Propane Tank Jitters!!!

DownHome Smokin · Posted: Jan 09 2006 Post subject: Propane Tank Jitters!!!

Hey Yall, I wrote earlier that I was in the process of building a smoker, well its true and Im about to get started now that I have ALMOST all the things I think I need to get started. Heres the thing, I talk with my buddies and EVERYONE has thier own opinion on how to purge and cut the tank. I Honestly believe if I FILL the tank with water till it over flows out the other spout , (as it has 2 openings up top) that it will be safe to cut. Mind you now Im cutting with a CUT SAW, not a TORCH! I read ALL the info here on the SMOKE RING forum and it has had me checking prices on NEW unused tanks and this and that, but I think I CAN do this.... I will be SCARED to death BUT.... I WILL DO IT!!!! ANY and ALL info will be read! I WILL post pics after about 3rd or 4th week in Febuary as I plan on buying a new Computer... this one barely lets me do this.... Thank You All, and I'll keep you informed! DETERMINED IN GEORGIA!!!!

Travis_Creek · Posted: Jan 09 2006 Post subject:

It certainly can be done. People do it all the time. I will hesitate to offer the following suggestions. Fill it with water and let it overflow as you stated. I've heard of people adding dish water soap, though I have never done it. Then turn the tank upside down, openings down. Run a hose from your automobile to one of the inlets. Let it run, for say an hour or so, to purge the oxygen out. Then begin the cut.

Not saying I would do it myself, as I wouldn't. I simply have to many kids to take care of and I have seen to many accidents. I would take it to someone and have it done. Even if they charged a $100 it would be worth it.

If you do decide, be careful and GOOD LUCK!!
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Alien BBQ · Posted: Jan 09 2006 Post subject:

After the water flush, use dry Ice (a lot) to displace the oxygen. When it starts overflowing the upper ports, cross your fingers an start the cut.
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JamesB · Posted: Jan 09 2006 Post subject:

I would advise you to pay someone to cut it for you that has experience doing such things... I have heard and read all of the advice before and still read about folks blowing themselves up!

Best advice I've ever read about cutting into old propane tanks is the hire someone else to do it while you watch from a hill about 1/4 mile away with binoculars and a cell phone... and be ready to dial 911.

Good Luck with what ever you decide to do.

James.

DownHome Smokin · Posted: Jan 10 2006 Post subject: I talked with THE MAN today!

I spoke with a man from a gas company TODAY, (he called me!) and he said he did one himself yesterday and all that I needed to do was fill it with water, let it sit over night, drain it early and make your cuts... He said the heat from the day would make gases more prevelent to ignite than early in the morning. He also stated it was BEST to do in the early hours of winter, compared to summer!!! I WILL TAKE PICS!!! Thank You ALL for your comments and I feel soooo much better after speaking to MR POST, was his name .

Rich · Newbie Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 78 Location: Bangor,Pa

skip the pics...get this on video for us,that way if (god forbid) the worse happens we can show it to the next guy who asks advise about this
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Alien BBQ · Posted: Jan 13 2006 Post subject:

Call the gas guy and offer him $50 to do yours!
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roxy · Posted: Jan 13 2006 Post subject:

Good advice Alien.
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allsmokenofire · Posted: Jan 13 2006 Post subject:

I'm noticing this guy hasn't posted since then...
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roxy · Posted: Jan 13 2006 Post subject:

Any one hear a big bang or see a fire ball on the horizon..??
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Do not rely on a rabbits foot for luck, it did not work out too well for the rabbit...

Alien BBQ · Posted: Jan 13 2006 Post subject:

I saw a strange glow... but that is kinda normal around here in Roswell.
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Tony · Posted: Jan 14 2006 Post subject:

Hello......

Is anybody out there?............

Doc1680 · Posted: Jan 14 2006 Post subject:

Where's Dawgphan? He's in Georgia. Maybe he saw the fireworks. Seriously though. I hope this guy didn't go and blow himself up.
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Doc

bigabyte · Posted: Jan 14 2006 Post subject:

Well, he did mention he would post pics the 3rd of 4th week in February, don't know if that's when he intended to cut into it or not. I guess if we don't hear from him by March we may want to send some flowers... somewhere... Crying or Very sad

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DownHome Smokin · Posted: Jan 15 2006 Post subject:

LOL... you guys are too funny, I havent tried to make my cuts yet but they're soon to come, I work hard and long just off a 2 week run have today off and go right back tommorow, being sunday and going back to work i have a hard time doing everything I want and keeping up with my kids with just one day off every so often. ( My wife knows me and understands!!!) She truly is a SAINT! I will do this as time permits and will have pics, I am not scared! See you soon and eat good Q!

Jeff T · Posted: Jan 15 2006 Post subject:

Can understand that, make hay while the sun`s a shining.

Oswego · Posted: Jan 15 2006 Post subject:

I know someone that makes several grills and smokers a year from propane tanks and he told me to add dishwashing soap when filling
with water(whole bottle) because there is oil in the propane tank(either to stop rust or help prevent spark) anyway when heated from cutting the oil in the pores of the metal vaporize and could flash. He fill with water adds dawn and lets sit several days
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Doc1680 · Posted: Jan 15 2006 Post subject:

Good to see you still with us. Very Happy

I used to work that much when I was younger so I know how that is. Definitely keep us updated. And good luck.
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Love the voodoo that Q do.

Doc

DownHome Smokin · Posted: Jan 21 2006 Post subject:

Hi all, cuts are soon to come, rain moving in so i have time to catch up with some stuf, I'lkl have pics soon , loo forward to your comments... Im still ALIVE!!!!!

Tony · Posted: Jan 22 2006 Post subject:

Amen!
Well...Glad ya' jumped back into the Ring!
Ya'll had us seachin' the Obituaries and stuff! (lol)

We're all anxious to see the beginnings of a killer home brew barbecue pit...can't wait to see the pics!
Good Luck,keep us posted on your progress and above all...stay in touch!

Best Regards.Tony