Thread: Argon Welding Gas Cylinders - Own one and Never pay rent again!!

Is there much call for Argon Gas Cylinders on a WOODWORKING FORUM

yes there is in the subforum for metal workers

None of the gas suppliers up here in Qld will fill a customer owned cylinder as far as I know. They will only exchange one empty rental bottle for a full rental bottle.

Imagine the logistical exercise in Accepting a customers bottle to fill. Sending it to the filling station. Returning that very same cylinder to the very same depot. Ringing the customer to tell them their cylinder is ready for collection. Following up on it when the customer doesn't collect for a few days. In the mean time keeping the customers particular cylinder isolated so the he can get back HIS cylinder. The track and trace issues attached to that blow my mind.

I don't think it is practical from the suppliers perspective, and if I run out of gas, how many days do I have to wait to get my cylinder back?

Cheers

Reading their website I got the impression that you swapped your bottle for another full one (not that they actually refill YOUR bottle and return it to you). I guess you buy the bottle once (the first time) and then just pay for gas (plus some overheads) after that.

Hi Vernonv

That is correct. Once you have purchased the cylinder it is generally best to simply swap the empty cylinder over for a full one.

We understand that this system may not be suitable to everyone (due to the area they are located and our current service areas).

However we have found that there are a lot of people that weld on an occasional basis and had been paying rent for many years without refilling once.

If you look at the costs comparison it will take approximately one to two years to pay for the cylinder with what you would have paid other gas companies for rental.

For this reason we have even shipped cylinders with the knowledge that we will never see the gas cylinder again. It was cheaper for the customer to buy one, keep it in the back shed and sell for scrap metal when empty.

Regards,


Adam

Just wondering where the smeaton grange location is as per the ebay listing.

I'm in Narellan so it would be right next door to me.


Can you get aluminium bottles?

Originally Posted by Ch4iS

Just wondering where the smeaton grange location is as per the ebay listing.

I'm in Narellan so it would be right next door to me.


Can you get aluminium bottles?

Hi Ch4iS

Sorry for the delay in my reply. Smeaton Grange pickup point is on Hartley Drive however this is only a pickup point prior arrangement has to be made to ensure that the cylinder you require is ready to collect. We have a distributor at Tahmoor NSW which is also close to you who is open 6 days a week and no appointment necessary.


Regards,


Adam

Pity you don't do acetlyne and oxygen. I'd kill to have an oxy at home but it'd only get very occasional use.

Do you have any Agents/Depots in Qld? (Especially Brisbane, Townsville or Cairns-in particular)

Adam, what will it take to set up an agent in Victoria? Are you planning to? Are you in discussions or negotiations with someone?
What sort of investment is required to set up an agency and what sort of proft (in %) could be expected?
I suspect you would be loathe to discuss the last question in a public forum, but feel free to PM me and I'll give you my private e-mail address. The other questions will be asked again by others - and you probably should answer them here.
Cheers,
Joe

Might pay to look via the first link. The EBay shop does not exist and there appears to be a change of name etc. You would now be dealing with Martin according to the Speed Gas website.

Dean