So I bought a little 110 MIG (Everlast, FWIW) over a year ago at this point and it's probably time for me to attempt to do something with it. My stupid question is: Where should I buy gas? What should I look out for? What should a bottle cost? Are the bottles the same (meaning, will my regulator go on any bottle, or should I take it to the store with me)? I'm pretty sure I want C25 for regular old MIG, but that's about all I know. In terms of bottle size, uhh... knee high? I couldn't even begin to guess what size that is when translated from idiot to useful dimensions. Also FWIW, I'd like to buy 2 bottle (of "uhhh?" size) because the one thing I do know about welding is that everyone is always almost out of gas and I'd like to have a spare around. I don't mind the initial up front costs for the long run greater convenience of actually getting my work done when I want it done, but I also don't have tons of vertical space where I'm planning to keep the welder. Plus I'd like to keep it somewhat portable since the welder itself is only, maybe, 30lbs.
I've heard horror stories of places trying to do weirdo leases, or not wanting to fill tanks bought at X store (I've seen this involving Airgas mostly, both sides of it), or demanding expensive recerts of you own your own tanks, and other shenanigans so I thought I'd just ask some guys who actually have an idea of what they're doing before I just toss myself to the wolves and make a bad choice. I'd likely be shopping in the Elkhart area, but if there's a really awesome welding store that I should establish a relationship with now that is a little further out, fine with me.
Thanks in advance!
I've heard horror stories of places trying to do weirdo leases, or not wanting to fill tanks bought at X store (I've seen this involving Airgas mostly, both sides of it), or demanding expensive recerts of you own your own tanks, and other shenanigans so I thought I'd just ask some guys who actually have an idea of what they're doing before I just toss myself to the wolves and make a bad choice. I'd likely be shopping in the Elkhart area, but if there's a really awesome welding store that I should establish a relationship with now that is a little further out, fine with me.
Thanks in advance!