If you are in a multi-family dwelling in NYC propane tanks are illegal, period. No exceptions. Single unit homes can have small tanks (20lbs or under). I know a curbside vendor using gas needs to complete a training course in order to connecting the hoses, but that may not apply for use in a single family home. It's a whole lot easier & safer to use charcoal with a chimney starter! --benedita

I remember someone posting a picture of a pig made from a tank that they saw at a craft fair or art show. Couldn't find it to save my life! A helium tank is a good choice. According to my scientific Bob, helium is "inert" or nonreactive. Now propane would be another story! Just be sure to post a picture of your finished pig!

Hippy, propane is a liquid inside the tank. Doesn't matter if it's 1lb or 1000lbs, it's always a liquid. The pressure inside the tank, while it is full of liquid, is always the same in every tank as long as they are the same temperature. In the 50 or so degrees in my garage, the vapor pressure in the propane is 78 PSI. Doesn't matter if the tank is 1lb or 1000lbs, if it's 50 degrees, it's 78 PSI. Look up "propane vapor pressure" in google. If anything, I would guess it's getting LESS pressure with the adapter hose, because everything I hook up to it seems to have a slightly decreased output. That makes complete sense, because with any compressed gasses longer hose = less pressure. As for refilling the tanks, that's probably what I will be doing if I don't get the adapter to work. It is most definately safe and not illegal. If it was as dangerous as you make it sound credible companies like Mr. Heater would NOT be selling them to the general public. Of course coleman tries to trick you into thinking they are illegal to refill - they want you to throw it away and buy another! If you refill the tank before it is completely empty the pressure never changes, thus, there are no metal fatigue issues. Sure, they'll wear out eventually, but they will easily last 10 or more fills. Under no circumstances will I continue to pay $2.50 for a QUART of propane.

Hi Dale, I've missed everybody! I had a great summer! Very relaxing and had a lot of fun! I hurt my hand in the beginning of summer and now have to see an orthopedic doctor. I've just been very busy dealing with a lot of serious issues on the homefront like family with terminal cancer, somebody with aids, and somebody very close to me suffering from ptsd. If there is any advice you are Rusty could give me regarding helping somebody with ptsd drop me a line, please! I just figured with military and war experience you guys might know a thing or two! Well, let's see. I didn't see any of those plastic propane tanks but I did see many bald eagles, moose, and of course my favorite, the loons! I felt like I was living in luxury in my new to us camper with heat, hot water, and slide out! I don't think I can ever go back except that I still love remote wilderness tent camping the best! I missed my girl this summer as I'm sure you missed yours! However, the new dog worked out really terrific! He came to work with me, loved boating, and turned out to be an excellent swimmer! He's a big dog, flat coat retriever, but he managed to go kayaking with me without flipping us over! I just kept my fingers crossed we wouldn't see any ducks near us!