Jonny22

Quickie - are all butane bottles interchangeable between regulators? I have Repsol bottles and regulators, would a BP bottle fit? Also need a new regulator - Casa Ambica? Thanks

liveaboard

Each supplier has their own fitting style, quite a pain. Also you have to pay a non-returnable deposit on each bottle, so in effect you're stuck with whichever brand you start with. you can exchange the bottle for a full one, but you can't get your deposit money back.
So choose one with more than one stockist nearby.
Whoever sells you the gas will likely have a regulator for you.
If the cylinder is outside the house, I recommend propane; it works better in cold weather. If inside the house, use butane. The pressure inside the cylinder is lower, so leaks are less likely.
Butane is also available in lightweight plastic cylinders, easier to carry. The deposit is higher on them.

roadislandred

Hi Jonny, its cheaper from Spain. HALF THE PRICE. Your first one will not be as cheap as you will need to buy a regulator. Once you have that , the next time it will be half the price. While getting your gas, why not take advantage of the cheaper petrol also? Make a day of it like we do and have lunch in Spain and get your shopping at different supermarket.

Joao

Hope you don't get stopped at the boarder with your Spanish gas bottle
Joao

Jonny22

Thanks all, Joao, you're absolutely right, a couple of PT friends nearly got nicked on the bridge for that. Personally I wouldn't recommend it, not worth the risk.

Have had butane on the house for over 8years, don't really think it gets too cold to warrant
propane, I'm trying to get an old barbie going again.

Went to see Maria Fernandes in Cacela, guy there confirmed all are different, so need to go to Repsol in Altura to get a bottle and regulator. Thanks JJ

roadislandred

How do you nearly get nicked? As long as you only have one bottle you are ok. Its when you have more then one, that's the trouble. One is for personal use and is fine.

Jonny22

They had several so had to ditch them, thanks for the tip that one is OK

BlackBeardie

If you got metal working skills you could cut open an old gas bottle and make a nice barbie or stove out of it. I would love to do this. \˚ㄥ˚\

Ingles

But take out the valve first & fill them with with water to make sure there is NO Gas left ,there's a guy near by who doe's this & turn's them into barbies.

liveaboard

I cut and welded 4 of them together to make a turf roller.
2 little ones are now castor wheels on my mower deck.

Yes, release gas, remove the valve, fill with water and let stand for a day. there will be some heavy stink from the scent they add to the gas when they bottle it. pour out the wwater in an isolated spot. the smell will disperse after a week or two.

Mike

I want to make a smoker ......

BlackBeardie

Yeah, I'll do that. I have a old gas cylinder sitting in my shed that I want to have a go. Yes, I'll wash it out. I've been watching the videos on youtube. Cutting through steel with a grinder/jigsaw3 is a slow and arduous process..

BlackBeardie

Oh well done! I wish I was skilled as you but there is still time for me to learn. I love my Irvin quick release clamps and the new Bosch 500W jigsaw!

liveaboard

There are super thin cutting wheels for angle grinders that cut much easier than the old ones. Even a small grinder cuts through a gas bottle quite easily.
If using a jigsaw, push down heavily as you cut, because the blade tends to catch and lift the machine from the work. That often leads to bent or broken blades. a bit of light oil will help keep the blade cool, but clean the machine well before cutting any wood or the leftover oil will stain it.