Cutting the Tank

DSmoke · Post by **DSmoke** » January 13th, 2012, 4:33 pm

Hey, How are you? I'm new to the forum. Today I got my 120 gallon propane tank and I have a question on how to cut the tank. I already filled the tank with water once. Do I need to fill it with water again? Do I cut it with the water inside or do I empty the water and then cut the tank?
Thanks, Have a good weekend.
D. Smoke

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » January 13th, 2012, 4:37 pm

Depends on what you have.....some people use a metal skill saw or a plasma cutter.....there are several threads pertaining to this subject.....

YouTube · Post by **Frank_Cox** » January 13th, 2012, 4:41 pm

Howdy Dsmoke!

I made an excruciatingly long video about this... http://www.smokerbuilder.com/forums/vie ... f=87&t=605
anyway to answer your question, I drain the water and fill the tank with nitrogen or CO2 then use a grinder with a cutting wheel, or a Plasma Cutter, or a metal cutting circular saw to cut the tank.

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » January 13th, 2012, 8:37 pm

Thanks for posting the link.....I couldn't find it fast enough.....

DSmoke · Post by **DSmoke** » January 16th, 2012, 8:17 pm

Thank you so much for all your answers. In the end I am going with the TSP material and circular saw.
Another question: I have for the legs, a steel angle 2X2 by 1/4 inch thick. Do you think this is going to be enough with reinforcements to the legs (of course)?
Thanks,
DSmoke

k.a.m. · Post by **k.a.m.** » January 18th, 2012, 7:19 am

DSmoke, I am old school and use my O/A torch for cutting doors and such. Being safe and feeling confident in the process is a big plus I always say when in doubt do not cut it let someone who has more experience with opening a tank make the first cut.
As for your legs you should be fine with the angle iron and supports the tank should weigh in at around 250bs empty.

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » January 18th, 2012, 6:58 pm

Kam , with all due respect, I just read that wrong and busted up laughing. "If it's dangerous - let someone else do it"
I love it - not what you wrote, but I love it!
I prolly should seek professional help....

k.a.m. · Post by **k.a.m.** » January 18th, 2012, 7:51 pm

Edna's Kid wrote:Kam , with all due respect, I just read that wrong and busted up laughing. "If it's dangerous - let someone else do it"
I love it - not what you wrote, but I love it!
I prolly should seek professional help....

Well you know someone has to be around to tell the story E.K. ;)

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » January 19th, 2012, 7:15 pm

Exactly!

DSmoke · Post by **DSmoke** » January 27th, 2012, 4:13 pm

Hey, I have a question. I bought a 100 lbs propane tank to use as a firebox. How can I make sure that it's not galvanized? I scratched the outside (which is also painted in white, with a small layer of grey) and it turned black. does this mean that it's NOT galvanized? I just want to make sure. The buy was a gamble, but for $10 I thought I had to try it.
Thanks, Have a good weekend
DSmoke

Blazer · Post by **Blazer** » January 27th, 2012, 4:41 pm

I dont think i have ever seen one that was galvanized, but you grind galvanized off you will see a slight difference in the color of silver.

YouTube · Post by **Frank_Cox** » January 27th, 2012, 6:14 pm

galvanized metal does not react well with propane I can almost guarantee the tank is not make it galvanized

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The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » January 27th, 2012, 6:41 pm

You can always lick it and if it tingles its probably galvanized....

Smokeone · Post by **Smokeone** » January 27th, 2012, 7:00 pm

Again with the tongue DC!

Thought a plumber would know better

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » January 27th, 2012, 7:31 pm

I do know better.....just cant seem to do better....maybe its from all that galvanized licking!!!

DSmoke · Post by **DSmoke** » January 28th, 2012, 6:58 pm

Thank you all for responding. I licked it and it tastes like Brisket and it didn't tingle my tongue. So I don't think it's galvanized.

I like the scientific approach!! You're like a small mad scientist group!
Thanks all, Have a good weekend,
DSmoke

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » January 28th, 2012, 8:35 pm

Make sure you take some pics of before, during, and after of the cutting.... :noqview:

k.a.m. · Post by **k.a.m.** » February 4th, 2012, 8:52 am

DSmoke, personally I have never seen or heard of a propane tank that was galvanized. Most tanks have several layers of the nastiest paint imaginable on them.
To test it you can burn into it and if around the cut the metal has a whitish grey powder residue then it is most likely galvanized. If it is try not to breathe the fumes they can make you sick.
I hope this helps.

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » February 4th, 2012, 6:51 pm

... DC licking galvanizing? - hmmm - THAT explains a lot -

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » February 4th, 2012, 9:36 pm

Edna's Kid wrote:... DC licking galvanizing? - hmmm - THAT explains a lot -

Hey now....wait....

.....

Post by **Tom_Heath** » February 5th, 2012, 7:30 pm

Rick wrote:... DC licking galvanizing? - hmmm - THAT explains a lot -

YUP exactaly my thoughts.....LMAO

for Rick

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