Fire extinguisher CO2 in S.E. Ireland ?

[Farside]

I've been getting guoted some off-putting prices locally for even rent-free setups, which are basically working out at near enough €200 to get rolling, which I don't have spare just now.
I discovered that some had been using 2L and 5L fire extinguishers and just managed to miss a couple locally Still, no matter, I will find some and can simply use a pair of 2L ones as stopgaps.
What I've been trying to find out are fire extinguisher refillers in teh Kilkenny, Tipperary, or Waterford area who won't be funny about refilling a cylinder that's not their own or get shirty about an old f-e.
I don't mind paying for testing of a cylinder just for peace of mind anyway, but any I buy, I'll check any test dates on them, just in case.

 

[Fintray]

Why not just ask some of the local refillers if they have a cheap extinguisher you could buy that they would be willing to refill, you'll have to remove the dip tube first so you only get gas out.

 

[Robotstar5]

Why not just ask some of the local refillers if they have a cheap extinguisher you could buy that they would be willing to refill, you'll have to remove the dip tube first so you only get gas out.

Or turn it upside down

 

[Fintray]

Or turn it upside down

Yes, there is always that option.

 

[Arash]

Are you using them for their intended purpose or something else? What size and how many ae you looking for? Can send details of trade counter that does them at trade prices.

 

[Farside]

Why not just ask some of the local refillers if they have a cheap extinguisher you could buy that they would be willing to refill, you'll have to remove the dip tube first so you only get gas out.

From what I can find, local refillers aren't very local. They tend to be nearer the larger cities, not out in the sticks.

Are you using them for their intended purpose or something else? What size and how many ae you looking for? Can send details of trade counter that does them at trade prices.

I'd be looking for two 5kg ones for welding use and probably one (later more) other to be kept as a proper extinguisher.
At the moment I have several Lidl foam types and a few dry powder ones scattered around and been keeping a careful eye on their gauges, so they're still ok for a while yet.
Are you talking about a trade counter here or the UK?

 

[mike 109444]

NO supplier of pub cylinders ?

 

[Farside]

It seems to have tightened up a bit - I think BOC and the other main suppliers are trying to squeeze people towards the 'official' channels for stuff - where, no doubt coincidentally, they can make more money.

 

[mike 109444]

Do a search for beer and wine cellar supplies.
Get my CO2 from one such place.

 

[Farside]

Do a search for beer and wine cellar supplies.
Get my CO2 from one such place.

This kind of thing?
http://www.homebrewwest.ie/co2-cylinder-2-kg-filled-2985-p.asp
I had a look before and the prices would make you blink.

 

[mike 109444]

more like this (note the price is a sprat to catch a mackerel !!)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Co2-Gas-C...832?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1e9b0d86c8

 

[Farside]

more like this (note the price is a sprat to catch a mackerel !!)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Co2-Gas-C...832?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1e9b0d86c8

If only...
One homebrew shop joker wants €65 for a cylinder of pub gas, which is on a par with that one, but I'd still have the hassle of re-filling it somewhere, or sending it back for a refill would be a pita and more expense. This is why the extinguisher option seems more practical - if I can arrange it. I'll get one, then another, and swap around. I'll probably only go through one a year, but it would be good to have a spare ready to go.

 

[mike 109444]

Might be worth looking out for someone that does factory clearouts as they are usually interested in the scrap value of building contents and some of that should be some co2 extinguishers.

 

[Turbo]

Is there a SGS agent near you? http://www.sgsgases.co.uk/
I was using co2 pub bottles but now I've switched to their argon mix it made a world of difference to my welds. I would never think about going back to co2 after using it.

 

[Farside]

Is there a SGS agent near you? http://www.sgsgases.co.uk/
I was using co2 pub bottles but now I've switched to their argon mix it made a world of difference to my welds. I would never think about going back to co2 after using it.

They're one of the ones I mean who want too much to start out with. I intend to do this sub-€100 if possible. The Top Part shop in Kilkenny are agents, but as with all these agents, they pluck a figure out of the air. I'll try them again, and might get a different quote.
In the meantime If I find some extinguishers, I'm off and running...

 

[mike 109444]

Another possible might be the people that use/are into paint ball. As they use CO2 to charge up the little gas cylinders for there guns.
Think plumbers use co2 to freeze pipe when no stop tap available.
Keep seeing co2 mentioned in relation to aquariums not sure why as I would have thought co2 would kill fish! worth popping into an aquatic center.
And then there is always your local pub (make sure is JUST co2 cos they have a mix gas that no good for welding!)

 

[Farside]

Seem to have it sorted, after a chat with a fire extinguisher supplier, who's happy enough to supply and refill and for a decent price. Even though he's based quite a way off, he covers this area and swapping over is easy enough done.
Now to get a regulator and flowmeter, and a solenoid, etc.
Thanks to all.

 

[Turbo]

All you should need is a CO2 regulator. CO2 extinguisher bottles usually have a male thread so you'll need a reg with a female thread. Then if you upgrade to argon mix you can buy an adaptor to fit the co2 reg onto it. Shouldn't really need a flowmeter, they're more for tig.
Not sure about your setup but why do you need a solenoid?

 

[Farside]

All you should need is a CO2 regulator. CO2 extinguisher bottles usually have a male thread so you'll need a reg with a female thread. Then if you upgrade to argon mix you can buy an adaptor to fit the co2 reg onto it. Shouldn't really need a flowmeter, they're more for tig.
Not sure about your setup but why do you need a solenoid?

Yes, I've noticed a lot of the dedicated CO2 regs don't go high enough on the tank gauge to accomodate higher fill pressure of argon, if I eventually go that road, so might as well get one that will do both. A flowmeter appeals because I want to keep an eye on gas use and not throw it away, so having a figure to set it to will be of some use. I'm fairly sure the gasless machine has no gas solenoid fitted - it was an optional kit I didn't get at the time.

 

[Cobbler]

I have an old co2 extinguisher that I keep in the shed, I tried to use it for welding to see if it would do if desperate, I removed the horn & this was fitted with a standard co2 thread, but on fitting the regulator & turning the gas on, found there was a safety valve fitted. Presumably this is in case the horn freezes in use. I didn't look at it any further, as I decided that that if I ran out of gas at the weekend I would look at it then & never have. If yours has this valve it would need disabling to use it.