Bell from compressed gas cylinder

[Paul42`]

Ok... so I have this old compressed gas cylinder and am going to make a large bell out of it. I was careful to make sure it was empty, removed the valve, rinsed with water a few time and then cut it in half without blowing myself or anyone else up. It has a fantastic tone that lasts and lasts when struck with a hammer.

Here's my question....

I want to use my stick welder ('cause that's all I have) to make some funky lines and patterns on the outside of the bell. I am wondering if doing this will affect or change the current tone of the bell itself?

I really, really love how it sounds now and don't want to mess that up.

I also came across some editing software I didn't know I had, so I made a one minute video of me cutting the tank... you know, just in case I was posthumously nominated for the Darwin awards!

Cutting the Tank!

[pkrankow]

If you love the sound now, don't mess with the bell itself.

Instead use paint on the bell and make a decorative bracket, hanger, and clapper.

Pressure tanks are heat treated steel, and welding will affect that as well as add mass which will change the tone and tone quality.

Neat video.

Phil

[Paul42`]

Thanks Phil... that's kinda what I suspected. I'll post more as things progress.

BTW... I fixed the link... I think! :blink:

[Mainely,Bob]

There`s also a discussion going on now on how to do this with steel and aluminum cylinders on artmetal.com.
Save that bottom part to use as a die to shape things like bowls,etc.Think of it as an industrial strength dished stump. :)

[Paul42`]

Thanks Bob... just signed-up over there & waiting for my confirmation email. Just what I needed... another web forum to spend time at!

I thought about using the bottom for dishing, but also thought it might make an interesting bell too. The bottom divot has some stamped numbers and letters in it, that I'd have to grind out first though. Guess I'll finish the first bell before starting another...lol! :)