Tank for Forge

[Protactical]

I've made a few forges using fairly heavy steel pipe. I found a neighbour had thrown out a propane type tank, perfect size for a forge, reasonably thick metal, though much lighter than the pipe. The only thing is it is a one use only helium container for inflating party balloons. It's expended, no more gas escapes, from what I can tell. Are there any things to worry about converting this to a forge? Hellium is an inert gas, pressure aside, I can't imagine what would be dangerous about cutitng into this rig, but then I don't really know squat about hellium, anyone know whether this is a safe donor tank?

 

[Matt Shade]

I used a propane tank for mine. Left it outside with the valve open for awhile, and then filled it with water before I made the first couple cuts.
I'd say you'd be safe to do the same with your helium tank. Only precaution I would give is that its not safe to cut into closed containers like that with a torch. Get it vented with a cut off wheel or something first.

 

[MSCantrell]

If there IS a little helium left inside when you cut in, and it escapes, and you breathe it in... your voice might do that helium thing and everyone could laugh at you. I don't know how thick your skin is, but me, that might hurt.

 

[B Finnigan]

I used an old (empty) 5ga non OPV tank for my forge, there are lots of them floating around. To purge it I drilled two 1/2" holes on each side of the valve. I used one hole to fill it with water and the other was the vent. You could also take one in and get it nitrogen purged for a few bucks. The 5ga ones are a good size for forges.