Stainless, Problems?

Hazmatt · #1 09-17-2009, 11:03 AM

Does anybody know of any reason (aside from cost) why a stainless tank would be a bad idea?
I rescued some stainless pipe and copper fittings from garbage and was thinkin' of makin' my own tank.

bairdco · #2 09-17-2009, 12:07 PM

because it would be so cool someone might steal it...

stainless is perfect for gas. it resists corrosion and rust better than most anything, and it doesn't need to be painted, gas won't stain it (duh, stainless,) etc...

the reason you don't see a lot of stainless tanks, is because of what you said, cost. stainless is friggen expensive.

here's a good link:Stainless Accessories Online | Buy Stainless Steel Gas Tanks

ratboy · #3 09-17-2009, 12:29 PM

most of my fabrication work is done with stainless, its perfect for tanks, and when polished it looks fantastic,give it a go

Kevlarr · #4 09-17-2009, 12:36 PM

Probably because in order to weld stainless properly you have to tig weld it. That and the fact that you have to be a darn good metal worker to get a stainless tank to look good, there's no hiding imperfections with filler.

Hazmatt · #5 09-17-2009, 03:32 PM

Sweet,
I am not a good tig welder, but I think I can bribe my co-workers into helping me.

Hazmatt · #6 10-07-2009, 08:36 AM

Oooohhh, decision crisis. I just got my hands on an empty, 1 gallon fire extinguisher. I think this just might be my first tank.

Rockenstein · #7 10-07-2009, 08:48 AM

A TIG welder is not a must have for joining stainless! Why is everyone so stuck on electric welders...lol...gas welding is as good now as it was 100 years ago! A set of tanks and torches is sooo much more versatile in the home engineers shop compared to any electric welder.

You can use O/A or even O/P to join stainless parts...and simply brazing it would likely be fine too.

Elmo · #8 10-07-2009, 10:17 PM

Silver brazing (silver solder) worsk well on stainless.
Elmo

Hazmatt · #9 10-08-2009, 05:53 AM

Well,
I have decided for now to use the Extinguisher tank. I still don't have enough stainless to do what I want.
The Ext. tank is working out great. I added a filler pipe and a copper air tube.
I still have to install the fuel line.
Since I do not have an engine yet, I don't know what size fitting to use. Is it a 1/4" line? or is it some metric tubing size?
I will post some photos soon (After I clean up my ugly brazing job).

**BarelyAWake** · #10 10-08-2009, 06:10 AM

it's a 1/4" line or dang well close 'nuff ayup