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    Cutting a Propane Tank

    I've got a 100# propane tank I'm gonna try to build a little wood stove/heater out of. I just took the valve out of it, and I have it full of water and dish soap now.

    Is there anything else I need to know or do before I cut it? I'm gonna cut it with a cutoff wheel.

    I've been around propane, and propane appliances for a while, worked on a bunch....I know enough to not be scared of it, and also enough to ask if there's anything else I need to know about this....it's been a while since I blowed anything up, and I'd like for it to be a while longer


    Thanks!

    #2
    As a precaution video it. That way if it does blow someone else will learn from your mistake !

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      #3
      You are good to go !

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        #4
        No problem, just dump the water and torch it up.

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          #5
          No big issue to worry about. I have made a handful of pits out of big propane tanks and it isn't as dangerous as people say.

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            #6
            Leave the water in when you are cutting.

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              #7
              Originally posted by kmitchl View Post
              Leave the water in when you are cutting.
              this^^^^

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                #8
                Originally posted by kmitchl View Post
                Leave the water in when you are cutting.
                X2

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                  #9
                  Good to go. To be overly cautious you can throw some dry ice in there or pump it full of argon. At this point, that would just be a waste of money. Then again, if you throw some dry ice in there with a little bit of water that’ll get the neighbors talking before you cut into it. :-)

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                    #10
                    Propane boils at -44 degrees. By filling the tank with water you’ve purged any vapor residue that might have still been in there. You are good to start cutting with anything you feel necessary. Like said above, it’s not as big a deal as people make it out to be. Purge it and go.

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                      #11
                      Originally posted by kmitchl View Post
                      Leave the water in when you are cutting.
                      Will never work with a torch. Can't get it hot enough.

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                        #12
                        Good stuff, folks! Thank you all.


                        I'll update when we get started.

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                          #13
                          Just be aware of two things. 1). It will take awhile to heat as the water cools the metal. 2). When you hit a pocket of gas it will send water squirting out of the hole. I nearly pulled a Dale Gribble when he said “gentlemen, the crap has literally been scared out of me”. Other than that you should be fine.

                          Bud.

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                            #14
                            I've cut into lots of propane vessels. Self employed oilfield welder and fabricator for 30+ years. Fill it with water, up to the top where there is no air space. You'll have to turn the torch up a little to compensate for the heat the water will absorb. When you cut into it, especially at first, it may rumble and spit water several feet out of the filler neck. This is normal. Unless you didn't know its normal, then you have to change underwear.

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                              #15
                              Originally posted by Walker View Post
                              Will never work with a torch. Can't get it hot enough.
                              Yes, it will. You do have to turn up the torch, and maybe use a size larger tip if you are already using a small one. A #1 tip will cut into pretty thick water filled tanks if you turn it up..

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