it seems the most dangerous moment is turning the tank on, would it be safer to just leave it always on? I use my torch every day. Great video, thank you 👍🏻

[@wildbill23c]

Seems safe to just leave it on, however, if there were a leak in the on position you'd fill your shop with a nice flammable gas that with one spark that'll send everything into orbit...most leaks in these valves occur in the open/partial open state as the only thing keeping the gas from leaking out past the valve is o-rings....VS when you close the tank valve it is usually a brass on brass valve seat which has a much lower chance of leaking.

[@davewallace5008]

Try a tri-mix of 5% CO2, 2% O2 and 93% Argon ;) really wets out beautifully. It is all I use now, the C25 is a good proven mix but I love the extra wetting the O2 gives.

[@waqasmuneer7951]

Great video....I just have one question. How can I be sure that the flow rate of 15 l/min let's say which I set on the flow meter is same which I actually get at the welding torch.

[@13Voodoobilly69]

You can use a flow meter at the torch. It uses a rubber cup that you press against the torch and you watch the gas meter ball float to check it. Exactly like what he did in the video and explained how you can check the flow at the torch. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@VerifyVeracity]

What I've been trying to better understand is how to know how many CF (cubic feet) of Argon are in my 125 CF Argon cylinder as the PSI decrees. Like now I'm at about 1000 PSI now I'm sure there are a lot more than 1/2 of the starting CF of 125, because with my understanding the higher the presser the less additional Cubic Feet of gas (in my case Argon) can be added to the cylinder per PSI increase. So with my practicing of TIG welding it got down to 1000 PSI faster than I would have hoped it would have, but it should take longer to go down as I get lower in presser. Is there a chart to show the cubic feet left in a cylinder relative to the PSI? I've been looking & looking can't seem to find one. Now maybe I'm just wrong about being able to compress more gas per PSI increase at lower PSI, & less increase of CF per PSI as the presser get higher.

[@lloydscharf6897]

Another consideration is the hours the store hours. Where I have my tanks from I can get them exchanged on a Sunday afternoon. I did pay a bit more for the tank and the exchange but running out on a weekend and not having to wait till Monday to finish the project is worth it to me. LL&P

[@wildbill23c]

This is a huge factor to consider, and at least where I live don't matter which company I go with, they're all closed on weekends and holidays...WTF, you can't weld on weekends in Idaho I guess LOL.

[@charlesdjones1]

@@wildbill23c I'd wager even here in good 'ol Texas you won't find many, if any, welding supply shops open on Saturday or Sunday. They like their banker's hours.

[@paulkurilecz4209]

@@charlesdjones1 The place that I go to in Dallas is open on Saturday mornings from 7 to Noon. Best not to show up at 11:59 as the lights are off and the doors locked at Noon. At 12:01 the parking lot is empty.

[@sweethumanissmsubbu592]

Good sir

[@picco68]

hello i can not find C25 where i am in Mexico, so for mig welding it seems C02 is my option, just wondering if i can fill a argon tank with C02 if i use an adapter , is there any problem doing that ?

[@ralph1881]

😂 sorry, I LAUGHED when he Said Acetylene I only crack a little bit, in case things go south "😂 yeah, the crank n bail.

[@lvalle1994]

Idk if this is common knowledge but if I were Tig welding steel, could I just use 100% argon or would it have to be 25/75 mix? And why?

[@xxxgamingFTW]

Do all co2 tanks cylinder can be used for welding?

[@lucionkoinva5635]

Great video, ok I have a 40cu acetylene and a 40cu oxygen so would that be good for my cutting torch? Thanks

[@paulkurilecz4209]

It depends on the acetylene consumption of your cutting torch. The old recommendation is 1/7 of the tank's volume per hour. Now the recommendations it 1/10 of the tank's volume per hour. So you will be limited to about 4 to 5.75 cubic feet per hour which is not much of a cutting torch. I have a 75 cf acetylene bottle. This will handle a #2 cutting tip and just can handle the smallest rosebud.

[@Tsargents2]

Hi Tim. I really enjoy your videos and I have never done any welding (yet). I am learning as much as I can before jumping in and purchasing my first Welder. Looking at a multi function MIG machine after watching your MIG vs TIG video. Argon seems to cover the most situations allowing to have just one gas cylinder in my home (hobby) shop. Now the reason for my comment: Is there a reason to not just use 100% Argon for all applications? Thanks.

