Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

I have just exchanged the Argoshield bottle that I have been paying rental on for the last three years whilst it lay in the shed, half full, waiting for its moment of glory.

It will probably end up half full again at the end of my current spate of welding, only to re-emerge, who knows when and if I am mad enough to take on another restoration.

I could take it back and cancel the rental but also give back my expensive gas.

It's a pain. Does anyone have a similar experience and can come up with a legal way to avoid gas bottle rental charges but still get proper gas?

D4B · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 2083 Location: Hampshire UK

Yes if the smaller (pub size) bottles are adequate ~ I use these people
don't know if they cover your area though Peter?

http://www.adamsgas.co.uk/

edit: looks like there is at least 2 distributors in Scotland?

http://www.adamsgas.co.uk/index.php?option=com_storelocator&view=map&Itemid=80

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4105 Location: South Cheshire

I keep meaning to move from BOC, I currently rent ;oxygen, acetylene and co2, dread to think what I have paid in cylinder rental over the years.

Dave

Uncle Alec · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 734 Location: Manchester

Same boat as you UKdave. Let us know what the cheaper options are.

Phil Lincoln · Joined: 18 Oct 2009 Posts: 26 Location: LINCOLN

Hi , Just about to start a welding marathon on my Rover P4 and had to decide which way to go for gas.After much searching I landed on good old Calor Gas in Grimsby who are agents for Hobbyweld.
A 9 litre cylinder of Hobby weld 5 is £35 for the gas, £50 deposit on the cylinder with a refund of £40 when you have finished with the cylinder providing you have the paperwork.
9 litres is equivalent to 23 of the small disposable cans.
I am sure the larger cylinders may be cheaper on gas but I couldnt find anybody with a rental price I was prepared to live with.

Regards to all, Phil.

D4B · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 2083 Location: Hampshire UK

Hi Phil,

Yes that is almost identical to what I am paying (same deposit too)

Steve

Phil - Nottingham · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 1252 Location: Nottingham

I have rented BOC Portapack Oxygen & Acetylene on 5 year rental terms for almost 30 years now and it is not cheap but although I do not use it often now if it gets used once a year its probably worth it.

I use pub CO2 for the MiG though
_________________
Rover P2
Rover P4
Rover P5 & P5B
Land Rover S2 & S3
Morris Mini Traveller Mk2

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

Answered my own question with a web search. Smile

some good suggestions here but I find that BOC now do tiny bottles with low rental...

http://www.boconline.co.uk/en/products-and-supply/industrial-gases/shielding-gases/argoshield/2-litre-argoshield-light-filled-cylinder/2-litre-argoshield-light.html

Kelsham · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 9:48 am Post subject:

Colwyn I was in the same position. I now use Adams gas. You pay one of charge and buy the bottle. It contains less gas than BOC but so far I am happy. I tend to use gas in bursts.

Paying rental especially at the premium rate used to make me wince.

I also bought an oxygen bottle for my Mapps gas setup.

I understand BOC have a special offer for hobbyists but I was never offered it.

Regards Kels.

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4105 Location: South Cheshire

Spurred into action by this by this topic, I found we have a local distributor , I now have rent free Oxygen, Acetylene and C02 Very Happy

£50 bottle deposit (refundable on return) , refill is more expensive than BOC, but overall I will save a fortune Very Happy

Dave

MikeEdwards · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 2472 Location: South Cheshire

Out of interest Dave, where did you go? I took my BOC bottle back after it sitting virtually unused for 18 years (I am not adding that rental up) and got an Argoshield from a caravan place in Kidsgrove whose name I can never remember.

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4105 Location: South Cheshire

Hi Mike

Its PET Hire in Crewe, they have just become distributors for both Hobbyweld & Albee, both supply oxygen, argon, C02 & acetylene. The Albee cylinders have built in regulators, so you just need arresters (same fitting as BOC), pipes and a torch. The hobbyweld cylinders have the same regulator fittings as BOC.

Dave

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

Thanks to everyone for some great advice and also for making me feel a bit less stupid.

MikeEdwards · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 2472 Location: South Cheshire

Interesting. I think I paid about the same deposit and it's around £36 for a refill. I'll mention it to my mate, I know he's on BOC rented Oxy-Acetylene cylinders and they won't be cheap as they're big ones.

gragol · Joined: 22 May 2013 Posts: 6

Hi guys,

new to this forum, I have semi-retired from professional classic car restoration and am now a Hobbyweld stockist in Southport.

Let me know if I can be of assistance with advice etc.