Crappy Tanks

[JeepFever]

This truly is "Rambling, Malarky, and Rants",� because it has nothing to do with our beloved '3As

The tank of argon/co2 shielding gas on my welder expired this week while doing some extensive welding on the floors of "Hoover" . .� I took it in to exchange for a full one.
 

I took in a good-condition tank,� what I got in return was a rusty piece of crap.� �Not a big deal,� because my welder has some age on it also,� but I am a little disappointed in the downgrade.� :-(

I even asked if there was one in better condition,� but it was the only one they had in that size.

Unfortunately,� I have finished most of the welding on Hoover, this ugly tank will probably last for 5 years or more.� �;D

[squidtone]

HaHa!
The same happened to me. I bought my Lincoln SP35plus MIG maybe 11 years ago, and went to a local gas supplier to buy a brand new filled bottle.
When I went for the refill/trade, the replacement was cruddy looking. But, philosophically, you can consider that the old used bottle of gas looks "cool" with the patina and gives you "garage-cred".
I've been through perhaps 5 refills since then. Some are better than others.
I can't imagine being without a MIG welder now. I love mine.

[JeepFever]

True (garage cred). .  the brand new bottle I had previously did raise the level of appearance of garage,  but this one with "patina" does match the current contents better (Hoover). 

[Lee]

LOL, if you look closely to the top of the bottle, you will see the date numbers stamped in as they re certify the bottle, this will give you an idea of how old it is...... Very common to find WW2 era bottles with oxy, and acetylene. Wirefeed probably was not popular till the 70's.....

Lee