Oxy-Acetylene Costs

[G Jones]

Hi - would appreciate some feedback on prices of Oxy-Acetylene (portapack size) bottles.
These are used only very rarely - but are really handy when needed...
I have a renewal form here from BOC -at £402.96 for 5 year rental. (inc vat)
I did phone round some other suppliers in the area - and every one came up with a much more expensive price - telling me the BOC deal was very good.
Oxygen - size E
Dissolved Acetylene - size K
Anyone know of any cheaper methods ?

 

[English Steve]

I have the oxy/acetylene portapak, but I'm at work at the mo and the paperwork is at home! I'll have a look this evening and post the prices I have been quoted (BOC so probably the same as yours).
If you are only going to use it for heating / cutting / brazing, oxy-propane is a far cheaper alternative, but you won't be able to weld with it.

 

[Sam]

Get a set of bottles and get them filled by someone else save on the rental cost.

 

[weldingscotty803]

use oxy propane. just as good as acetalene. cheaper and it wont bump up your insurence as much

 

[English Steve]

As has been posted on here in another thread, BOC small cylinder prices are increasing from April 1st. A portapak will then cost £465.40 inc VAT for 5 years,
or £108.56 per year.