Best size for argon bottle for a mig welder?

Get the 80 if you've got room. BTW, if you're migging steel. you'll prolly want a mix like C25 and not straight Argon. I "own" my bottle and IIRC, the "rent" before I bought it was around $110/yr so it is cost-effective to own. There is no down side as the bottles are swapped out when you take it in for a refill, so the annual inspection & 10 yr testing costs are absorbed by the company handing the cylinders. I also use AirGas...

 

I had a very attractive young brunette salesperson. She was extremely helpful.

Here is what it came down to for me

Lease 5 yr $199 plus taxes and misc 125 cf first fill included approx 80 refill. Keep in mind you have to renew the lease. They use to offer lifetime leases

Own a 80 cf , total came to $220 for a full bottle. Will be around $50 refill or exchange.

In you need it 5 years or less then the lease is good. Or if your welding a lot or have a business the lease makes sense.

 

I'm going to check out TSC first, then if I don't like what I hear from them, I'll probably just buy an empty bottle off of eBay and get it filled at the welding supply. There's an Airgas location in the two nearest big towns, and a independent dealer or two, also.
Oh, I will be going with 75/25, that seems to be what most reccomend.

 

we have the smaller argon cylinder. We do business with the one across from tractor supply in jasper, it used to be bj's not sure what its called now. We own the bottle and swap it out for a full one when needed. I would be careful buying a used bottle because the supply stores may not fill it

 

Checked with Tractor Supply tonight. Have to buy the bottle from them to use their exchange system. Right at $200 for the first full bottle, then $29 each refill on a 40 cf bottle. Will probably go that route just for the ability of being able to swap bottles anytime from 8-8, 7 days a week, at any TSC store.

 

I'm not sure what size my bottle is but the price sounds real close to the same for the rental contract and the refills at a GTS Gas location not too far from me.

I chose the very same welder shown here sitting on a cheap Harbor Freight cart. It has worked very well for me so far even though I never mig welded until I bought the Handy Mig