[TheForge] old propane tanks

[Paul Novorolsky]

I've done a few. They scare me too.

My practice has been to remove the valve (on some, easier said than 
done. They tend to be really tight)

I then fill them with water and let them sit for a couple days. 
(outside). An oily residue will float to the top. A while back someone 
on this list provided either a description of it, or a suggestion for 
handling it. (I don't recall which. Maybe this will jog someone's memory)

I then cut off the collar and cut a larger opening around the valve 
while they are still full of water using a pneumatic cutoff wheel. (That 
way, there's no danger of electrocuting myself using an electric tool 
around water) I cut out about a 4"x4" hole.

I then dump out the water and let them dry for a day or so. At this 
point, with a good size vent, I'm not as worried about explosions. I've 
done 20lb and 30lb tanks this way.

**Paul

On 9/26/11 11:05 AM, Lucky7Steel wrote:
> In an unrelated discussion about Propane ...
>
> Does anyone have experience welding or cutting old propane tanks? i have
> been collecting a few empties but i'm a bit scared still to cut into them!
> any tips?
>
> ~karen~
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