I had E size bottles (oxygen/acetylene) with BOC for over 20 years and think I only ever refilled them once in that time, so a minimal user :-)
Earlier this year I finally got jack of paying the rental so handed them back (they were virtually empty anyway) at the time of renewal.
Due to their confusing invoicing dates I was 1 day late so got slugged another months rental.
Since I wasn't using the gas (I have access at work) I went without at home and saved myself $433 in BOC rental. That rental would have come up for renewal again early in the new year (on nearly empty bottles remember). So continuing with BOC I would have been out of pocket $866 by early next year, not allowing for a price increase which they always do, on empty bottles.
This week I went down to the local Just Tools store and bought E size bottles for $924 outright and full. The guys told me they're now mine to do what I like with. No annual fees. Refills when I want are $129/159, so $288 of gas included in the $924 I paid.
By my calculations I'll be $230+ in front come the new year, and it only gets better from there on :-)
For you guys comparing apples with apples, Just Tools D sizes are Oxy $279/69 and Argon/Acetylene $349/99. (Outright/refill)
That works for me, and BOC can get fruited!
Cheers and Merry Xmas etc...
JPXU1 