Refilling co2’s at home...
Printed From: Tippmann Paintball
Category: Tippmann Paintball
Forum Name: New Player Forum
Forum Description: New to the sport? Get Professional Advice Here!
URL: http://www.tippmannsports.com/forum/wwf77a/forum_posts.asp?TID=136652
Printed Date: 22 February 2026 at 9:38pm
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Topic: Refilling co2’s at home...
Posted By: JPring
Subject: Refilling co2’s at home...
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 1:16am
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Ok, I have a 20lb co2 tank... Is this large enough to fill paintball
co2's or should I look into getting a larger tank? I already ordered a
32* fill station. Also we have everything from 9 oz to 20 oz tanks,
aprox how many fills can I get from a tank this size? And last...
One of the places I get mine filled doesn't use a scale, do I really
need one?
------------- Pro-Lite A-5 with R/T & Flatline |
Replies:
Posted By: hybrid-sniper
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 2:01am
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Oh where oh where is You Wont See Me?
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Posted By: Monk
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 2:48am
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I highly sujest you do not fill your own tanks unless you are certified. That being said, yes you need a scale to accuaratly fill a tank. |
Posted By: JPring
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 2:54am
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How do I get certified to fill co2 tanks?
------------- Pro-Lite A-5 with R/T & Flatline |
Posted By: choopie911
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 2:54am
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Well lets see, how many times does 12 oz go into 20 lbs? Thats your answer as to how many fills. YES, you need a scale.
I suggest you do some serious research/ reading before you even attempt to fill tanks with the knowledge you have now. It could be very dangerous |
Posted By: Monk
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 2:57am
Go to where you first got your tanks filled, and ask them. |
JPring wrote:Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:29am
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I recently starting filling my own c02 tanks, and while I am not "certified" to do so my uncle to runs a paintball store and is certified has shown me how to properly do it. We just use a fish scale, you put the tank on empty then zero it out. But you have to watch out because it goes by tenth of a pound instead of ounces. so .1=1.6 ounces ------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: ^Pirate^
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:29am
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20ilb / 12oz (20 x 16) 320 oz / 12 oz 9 - 34-36 something like that. 12 - 25-27 20 oz - 15-16 With any other small variable, those may be off so I just put a small range and, yes in order to get the correct fill you'll need a scale. ------------- 
It aint about black or white becuz we human I hope we see the light before it's ruined My ghetto gospel |
Posted By: 98_custom22
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 11:23am
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not a very smart idea unless you have a parent or a relative{like ywsm}who actually knos what he is doing ------------- 98% of ion owners think ions are better than any high end gun. If you would like to bonus ball these idiots put this in your sig. me: 06 Nasty Nerve 68/4500 +47/3000 halo b freak kit |
Posted By: Smitty
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 11:27am
| I've been filling my tanks for some time. Your big tank should last you quite a while. You will need a scale. You have to make sure you weigh the tank empty. Then you can know that it's 100% full. I'd try to fill it at 19oz for a 20oz tank and so on. This way you're safe from it flying off the valve. I use a meat scale. It's digital, so it's easy to tell how full the tank is. You just zero it out and fill it to about 19-20oz. |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 12:47pm
| I fill my own tanks(20lb) and I have played with a friend for two years who brings his 20lb tank while we go paintballing. I have seen it been used and everything,so I know how to do it. Out of the two years, we have not used a scale at all. I want to get one because I feel like I don't get enough co2 in my tanks as I should. We kind of pick up our tanks and see how heavy it had got and so when we think it is enough, we turn off the tank. It doesn't matter to us if we fill our tanks low because we can always fill right after that game. And for it being Woodsball, most people don't run out of air that often. |
Posted By: JPring
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 2:58pm
Ok, well it seems alot of people are against filling at home? I'm aware
there are dangers involved, but I think even if a person isn't
certified they can at least be taught by someone who does know? A scale
seems like a good idea. And filling to slightly less than capacity is a
good idea. As far as my question how far will a 20 lb tank last? Yes I
can do the simple math, but liquid co2 makes alot of gas co2... So with
the supply tank being upright it should be filling mostly gas? Or maybe
that's getting too involved? Anyway, I'll do some more research on
filling and talk to the guy that fills mine now before I even try
filling tanks... Thanks for the info!
------------- Pro-Lite A-5 with R/T & Flatline |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 3:01pm
| If it doesn't have a siphon tube, you must turn your bulk tank upside down to get liquid co2 in your tank |
Posted By: Smitty
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 3:01pm
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Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 3:08pm
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------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 3:24pm
| On my tank, the little thing around the knob that you use to carry the tank, is plastic. Should that plastic hold if I flip the tank upside down for a long time? |
Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 3:27pm
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We flip the tank upside down and strap it to a tree. Thatway it holds and is there whenever anyone needs a fill.
