Manifold destiny.

J

jackrabbitslim

Joined
Jan 28, 2008
Messages
206
I was THIS CLOSE to buying a 100 lb. propane tank for my new Ellis forge when it dawned on me. My Honda just ain't gonna handle that well. So I thought, what if I just ran a couple of 20 lb. tanks together? That should keep them from freezing up quite so fast, right? So, my question is, has anybody else done this? Is there an easier way than shelling out for one of the tank manifolds on this site? http://www.zoellerforge.com/flare.html Or is this going to be as quick, cheap and easy as anything?
Thanks guys,
Gavin
 
There are some tanks that are larger and will fit in your Honda. My Lowes has one that's about twice my 40 lb'er for about $90.00. Stands about 3 1/2' tall.
 
I have a 3 series BMW, so I have the same problem. What I ended up doing was leasing a 100 pounder from Suburban Propane. The come fill it up on demand. It is a bit more expensive than having a pickup and taking the tank to the place myself to have it filled, but, in the long run, it costs less per gallon that trading out empty 20's for full ones at HD or Lowes. You should really look into that because going to a 100 pounder is like night and day after using 20's. I still keep a spare 20 in the shop in case the 100 runs out, but I have only had to use it once in the last year.
 
When I built my forge and was looking around for propane tanks I called a local propane distributor and found that for $50 a year I cloud lease a 125 gallon tank. A 250 gallon tank was not much more, but would require special permitting from the county that would add another $300 to the costs (gotta love gov't!). So I went with the 125 gal. tank.

They told me that if I had any issues with the tank freezing up that they would set another 125 gallon tank next to the first one and manifold them together and solve the problem.

It's somewhat amuzing that I could set two 125 gallon tanks and not need any special permits, but one 250 gallon tank requires it.:jerkit:

They delivered, set up and plumbed it into my shop free of charge amd fill it as needed at the going rate for propane.

For me, this is a great deal. I don't have to worry about hauling any tanks to town for filling and the 125 gallon size is large enough I have not had any issues with freezing up.

Just a thought, but it may be worth considering this alternative.

-Mike-
 
How about putting them in a tank of water?? This is how Wayne Goddard does his and he uses 20lb tanks. If you live in a really cold area then a heating element in the water would keep it from freezing. We also used the water tub method at the Pomona Forging Clinic. No problems there either.
 
Heck for $17.50 I would go for it. You might find the parts at the local propane dealer a little cheaper but I don't think it would be much.
 
Thanks for all the responses, guys. I'm going to have to look into leasing a tank. The larger tank made more sense from a forging standpoint, so if I can get somebody to deliver it for me -and come fill it up!- then that is definitely what I'm going to do.

Cheers!
 
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