[TheForge] Converting a propane tank to a gas forge

[Bob Ehrenberger]

Paul,

When we had to upgrade the valves on our tank a few years ago the LP dealer 
had a stand with a chain vice to hold the tank. The wrench looked like a 
piece of heavy walled pipe, it had a notch cut in one end to fit over the 
valve and was drilled with a bar stuck through the other end to use as a 
handle.  It took a lot of force to remove the old valve.

Robert Ehrenberger
Shelbyville, Mo.
eforge at centurytel.net

Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:02:44 -0500
From: Paul N <crosspein at sbcglobal.net>
Subject:To: Sponsored by ABANA <theforge at mailman.qth.net>

I've acquired a "few" old/junked propane tanks (20lb, and 30lb) that I'd
like to convert to gas forges.

I made one at the UMBA forge build last winter, but I wasn't happy with
some of my decisions (it was my first time at this). Since these were
cheap, I thought I'd just try again.

My plan was to remove the valve, fill the tank completely with water,
and use a pneumatic cutoff wheel to open it up.

What presently has me held up is removing that stinking valve. I'm
currently thinking I need a bigger lever, cuz that thing is on there TIGHT.

But before I go the brute force path, has anyone on the list done this
and have advice to offer?

Mid 90's here in northern IL too. (and I agreed to meet at the
blacksmith shop this evening, maybe we'll have enough sense not to start
up the forges... nah)

**paul