Lol I need more guys like you around here!!
My local Airgas were nice to me when I was a noob, then I ended up handling orders and running the toolroom for our local vo-tech and became their largest customer (until State funding evaporated).
Many businesses don't understand that if you take care of customers they don't forget it!
I love helping guys out because when their buddy needs to get something who do you think they're gonna refer them to,
Ezzacly. Welders are an outspoken bunch.
Posted by oldred:
Acetylene welding may not account for a large percentage of welding but it is still done quite a lot in spite of what some might think so welding is important to a lot of us, for those of us who do weld with gas then advice on how to obtain Acetylene would be in order and not suggestions on another type of fuel.
Since the sources are regional, perhaps posting who currently "needs" acetylene so others can mention current sources would be appropriate? Who has it on-hand may change over time.
Multifuel suggestions can still be useful since you can cut and heat with an alternate fuel to save acetylene. The crusty veterans won't need that of course, but many folks don't think about convenient ways to do that.
For example, one can use a single oxygen cylinder and a valved Y-fitting (handier for connecting/disconnecting stuff downstream) along with an acetylene welding torch and a propane cutting torch or rosebud setup. No second oxy cylinder rental, no overdraw on small acetylene cylinders for rosebud work, less torch swapping, and money saved for other things.
Google "Western Enterprises" along with the general fitting name and it's often quicker than using their catalog. They rule the roost and their brass fittings are widely available online. If you don't like your LWS or are too far away it's a good way to go.
If you LIKE your LWS, showing up with the printed Western page for reference saves them looking it up. Informed customers are easier to serve. I prefer to do the research and let my LWS do the ordering. Everybody is happy.
The hardcore gas welders might consider haunting Craigslist for more acetylene cylinders to facilitate hoarding. You can get more acetylene cylinders before running your current batch empty.
When hunting used cylinders:
Get the NAME off the neck ring AND the sticker. (I take digital pics when useful.) Over the last century there have been many welding gas suppliers who were later consumed by industry consolidation.
If your local supplier won't exchange the cylinder it's useless. (I would keep 'em for friends who aren't local if they were free.) Call supplier to see if they'll swap. I don't do this where seller can listen in. Know in advance if the supplier actually cares about hydro dates or what hydro will cost. If you have a selection of suppliers, know their different exchange policies.
All this VARIES by region and individual supplier policy. Assume nothing.
Arc marks and other damage can condemn a cylinder easily. There are plenty of UGLY old acetylene cylinders, but know disqualifying damage.
Since J&M is here, he might post his specific policies to educate the group. There are LOTS of good owner-sized cylinders in garages and barns out there which can be exchanged.
If you have buddies with cylinder contracts, they may be able to run your exchange cylinders through their shop. Contract prices can be MUCH lower than guy-off-the-street retail.