Quick/Temporary Wooden Welding Gas Tank Stand

 


I decided it was long past time to add welding to my skill set, so I purchased a multi-process welder and some flux core wire and decided my first projects should be a welding table and welding cart (I know.. maybe overly ambitious for a first project, but might as well go big).

Anyway, after working on my flux core welds for a while, I found I was struggling a bit with visibility and spatter.  I had the opportunity to spend a little time with another welder in the neighborhood and run a few beads with his MIG setup.  I had always heard that MIG was better for spatter and cleaner welds (plus no slag), but hadn't realized that MIG might actually improve weld puddle visibility.

Long story short (I know... too late), I picked up an Argon/CO2 regulator, hose, and 80cu 75/25% tank along with some MIG wire.  After I received the tank, I realized I needed a stand to stabilize the tank until I completed the welding cart to include tank storage.

Since I'm a wood worker by default, I decided to make a quick run to the hardware store for a 2x4 and I'd just engineer something on the fly.  

In the end I went with (4) pieces of 2x4 at 16" (double the width of the tank) for the horizontal stabilizers and (4) pieces of 2x4 at 11.5" for the vertical stabilizers (simply because I had (3) at that length left over from a previous project).

A few nails later (and one screw per horizontal stabilizer to keep it together) and I have a very solid welding gas tank stand. 


I ended up cutting a small square of cardboard to fit in the center so the tank rests on the cardboard and not the cement.  Primarily to prevent that "nails on chalkboard" sound that comes from moving metal on cement, but also to make it a little easier to slide and reposition as required.

I hope this helps inspire you to build something fun this week!

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