Being recently uninsured, and missing the privilege of medical oxygen, which I have been using with great success for the past year or so, I have begun considering the alternative of getting 02 from welding suppliers.  It seems that this option can even be less expensive than for medical, regardless of insurance.

I have read some of the information available on the site on this subject, and have several specific queries. 

1) Is there reason for concern about the hydro-tests and/or chemical traces in rented welders 02 cylinders? How does one ensure that the substance they are ingesting is safe?

2) Assuming one owns a mask and regulator, will there be an additional fitting necessary to adapt to the welders cylinder valve?

Finally, for the longer term I am considering owning my own cylinders.  I would really appreciate if some of the so-called "pushers" could weight in here for me (and hopefully someone else might find the information useful) regarding the advantages and disadvantages, in your experience, of owning or renting cylinders, and of using medical versus welding resources, whether one rents or owns cylinders.

Thanks!

Brian

For several years my insurance did not cover my 02. I rented E-Tanks at $4.25 per tank a month, and $11-$13 for each refill. Still required a prescription but not a bank breaker for me at the time.

As to Welding Oxygen. I have no personal experience so I can only offer you what I have gleaned from the board. Welders have said you have nothing to worry about. 02 is pure 02 in the welding rigs. Any impurities would apparently weaken the weld causing things to break. Several on the board have posted of using welding 02 for many years with no problems.

As to the fittings, yes they are different. A medical regulator will not fit on a welding rig. Beyon that I will wait for those smarter then me to explain the exact differences.

Joe

Hey Brian:

I sucked a can of welders O2 seemed ok!  Asked Doc what
she thought, she was not really happy, but that was the
answer I expected. 

So, I asked the guys that supplied the welders O2 and I was
told this.

"Med O2 tanks are evacuated first is the only difference." 

That's what I was told! So, I guess you could be getting
99.9999% O2 with some Air mixed in.  Did seem to work!

I don't know this for sure this is what I was told at the
supply place.  Just figured I would post that information.

I put on a friends account so not sure of price.

Peace,

Boski

I have had and used both for 23 years now.  No difference and after 23 yrs.  if there was something bad..I'd certainly have noticed it by now.

I have a 25lpm regulator on my e-tanks but my welding regulator goes SO much higher than that, so when I'm really dancing, I prefer the welders.  Oh...the welders is cheaper too.

I have a Flotec 540CGA reg for my M tank that does work on the same size welding tank. BUT I also have a 540CGA that my O2 supplier gave me that won't. The smaller E med tanks take a 870CGA reg. that's different.

Don

Edited to correct, E med tanks take 870CGA regs.

Don

Marc wrote on Aug 17^th, 2010 at 9:08pm:

Brian, No one can promise you that there will never be any impurities, but a small dose of common sense goes a very long way. Do the research - get control of the situation! Some basics: START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Marc

S'hore glad to seeya back Marc.  Your advice is spot on.

                  Potter

Good to see you back, Marc.

Don

My M tank has a stamping that says "INTERSTATE WELDING SALES CORP" and I got it from the medical supply business that filled my prescription.

i use both. keep in mind. welding gasses have to be pure as to not contaminate the weld.

But a weld is a weld and we are Alive Johnny 5!  Ok!

That said I live in the middle of NYC, I think I may have
sucked in a few bad things here and there!  Oh yeah,
did I mention I was I smoker for a few years, like 2O
few. Opposite of O2 Haha!!   Oh, This would be my choice!

If I can get Med O2 Yeah Baby!  Suck it down, But if dieing in
pain would I turn my nose up a some welders O2, No F'ing
way!  Hope that helps! 

Peace everyone,
Boski