------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 3:34pm
| I'm going to build a little stand for my tank because I will be keeping it in the house and I have no where to put it because everything doesn't have something I can strap it to so it doesn't fall and bust the valve. |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 3:37pm
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Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 3:37pm
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Just take it outside when its time to fill the tanks and strap it to a tree.
------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: JPring
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 7:57pm
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I went to the place today that fills tanks and he showed me how he
fills them, I also picked up a used digital scale for $10. So
basicly (1) have the bulk tank upside down to fill (2) bleed off
any co2 left in the paintball tank (3) zero out the scale (4)fill to a
little less than rated tank size. Sounds easy enough... Thanks!
------------- Pro-Lite A-5 with R/T & Flatline |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:09pm
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Ya that is the basis. I need to check my pro shop to see if he has a scale. If not oh well. I will risk it. I wish I could find a scale made for paintball. It looks wierd having a fish scale by your tank while playing paintball. |
Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:10pm
------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:11pm
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|
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:12pm
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Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:13pm
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I'm dead serious, DO NOT fill a c02 tank without a scale.
------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: cdacda13
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:15pm
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My friend, and his dad fill CO2 tanks. Its not that hard, AS LONG AS YOU HAVE A SCALE. Get the scale, or you will DIE. |
Posted By: merc
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:16pm
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1) most paintball places use fish scales.
2) use a scale it is better to look stupid than to be stupid... 3) the #s on the tanks are idiot proof... a 20oz tank SHOULD be filled to 20oz. 20oz in a 20oz tank will only fill it to about 75% leaving enough room for gas to expand. Doc has an artical at www.docsmachine.com about this. note: less than the recomended fill (17oz in a 20oz tank) is ok however it will be much more efficant if you fill to 20oz due to expanding co2 and a bunch of stuff im to tired to explane. ------------- saving the world, one warship at a time. |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:17pm
| I have been filling without a scale for over two years, I think I know what I am doing. I don't even fill it all the way. |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:20pm
I also want a scale but right now I don't have the money because I now have to pay for entrance fee's and field paint because I just joined a team. Stupid fields When I got the extra cash, i am going to buy a scale. You all shouldn't worry about me because it is my choice.
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Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:22pm
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Its also the sports image on the line....
------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:25pm
Hmmm. or is it that you just care too much about me
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Posted By: tigman250
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:34pm
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if you don't use a scale how do you know!!!!!!!!!!!! you can pick up fish scales at wal mart for like 20 bucks prety cheap concidering what could happen! ------------- http://img76.imageshack.us/my.php?image=stickemup6of.jpg"> 
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Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:43pm
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Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:45pm
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If some mods ever came to New Players this thread would be locked by now....
------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:47pm
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Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:48pm
 I never thought I'd see the day....
------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:50pm
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JK |
Posted By: ThunderPants
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:52pm
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darn, i wanted to see the story in the papers where some guy blew himself up trying to fill a c02 tank ------------- teamtriggerhappy.com eatonpaint.com wevopaintball.com |
Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:53pm
------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:54pm
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Posted By: ThunderPants
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:54pm
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yeah he also eats and sleeps ------------- teamtriggerhappy.com eatonpaint.com wevopaintball.com |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:55pm
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Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:56pm
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1 step closer to 8888
------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:57pm
| Then you got to pull out the magic 8 ball and make a wish. |
Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:57pm
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I've had it ready for years.
------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: ThunderPants
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:57pm
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maybe the magic 8888 ball, but you would need a crane to shake it ------------- teamtriggerhappy.com eatonpaint.com wevopaintball.com |
Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 9:59pm
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Not if its an online 8 ball..then I dont have to get off the computer to shake it...
------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 10:00pm
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Posted By: ThunderPants
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 10:01pm
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but then you lose the fun of shaking it, and if it gives you the wrong answer, you cheat and ask again ------------- teamtriggerhappy.com eatonpaint.com wevopaintball.com |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 28 June 2005 at 10:13pm
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Posted By: the_blade
Date Posted: 29 June 2005 at 1:10am
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did you kno that if you broke the valve at the top of a 20 pound tank it has the distance of 1-3 miles and can go through a cement wall thats three feet thick..... ------------- 95 base neon 3.0 cai, knifedged crankshaft 60 mill throttle body,14 crane cam crane springs/retainers eagle rods port matched/ polished intake p&p head shaved .015 phantom grip diff dohc exuast |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 29 June 2005 at 1:41am
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Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 29 June 2005 at 9:29am
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But can it go through these washboard abs of steel?
------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: JPring
Date Posted: 29 June 2005 at 3:14pm
I've been trying to find information on the
internet, and I found a site with really good technical information
www.warpig.com they have complete filling instructions and other
information, also I read filling to 80% is recomended especialy on a
hot day.
