cutting a 5 gal tank

[Bob]

I have a used and a bit rusty 5-gal compressor air tank. I would like to cut it length-wise. I want to use one half as a grader blade for my roto-tiller. Maybe the other for a BBQ.

I have an oxy-ace set, but I have not cut anything for many years. The air tank has two 3/8" (?) opening that are open.

Will the opening vent enought to make this cutting safe, or might I get blow back on the cut?

How thick is a 5-gal, 125 psi working, Craftsman air tank ... so I can guess how boring it will be to cut with a saber-saw?

Bob

[Guest]

Those tanks are usually coated on the inside...you'd be better using a hand grinder with a cut off wheel...it could go boom.

[Hotfoot]

...or a carbide metal cutting blade in a 7" hand saw...they make a very nice cut....I don't know how well that's going to work for a dozer blade, though, it'll be pretty thin.

[McMark]

Why would burning the tank with OA be potentially explosive, and grinding or hot sawing not be as dangerous? I don't get it.

[Guest]

Why would burning the tank with OA be potentially explosive, and grinding or hot sawing not be as dangerous? I don't get it.

Yeah, I see your point...however, the torch would be producing more fire and fumes, than the cut off wheel, is what I was thinking...the metal cutting circular saw is an even better idea.

[drizler]

Sawzall

Put a metal cutting blade into your sawzall and go for it. Thats how I cut the side out of my old 250 gallon oil tank. It cut pretty darned fast and made a nice cut ( full of water so it wouldn't go boom). Once it was opened at the top then I took the oxy propane cutter to it. Overkill yea but after all these years I am still hopelessly in love with me and want to keep it that way,right here and everything working. I was impressed with how fast the sawzall cut and what a nice job it did.

[Brianstick]

Sawzall

Sawzalls are awesome. I cut up an entire steel bathtub with one. Everyone said i wouldn't be able to get it out without taking down the wall.

[smyrna5]

Speaking of cutting pressure cylinders, I have an old worn out gas shock (can push it down by hand easily). It says on the outside not to open it, but I keep wondering.

[Pumpkinhead]

Put a metal cutting blade into your sawzall and go for it. Thats how I cut the side out of my old 250 gallon oil tank. ....( full of water so it wouldn't go boom).

gee, i hope that was a cordless SawzAll. 'cause 120v corded and water don't mix well.

[injun joe]

o/a

thats what i would use it never contained anything explosive before as long as i know so it shouldnt explode because there is nothing combustible with in it maybe a coating as stated already

[Y2K]

InjunJoe, I presume you have not seen the oil fumes / sludge from an air compressor that are collected in a tank. Why do you think BIG trucks (air brakes) have dryers and drains installed. Something tells ME that a stationary compressor is just as much of a sludge maker as a truck comp. This sludge WILL!!!! go boom!!

[mcostello]

Ya I am supposed to know better but...........
Got a 1/2 barrel of acetone free at work, contaminated with something. Drained off the good stuff, found out rusty water was on bottom.
Left outside to air out couple a months with bungs out. Filled up about 1/2 full with water and drained out. Went to cut with Lincoln Ideal Arc, Stopped several times to cool down. Last little bit and POWDER? in bottom started burning and coming out of bung like a roman candle, stepped back and lifted hood and it gave a soft POP and went out. Did not check for powder in bottom.
Whats bad is previous boss in another life asked some one to dehead a barrel and it took their head off, and I knew this, just did not think this was that dangerous as it had aired out for so long.

[uncrichie]

I vote for Sawzall, my favorite weapon of destruction!!! Uncrichie.

[Bob]

Thanks All

I have a steel cutting blade for the 7-1/4 circular saw ... works great, but I am leary about cutting something curved/round.
Sounds like sawzall is the weapon of choice. SO I GET TO BUY A NEW TOOL !!!

I'm gonna start another thread on 'which sawzall'.

Thanks again,
Bob

[uncrichie]

Bob, Ive had great luck with my Milwaukee its 14 yrs young and still gets alot of use/abuse. I can't vouch for the newer models as we all know whats been happening to some tool/machine quality these days. Its almost a crap shoot. Good luck with your project. Uncrichie.