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Calcium carbide availability in USA and Canada
Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2021 2:29 pm
by Darren J Wallace
It seems that calcium carbide is like finding hen’s teeth here in Canada. I would eventually like to get a source so I can operate my headlights. Any ideas where and how to buy it?
Re: Calcium carbide availability in USA and Canada
Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2021 2:35 pm
by speedytinc
A local army/navy store in your area may carry it still.
Re: Calcium carbide availability in USA and Canada
Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2021 3:28 pm
by TMiller6
In the US, I have two sources.
Royce Peterson told me about Karst Sports in Colorado. They ship carbide in a case of steel quart cans for around $150.
Lehman’s Hardware in Kidron, Ohio is similar priced and they drop ship from their supplier.
Re: Calcium carbide availability in USA and Canada
Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:03 pm
by DanTreace
Amazon can ship it to you!, two sizes of container.
Re: Calcium carbide availability in USA and Canada
Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:44 pm
by Darren J Wallace
Thanks guys! Amazon will not deliver to Canada. It’s listed as dangerous goods. I’m amazed that there isn’t a single viable source in Canada for this!
Re: Calcium carbide availability in USA and Canada
Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:53 pm
by Brian D
Mr. Wallace,
I'm only 15 minutes from Blue Water Bridge Sarnia-Port Huron crossing. When the border opens. Send it to me and pickup here.
Brian
Re: Calcium carbide availability in USA and Canada
Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2021 10:05 pm
by DanTreace
Here's another USA source, but this company won't ship internationally, including Canada.
But they stock the rock size good for lamp generators.
https://cheapcarbide.com/rocks-grade-calcium-carbide/
Re: Calcium carbide availability in USA and Canada
Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2021 8:47 am
by Jerry VanOoteghem
Darren,
Maybe chack with your local weld gas supplier. I believe most generate acetelyne on-site, using calcium carbide. Maybe they can "hook you up" with some.
Re: Calcium carbide availability in USA and Canada
Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2021 2:00 pm
by Darren J Wallace
Thank you Brian for your offer, but I’m afraid of repercussions of taking calcium carbide over the border before checking what the rules are. With Covid still affecting the border closures, I have plenty of time to find out what the restrictions are if any. Thanks to to Jerry and everyone else for your contributions!
Re: Calcium carbide availability in USA and Canada
Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2021 2:33 pm
by Harry Lillo
I have found my carbide at swap meets here in Canada. Sometimes it shows up in antique stores.
The spelunking community may be aware of a supply, but most them are likely using
electric headlamps. Some cavers still prefer the carbide headlamps for extended trips.
Harry Lillo
Calgary
Re: Calcium carbide availability in USA and Canada
Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2021 10:12 am
by Quickm007
Hi Daren,
I found that place in Quebec province. It's not cheap but they could ship to you. It will take 8 weeks at least to have it. the link https://spectrum-nasco.ca/fr/calcium-carbide-500-g. You have to call the 800 number to proceed the order as well. Hope that help
Re: Calcium carbide availability in USA and Canada
Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2021 2:51 am
by Bud Delong
About 20 years ago i contacted a major supplier of act gas here and they had me contact a place that filled tanks by Port Huron! I was told they would not sell me any but to bring what ever sized container i wanted and they would fill it!!! I took a 4 qt thermous cooler and it was filled free.. about 200 miles round trip but their are people out there to help!!! Bud.