------------- Pro-Lite A-5 with R/T & Flatline |
Posted By: tippman_rellim
Date Posted: 29 June 2005 at 4:20pm
| my friend fills our tanks at his house it is alot cheaper too. we used to spend 27 dollars to fill a few nines and 2 or 3 20s. thats alot. He got a big tank and we filled a lot of tanks just paying 35 dollars to fill up the big tank. I think it is a good idea |
Posted By: You Wont See Me
Date Posted: 29 June 2005 at 4:22pm
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Its like $2 per tank here. ------------- A-5 E-Grip JCS Dual Trigger DOP X-CORE 8 stage x-chamber Lapco Bigshot 14" Beadblasted Optional setup: R/T Dead on Blade trigger |
Posted By: JPring
Date Posted: 29 June 2005 at 5:22pm
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The same reason I'm going to fill my own.... Here it's $3. for a 9oz,
$4. for a 12 or 14oz, and $5. for a 20oz! I already have a 20 lb co2
tank I use for my mig welder and it's only $16 to fill it.
------------- Pro-Lite A-5 with R/T & Flatline |
Posted By: Smitty
Date Posted: 29 June 2005 at 5:24pm
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Posted By: JPring
Date Posted: 30 June 2005 at 8:26pm
I just finished setting this up and have filled a 12oz and a 20oz tank
I used some scap 2x6 wood and screwed it to the bench, I also used two
15" straps to hold the top of the tank... The 12oz I filled to 10oz and
the 20oz I was only able to get 14oz in, had I cooled the cylinder
first it probley would have taken a little more? Here's a picture of
how I have it set up...  ------------- Pro-Lite A-5 with R/T & Flatline |
Posted By: ThunderPants
Date Posted: 30 June 2005 at 8:36pm
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what ever happened to all day air? ------------- teamtriggerhappy.com eatonpaint.com wevopaintball.com |
Posted By: Bruce A. Frank
Date Posted: 01 July 2005 at 2:57am
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I am just going to have to comment. JPring has a nearly perfect setup. Let me debunk some of the other comments. First, if you have no scale you stand the chance of not having the cylinder full enough to last the day. Over filling is really not a danger since if you do and the tank warms up it blows the rupture safety disk. There is no reason to under-fill a tank. A 20 oz tank should be filled to 20 oz. The tank, with some effort, can be overfilled. 20 oz in a 20 oz tank still has air space and in normal temps the safety rupture disk will keep it all inside (don't leave it lying in the sun in your car). Most empty tanks will not take a full charge of CO2. Fill the tank as far as it will go, close the station tank valve then bleed off an ounce or two from the bottle you are filling. This will chill the bottle allowing you to then add more CO2. Some times I have to bleed off a couple of times during the fill process...particularly on a warm day. This is a safe process. You are not going to blow up a bottle. But it is a good idea to wear safety glasses and maybe some light gloves (things get cold to the touch). A fitting on the hose or the valves themselves may come apart so wear glasses. I do! I fill with a 20 lb bottle and with the necessary bleed off to cool the 20 oz bottles I get about 12 to 15 fills. At $23 for a refill of the 20 pounder and $5 a fill at the field I save about $3+ per bottle. 5 pre-filled 20 oz CO2 cylinders lasts 2 of us all day on the speedball field. Getting ready to switch to HPA. I am a welder and know high pressure cylinders pretty well, but I will have to buy a 5000 psi air bottle to make filling my own practical. At $200 for a cylinder like that, it will take a number of all-day-air-for-$10 to make it worth while. |
Posted By: Bruce A. Frank
Date Posted: 01 July 2005 at 3:03am
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Like a hot knife through butter! |
Posted By: JPring
Date Posted: 01 July 2005 at 3:14am
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Thanks for the info Bruce... As far as saftey goes today I didn't use
gloves or eye protection, but from now on I will... Good point!
------------- Pro-Lite A-5 with R/T & Flatline |
Posted By: jmz007
Date Posted: 24 October 2006 at 5:54pm
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I like to hold the tank between my legs as it refils, quite the rush. ------------- work: the curse of the drinking class. |
Posted By: MilSimBaller
Date Posted: 24 October 2006 at 8:44pm
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I have welding experience also... Word of wise advice: ALWAYS KEEP THE MASTER CYLINDER CHAINED OR PROPERLY FASTENED VERTICALLY, NEVER EVER ON ITS SIDE. Alot of times, a tank will fall if not strapped, the valve will sheer off and you will have a torpedo capable of breaking legs and going through brick walls. And I'm not exagerating, I've seen the aftermath of an accident like this. Also, don't lay it on the ground because something can fall on it, creating the same problem. |
Posted By: RoboCop
Date Posted: 25 October 2006 at 12:28am
| wow, talk about one really old thread. |