[@raulrubio2862]

For mig welding steel you have to use 75/25 you cannot use pure argon because the weld won’t penetrate as well. For spool gun mig you can use pure argon because that’s for aluminum.

[@caracarametal]

Tim, do you have thoughts on whether it's better to buy two 40 cu/ft tanks vs one larger 80 cu/ft or 125? I've heard some people say it's nice to have a backup tank so that you're not in the middle of a project on a Sunday and then run out?

[@wildbill23c]

If you can afford to buy multiple tanks its a great idea, especially if you have a good distance to travel to exchange or have them refilled....for me its 35 miles one way to the nearest supplier, so I'll be buying a couple of tanks....Well 4 actually, 2 for Argon, and 2 for Argon/CO2 mix.....So about $1500 initial purchase/fill cost. I'm thinking of going with the 80cuft tanks as I don't weld very often, but want something large enough to be able to easily secure to the welding cart and be able to carry me through a welding project...the supplier I spoke with said the 80cuft is their most popular for home DIYers. Gotta also take into account, how much you would care to lift into and out of your car, truck, SUV, etc. Some of those tanks get pretty heavy.

[@paulkurilecz4209]

@@wildbill23c I eventually worked my way up to 125 CF tanks. I like them better than the 80 CF tanks. I have two argon tanks and it is nice to be able to swap out a cylinder rather than have to shut down and have to go to the store for a refill.. Now when one tank is empty, I can go to the store to replace it at my own convenience.

[@wildbill23c]

@@paulkurilecz4209 I plan on getting extra tanks as well. I just have an 80CF CO2/Argon tank right now, I need to get an Argon only tank...then pickup a spare of each...but dang they're so expensive. Almost $700 for the tank and initial fill...and I haven't even used it yet, and got it in April. Just been too busy with everything else going on this year.

[@paulkurilecz4209]

@@wildbill23cthat sounds expensive. when I purchased an 80cf bottle not too long ago it was about $250 if I remember correctly. the gas (Argon) was about $42 or so. you can buy new bottles, i forget the size either 80CF or 125CF, for about $300 or so. this is from Northern Tool. I started with 80 CF bottles then upgraded to 125CF. hth

[@mdover2961]

Hello, I have two questions, please 1: For MIG welding, when to use co2 gas and when to use argon gas 2: Does co2 gas affect the properties of metals ?

[@randyhughes5160]

Co2 is for welding steel or you can use carbon dioxide/argon c25 for aluminum you should use argon 100% or argon and helium but just know it is more expensive to add helium

[@toycoma98]

I refill my aluminum 22cuft argon for $48 which doesnt last long. That small size makes me run a #8 cup only, I have bigger cups but I dont want to run anymore than 16cfh. So, I'm thinking of getting 60cuft but its $437 for a new full aluminum cylinder. Its $109 to fill a 60cuft. *In Guam.

[@noobinho8882]

Is a 6kg co2 tanks enough for DIY at home. Pls reply

[@johnmacmillan627]

Thx Tim. Just to be clear….if tank has a capacity of 120 cubic ft at 2000 psi and is run down to 500 psi does that mean there are 30 cubic ft gas left?

[@TimWelds]

More or less. There’s technically a compressibility factor to consider, but your line of thinking will get you close enough for most practical purposes.

[@moejr14]

Can you exchange a Norco c25 cylinder if your not the original owner. I bought mine from a guy in CL

[@alejandroroberts4702]

Great video! I have a question,I live in California and I do mobile welding on the side and transporting bottles have always been a concern to me. I have a 60 cubic foot bottle and it doesn’t have any threads for a crash cap , when I transport it I mount it up right in the bed of my truck, is that legal or safe?

[@paulallegrezza9266]

Once you fill a tank with a certain gas, can you refill it with something different? I.e. A cylinder with N2/HPA with Argon?

[@TimWelds]

Depends on the gas supplier. Every supplier I have used has let me exchange for any type of gas in the same size cylinder.

[@mcmuskie2563]

Today, I literally found your video while just looking around. Got me excited, I plan to build a ATV Trailer soon. Thought I’d build a Holder rather than dropping it the Mig Handle on the ground. Well out of some scrap I made one. Your tips help me set it up, I couldn’t believe the Weld, penetration was perfect the Bead was really impressive. I just ran straight rather than Stitching or Half Circles like someone told me years ago. Can’t thank you enough and have to say you do an amazing job of Training!! Thank you..

