I've obtained some old carbon dioxide cylinders which I plan to use as bells. And while the task doesn't seem too troublesome, I had some questions that may or may not help me before I start. Is there a web page anyone knows of that lists all sorts of factoids about gas cylinders? Like how to determine the metal composition (most specifically what grade of steel), what the thread sizes in the neck commonly are, common wall thicknesses, stuff like that?
Also, any suggestions on the easiest way to cut them? Oxyacetylene, plasma, bandsaw? As the cylinders are quite large (about 9 inches in diameter) I don't think a bandsaw will be happening as I'd need a rather large bandsaw, probably horizontal, and one that big is beyond my means. I was actually thinking about maybe constructing a device that holds the cylinder on two rollers and spins it such that I could even use a parting tool from a lathe. Has anyone done this before, and maybe have some experience they can share with me? Thanks!