Propane Tank Size

Charles L

Charles L

Joined
Feb 20, 2008
Messages
138
I know this is kind of a stupid question but I have to ask anyway. I just finished building a forge with Ed Caffrey's plans. What size propane tanks do most of you use? I know a 5 gallon BBQ tank is too small because they freeze up when in use and I want something I don't have to fill every time I forge 6 or 8 knives or do a little welding. I don't want a 250 gallon tank sitting in my pasture either. I won't be making 10 -15 knives a day because this is just a hobby. So, what are the suggestions for a reasonable tank size for a forge with one or two burners, mine has 1 but want to be prepared for the future and a firing chamber 6" diameter X 16" length? If this forge doesn't work Like I expect, though I think it will, I will purchase forge from Ellis. Sorry for the stupid question.
 
I use a 120 gallon tank. This is the size I can set next to or in the the building without an inspection. Check with your local autorities for max and mims. Some get by with 100 pounders.
 
I use two 20 pounders connected with a "T". I chose 20 pound since we have to travel a lot with the tanks and it's any easier size to carry.

These work just fine on the Darren Ellis 8" forced air forge (that I highly recommend).
 
It takes 96000 btu per hour of straight burn time to use 1 gallon of propane. A 100 pound propane tank holds @20 gallon. 20 lb b-b-q bottle holds @ 5 gallon.

I'd opt for 100 lb tank. I used one on my whisper low boy for just heat treat and occasional forging for several years and the thing lasted forever. I just have a 20 lb tank on it now and still get several sessions out of it although it does freeze up on me.

Hope this helps.
Craig
 
I use a 100 pound bottle. It is empty sometimes and I have to stop to go fill it. If I were rich I would lease a 250 from the propane company and put it on a "keep full" plan. It would look good out by the shop I think.
 
That one looks like the one I've seen at Lowe's. Probably a new size. I think it's about $90.00. Looked good to me. Gonna get one next time I go to town.
 
They all will work fine but I like a big one. I have a 350 gal out behind the shop and it's filled once a year and a half or so. It also cost about half per gallon here to have the big one filled over the smaller tanks I used to carry into town.
 
Have been using the 20lb size tanks forever, easy on the back. To prevent freezing up, set the tank in a kitty litter box with about 4" of water in it. The water sucks the cold from the tank, yeah I know, sounds crazy, but it works. With heavy use you may get a block of ice in the litter box on the bottom of the tank.
 
Don Hanson III said:
They all will work fine but I like a big one. I have a 350 gal out behind the shop and it's filled once a year and a half or so. It also cost about half per gallon here to have the big one filled over the smaller tanks I used to carry into town.
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Yep!

Same question came up about a year ago, mentioning checking into getting a DOT type RV or alternate fuel tank with a 1" ACME fitting, as your tank has.

Last time I checked, the price to fill a 20# BBQ or POL fitting bottles is written in real small blurry font on the ground at the fill station..... You need to grab your ankles to see it.

I run a 60 gallon Manlincher DOT tank in my Farrier rig , last 10 times I filled it it has been about the same price, $50 bucks for 30 gallons. $1.67 a gallon.

30 gallons is about 7 BBQ bottles, I paid $100 dollars for my 60 gallon tank, used.
 
I have used a 60 lb bottle and it worked fine, but now I use a big 500 gallon tank and I like it much better.:thumbup:
 
I am presently useing a 100 Lbs tank, I'm haveing a 350 installed as soon as they show up.You will use the same amount of propane no matter the size of the tank.With the 350 they check it every month and top it off.Nothing is worse than running out of propane on a sunday morning. Its just one less thing to worry about.
 
I use a 100# tank. It is portable enough to take and get re-filled, and big enough that no one will walk off with it.

Jim - 120 GALLON tank inside a building???? can't imagine that is legal, even in Idaho! That is about 500 pounds of propane.
Stacy
 
bladsmth said:
I use a 100# tank. It is portable enough to take and get re-filled, and big enough that no one will walk off with it.

Jim - 120 GALLON tank inside a building???? can't imagine that is legal, even in Idaho! That is about 500 pounds of propane.
Stacy
Click to expand...

Yep its legal, not to smart, but legal.
Mine is outside for ease of filling.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I just found a 150 gallon tank in excellent shape for 100 bucks. Think I'll go for that one.
 
I used to use a 100lb tank but now I run a far more effective 420lb tank. My tank holds 100 gallons so I know you will be extremely pleased with having a 150 gallon tank, some propane companies won't fill any tanks except their own so you might want to look into propane suppliers before you buy the tank.
 
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