[@TheChancho21]

Can you store and use an argon/co2 bottle horizontal for mig welding?

[@wildbill23c]

You can store them horizontally but I don't think you can use out of them in that position....would definitely like to know this as well though....I'd think it would be a heck of a lot safer if you could have them lying on a floor or shelf as opposed to standing up.

[@rpavlik1]

You said you buy your cylinder, but then you exchanged it rather than had it filled (like they used to do for propane) - what's the difference between that and lease? Just costs more when you refill? Monthly fee?

[@wildbill23c]

With a lease you end up paying a monthly fee on the tank itself over the lease period, like leasing a car....its basically renting the tank from the supplier...then after the lease period you can turn the tank in for a new one. Exchanging is something I wasn't understanding either....if you spend that kind of money to buy brand new tanks, I'd want my tanks filled and given back to me, not exchanged out and get someone else's tank of unknown quality.

[@quintriggins6557]

You mention exchanging. If you own the cylinders, wouldn't you just have your own cylinders refilled rather than exchange? Thanks for your videos. I learn a lot from them.

[@TimWelds]

Every gas supplier I’ve used just exchanges the owned cylinders. They truck them to a central location to process them and exchanges give a quick turnaround.

[@quintriggins6557]

So, when you buy a tank from a local welding store, you are not buying a new tank? Say I buy a tank in 2024, is that tank dated as tested in 2024? If that is the case, and you exchange it for a refilled one, you may never see your new tank again. New to all of this, and the buying a tank, then exchanging upon refills seems a bit confusing. Thanks for clarifying.

[@QQQDDD93]

@@quintriggins6557I have the same question. Hope somebody clarify.

[@ogreunderbridge5204]

Is Helium a must in the mix for stainless, or can it do with Argon only etc ?

[@autodidacticartisan]

If youre tig welding just get 100% argon.

[@Trump985]

I just get the rental cylinders, around here no one will fill customer owned cylinders over 80cf. Also if you own them you have to wait around while they fill them. Then your on your own when you need a hydro test as none of my local places are interested in helping. I think I get charged $70 something per tank per year. I’d like to avoid the rental fees but the local gas companies make it so difficult it’s just not worth it (at least here)

[@JWG2014]

80CF bottles on Amazon are $320 full. - Price jumped in the last couple of months.

[@get-fartedOnXD]

You really need more credit

[@23steph13]

Hello. I have the regulator with floating ball. Do I need to remove the regulator after I'm finished welding for time being?

[@wildbill23c]

Its best to just leave them hooked up and just turn the valves off on the tanks when you aren't using them, keeps junk out of the tank's outlet and your regulator...openings like that are a great place for bugs to nest, dust to collect etc. Best to keep things sealed off as much as possible.

[@23steph13]

@@wildbill23c thank you

[@nobdurbin1951]

Dose Propane burn hoter

[@keithammleter3824]

Looks like gasses are much cheaper here in Australia than in the USA. Changes the economics of deciding what mix and what type of welding to use.

[@jameshanson3883]

I only wish we were getting gas at the cost you was describing in your local area. here in Honolulu the cost of gas is outrageous. Two of my friends recently exchanged 300cuft bottles of Co25. One of the guys was able to purchase under a company account and got it for $450, my other friend purchased the same size bottle as a Joe Public and had to pay over $900.

[@rembleekah8722]

Lol rip off… gas is free on the earth.

[@douglasbutler4360]

A good informative video. But as an example of price volatility, my local gas supplier has 100% Argon 80cu/ft for about $140 while Amazon today has the same for $315.99 !!!

[@garrieparsons2265]

my local supplier mor expensive than amazon

[@dmcc7365]

The Amazon price includes the cylinder

[@middleway1885]

Boop, thanks for the deets!

[@jakirsheikh097]

❤

[@charlievanwindt7145]

How many hours of welding can you get on average from a 125 cuft cylinder?

[@JustinLee15]

He literally just answered that in the video.

[@KubwimanaYussuf-xe1cm]

Hi,I want know acetylene I cane use for a mig welder machine

[@TimWelds]

No, you need either Argon/CO2 or straight CO2 for steel MIG welding.

[@KubwimanaYussuf-xe1cm]

So can use a lpg gas of wilder aluminum

[@GerryAbiog]

Argon refill magkano price