Homemade CO2 setups

I was looking at getting an air compressor and then I decided to turn to the idea of a 15lbs Co2 setup due to the fact you ccan run some tools off of it for a short time.

How many of you here have a homebrew Co2 setup on there rig, and where did you get your tank and regulator.

Ive been looking at getting a new tank that way i know its certified for 5 years.
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/tanks/co2/C15.shtml

and then i found this Static regulator. I know it doesnt have a gauge but a gauge on a Co2 bottle is about as useless as a poopie flavored lollipop, because it will read the same PSI until the tank is empty.
http://www.outbackequipped.com/products.asp#reg

any input with your set up would be nice

 

really, no one has input on this?

 

You might check with your local gas supplier and see what they offer. You may be able to rent for less than buying. Then you just swap out the tank when necessary, it may be harder to bring your tank somewhere and have them fill it for you.

 

they only have 10 or 20 # tanks at my shop and they want 120 for a 10# and 180 for the 20#

the only concern i have with buying a tank is getting it filled, will i get the someone back or do they fill it on site. i forgot to ask that when i called today

 

i dont know if there is an offroad shop local to me. do you have your own co2 setup?

 

what size tank did you have?

 

oh i know where they are. Im a welder :] im gonna call a few of them tomorrow and see if they will fill on site

 

I have a 20lb tank and love having it out on the trail. Much faster than a compressor. I recommend you get one of these variable regulators. The nice thing about not having a fixed regulator is that you can turn it down to 90psi so you can run air tools. So a variable regulator does have it's uses.

 

I stopped by a local gas shop and bought a used 15# tank cheap. It just takes a while. 15# is a odd size. I gave the guy my info and 2 weeks later he called me back and said he found one. It's good for another 3 years, but with the deal I got I could care less. Re-certifying a tank by me is $20 and filling it is the same.

Gauges on tanks are silly. Just weight them from time to time if your worried. Wheelers Offroad has pretty good pricing on regulators, but you can find them cheaper from fleebay or amazshit. I spent a little more and got it from Wheelers because they support the 4x4 community and are a good company.

 

I found welding shops are expensive around here. I simply cut out the middle man and went to their source, so if you can I would do that. No waiting for refills, cheaper, and better customer service IMO. Also helps my company uses them and I used their account

 

i do want it so i can run tools but why couldnt i run it with a 150 psi?

 

I don't understand what makes you think gauges are silly? They provide a good readout so you know the psi you are pushing. You don't want to be running 150psi on air tools. Nor do you want to only be running 150psi when filling tires when you could run higher psi.

Also, I recommend buying from Wheeler's because not all regulators are the same. You buy a cheap one and you'll likely freeze it running high psi.

 

Because air tools aren't rated for that. You can run them that high if you want, but you run the risk of destroying tools.

 

gauges are silly for the fact that the tank pressure is always going to be the same untill its dry. and i have no prob "only" running 150 psi to fill tires, im not looking for a nascar pit stop

im currently look at this one, but im not sure what kind of fitting that is.
http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Poly-Performance-CO2-Fixed-Regulator-p-297.html

or this one

 

That's the point of a regulator? To regulate the psi. The point of the gauge is so you know what psi you're running. If you just wanted to use it for air tools or just filling up tires. Then a static regulator is great.

If you want to run air tools safely, run them at 90psi.

 

and the one in the link i posted can be set at any psi from 50-200psi. but thats $85 shipped for a static regulator