BOC and Volkszone - Gas Offer

[Powermyster]

I get pure co2 pub gas for nothing, is it worth my while trying to get this deal. Is the arc/quality of weld that much better??

 

[Flathead_Dave]

The perceived wisdom is that Argoshield and similar gases will give a better quality weld,and are better on thin sheet,as they're less prone to burn through.
I can leave my gear untoughed for maybe 3 months,switch it on,zap a piece of scrap to test things,weld what needs welding,and pack everything away till next time.I don't think I could do that with pub gas.
If you're happy with what you're using,stick with it,but the fact you think there could be an improvement,suggests you're not that happy.

 

[gaz1]

as i am aware of a boc dealership in bradford

and also i have been told that i need a gas bottle with my welder that ive just aquired

a, i kinda dont know how big a y bottle is or how long the bottle lasts (depending on usage)
b, hoping to get on the boc deal as well from the bradford boc office
c, not sure of the connections so i can get the gas regulator

im also somewhat mixed between buying a bottle ( no rent charge )
or just renting

seen as im a first timer and dont have a bottle im curious on costs to initially start up using a mig

sorry used to using an arc welder

can get regulator from ebay all ready have the tubing and brass pipe lock to connect to bigger tube on welder so can swap up to a bigger bottle by getting a regulator for big gas bottle

 

[hotrodder]

BOC cylinder sizes and weights for argoshield here. If you click the 'gas price spreadsheet' link near the top of the page then you'll get a comparison regarding gas volumes and costs (the prices are probably out of date)

Rent free the gas itself is virtually always more expensive however you only pay for what you use. If you barely use any then it's cheaper than renting, if you get through multiple cylinders a year then rental quickly starts to make more sense...
Working out how much you're likely to get through is trickier... 5000 litres at 10 litres/min is straightforward enough but ~8 hours arc time is harder to quantify in terms of what you can make. Something complicated that takes me ~40 hours to fabricate may only have 1-2 hours of actual arc time in it. On the other hand simple and/or thicker stuff and you can spend more time welding than cutting/shaping/machining

Regulator connection threads are standardised, any argon or argon/co2 mix reg will fit. There's two styles in use (side entry and bottom entry)and it's not a make or break deal although if you're going with BOC then a bottom entry reg makes more sense. Check out the Weldequip shop (and other proper welding suppliers) before buying something off ebay as 1) high pressure gas regs aren't something to buy purely on price and 2) you'll probably get a pleasant surprise at how cheap a respected UK made brand like Westcol is

 

[sockpuppet]

Bear in mind Y cylinders are 40 kilos and you have to get that home.

 

[Steve-O]

FFS just got a letter from BOC wanting £40 rent!!! Going to have to phone them and sort it out, I already paid £70 cash on collection (rent and gas for first year)!!

 

[Steve-O]

Sorted, Was told to just ignore the letter as Im actually slightly in credit lol

 

[mirafioriman]

I just got my rental invoice through today from BOC. I rang a few weeks ago and they said they would put me on the volkszone deal but it wouldn't start until I got my gas bottle (I already have a part used one). My invoice is for £40.98 (inc VAT) Is this the current volkszone deal price?

 

[sockpuppet]

Yes

 

[mirafioriman]

Thanks that's good

To think a year ago I was paying nearly £20 a month with air products!

 

[rossdagley]

yay! Just got my account details through from BOC. Very pleased to get on this deal, so thank you to those that helped!

The costs of the cylinder are broken down as follows:
Rental per annum - £35.80
Gas price per fill - £24.51
EES Surcharge - £1.92
All prices are per cylinder and exclude VAT.

 

[Wedg1e]

Can someone do a recap on contact numbers/ email addresses for this to save having to trawl through pages of cheering?
I'll be happy to add my name to the 'gimme some argon' petition...

 

[mowersman]

Swapped my empty cylinder for a new one on Monday. All trouble free. Only problem is the cylinder leaks profusely as soon as the valve is turned on. BOC are bringing another one out to me tomorrow.
Andrew

 

[gordon stephenson]

Hello Ian,
It's BOC direct sales you want for the Volkzone offer, 0800 587 5868

 

[gaz1]

yay! Just got my account details through from BOC. Very pleased to get on this deal, so thank you to those that helped!

The costs of the cylinder are broken down as follows:
Rental per annum - £35.80
Gas price per fill - £24.51
EES Surcharge - £1.92
All prices are per cylinder and exclude VAT.

Hello Ian,
It's BOC direct sales you want for the Volkzone offer, 0800 587 5868

was just about to ask for all that information

now to get sorted out
one other thing cash or credit card/debit card or can both be used
cash at the boc dealers credit card or debit card over phone or on application form ?

 

[Steve-O]

I just paid cash when I collected from BOC

 

[cracker666]

yay! Just got my account details through from BOC. Very pleased to get on this deal, so thank you to those that helped!

The costs of the cylinder are broken down as follows:
Rental per annum - £35.80
Gas price per fill - £24.51
EES Surcharge - £1.92
All prices are per cylinder and exclude VAT.

Ordered Mine but also on top
Collection surcharge £13.70 + vat

 

[Justme]

There should be no collection charge.

 

[cracker666]

I spoke to BOC head office and they confirmed a handling charge.
Ill see tomorrow when I collect my bottle, reading back throught the threads most other peps havnt been charged

 

[Justme]

Did you speak to someone that actually knows all about the offer?