Source
r/houston•
ifoundflight370

Hobbyist welding supply shop

I'm just getting started as a hobby level welder, and have no plans to go any further with it. I'm looking for a welding supply shop that doesn't mind dealing with someone that isn't a pro or a big business. I have a couple small argon tanks that I'll need to get filled (I own them and they both have brand new hydro tests so I'd rather not exchange them, but I'd be fine with dropping them off and picking them up another day) etc.

I'll also need some smaller amounts of supplies and consumables, and I'd rather deal with a supply house than amazon. I've contacted a couple places and, the one that returned my call, wasn't really interested in dealing with me.

Location isn't that important.

Any suggestions?

Posted Nov 13, 2023, 6:00 PM UTC

1320
Adioogt•

I'm a home garage/hobby welder. I get my tank filled at Linde Welding off Chimney Rock. They're fine, not the friendliest but just walk in and get what you need and go. They make sure your tank is within inspection so if its out of date they're going to charge you for 'renting' you a new one. I think last time I had to to do that it was $70 total to get my 5 gal tank swapped for their and filled.

7
ifoundflight370OP•

Great, thank you. Both my tanks have new tests so I'm hoping not to have an issue with that.

3
yaboyJship•

You should swap out at every fill while tank is within inspection. Just like a propane tank for the BBQ. They won’t charge you and your tank is the “deposit” on their tank, and so the cycle begins.

1
Adioogt•

I don't BBQ so I didn't know that. Thought I was getting taken for a ride but just said whatever and went on my way. Thanks for the info though.

1
yaboyJship•

Haha nice. I wouldn’t have charged you the $70 so they kinda took you for a ride but it was out of inspection so 🤷

Happy welding my friend

1
OhDatsStanky•

I’m on the north side of town, and I have used Tiger Gas to get my tanks refilled. I also use Conroe Welding (on 59 near Porter) and Triple SSS steel for material and consumables.

I ordered my Miller 211 from Cyberweld and my Victor torch from Baker’s Gas, both of which have consumables.

I have had satisfactory results with Vulcan wire from Harbor Freight. Northern Tool also has welding supplies and gear.

5
ifoundflight370OP•

That is for the info. I looked at northern tool but they seem to stick to swapping tanks but I'll see what other materials they have. Thank you

3
doctorchileMontrose•

Check out TXRX Labs. They have a welding space for hobbyists, they might be able to point you in the right direction

4
ifoundflight370OP•

I've taken every welding class they have at least once. Great organization, and their new space is beautiful. I think they still use praxair, but they order by the truckload. I'll be in a class out there in a couple weeks, I'll check.

3
having_a_blast•

Professional welding supply in Tomball has always been really helpful for me as a hobby welder. Its a bit of a drive from my home in willowbrook but so very worth it.

4
ifoundflight370OP•

Didn't have them on my radar but I'll certainly look into them, thank you

1
Dismal_Juice5582•

I’m in the industry and local. Most places don’t want to deal with customer owned assets. We all but run people off when they come in.

Airgas will do it but you may wait a month to get them back. Conroe Welding Supply will do it most times. Gulf Coast Gas will probably also do it.

3
ifoundflight370OP•

That's what I was figuring out, thanks for the confirmation. I'll check with those places and see what they'll do for me .

2
Pelvis_Snapper•

Big Tex, Linde Gas (old central welding supply), or air gas as last resort.

3
ifoundflight370OP•

Hadn't looked at big tex, looks promising and not far away, thanks for the tip .

2
IRMuteButtonWestchase•

I am in the same situation, buying shielding gas once or twice a year. I use this place:

www.professionalweldingsupply.com
3000 Brittmoore Rd. Bldg. B
Houston, TX 77043

While they are tooled up to handle commercial orders, I've never had a problem getting a single 125 cu. ft. or smaller cylinder filled. What I haven't done is ask them to refill my cylinder, rather than just doing an exchange. However you can ask if they would do it as long as your cylinder has a new enough pressure test date. You might have to wait longer while they fill yours rather than doing an exchange.

It's a small-ish building. Park in front, go in and you'll see a small retail sales area with consumables. There is a sales desk right there. There's usually a clerk right there who can help you. You don't need an account. I just pay with a debit card.

After you pay and get a large paper receipt, drive around back to the loading dock. Put your cylinder up on the loading dock and one of the workers should appear to ask what you need, and they will check your paperwork.

2
[deleted]•

[removed]

1
ifoundflight370OP•

I'll check them out, thank you for the suggestion

1
ifoundflight370OP•

I've taken every welding class they have at least once. Great organization, and their new space is beautiful. I think they still use praxair, but they order by the truckload. I'll be in a class out there in a couple weeks, I'll check.

1
[deleted]•

[removed]

1
steelsunWestbury•

Search the sub (rule 1). This has been discussed before.

-11
AggEnto•

I searched it just to see, most recent post other than this when searching "welding supply" is 5 years old.

3