How to Build a Oxy Acetylene Cylinder Cart
I needed a compact yet durable cylinder cart for my small set of Acetylene and Oxygen cylinders. Any carts that I found were either too large or too flimsy. I came up with this design which is both compact and durable.
MATERIAL LIST
- 1- 6″ pipe riser clamp ( for Acetylene “B”cylinder )
- 1- 8″ pipe riser clamp ( for 40 cuft Oxygen cylinder )
- 2- 3/8″ pieces threaded rod ( for axles )
- 2- 4″ wheels with 3/8″ hubs
- 2- 3/8″ lock nuts
- 4- 3/8″ large washers
- 1- 1″od x 4’ Aluminum tube ( for handle )
- 2- 1″id x 2″ black pipe ( for mounting handle )
- 2- 3/8″ x 1″ bolts ( for handle )
- 1- 1″id PVC cap ( for end of handle )
- 3/16″ x 2″ mild steel ( for frame ) Note, I will not include dimensions as you can make the cart for larger or smaller cylinders. Cart shown was made for a Acetylene “B” and 40 cu.ft. Oxygen cylinders.
To make the frame, bend 2 pieces of the 3/16″ x 2″ mild steel, 90 deg. To form 2- ELL’S. These are welded together with 3 pieces of the same mild steel. Two pieces are welded to the back top and bottom and one welded between the two ell’s in the front.
FRAME
The cylinder holders were made by welding each of the pipe riser clamps together to make loops. Before welding, make sure each cylinder fits through it’s loop freely. The two loops are then welded to each other on one end, then both are welded to the frame. The bottom cylinder supports were made from 3/16″ x 1″ mild steel which were bent to wrap around the front of each cylinder and welded to the front of the frame.
CYLINDER HOLDERS
Bend two pieces of the 3/16″ x 2″ mild steel to form the axle supports. Inside of each support weld a piece of 3/8 threaded rod to form the axle. To mount the wheels, place a 3/8″ flat washer against the frame, then the wheel, another flat washer and finally the 3/8″ lock nut. Tighten the lock nut just enough to allow the wheel to spin freely.
AXLES
The handle was made by bending a curve in one end of the 1″od Aluminum tube. The handle is attached to the frame by welding two 1″id x 2″ pieces of black pipe to the rear of the frame to make the handle supports. The Aluminum tube is then slipped into the supports and a hole is drilled and taped in each support for the two 3/8″ bolts . This allows for the removal of the handle in order to make the cart more compact for travel or storage. Place the 1″pvc cap on the curved end of the handle to finish it off.
HANDLE
- Author: Bruce Bauerlein