Air compressor tank styles

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flyboy2610
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Air compressor tank styles

Post by flyboy2610 »

What are the advantages and disadvantages to various air tank arrangements? I want to buy a small compressor, and have narrowed it down to 2. One has a single 6 gallon tank, horizontal with wheels on it, and the pump on top of the tank. It has a handle, but it's pretty short.
The other one has two 2-1/2 gallon tanks, one on top of the other and the compressor mounted next to the tanks. It has smaller wheels on the frame, but a longer handle, which folds down when not needed.
The 6 gallon unit is a bit lighter, but the air gauge and hose hookup are kind of out in the open.
The twin tank model is heavier, but the air gauge and hose hookups (there are two) are mounted in a panel attached to the frame, so they are better protected. (I broke the regulator and air hose hookup off of a compressor once, so this is a factor for me. Don't ask.)
I plan to use this for things like inflating kids toys, bike and car tires, maybe spray painting hobby and craft items, perhaps using it for nail guns or staplers. Nothing requiring tremendous volumes of air, like auto painting or sandblasting.
I think the twin tank model would put out drier air, as the compressor feeds directly into the bottom tank, and the hose outlet are plumbed from the top tank.
These are only $10 different in price from each other.
Which one would you get, and why? :?
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fordman
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Re: Air compressor tank styles

Post by fordman »

if the twin tank one is like i'm thinking it is. it would be best suited for air tools such as staplers and that kind of stuff. but it would have to catch up everytime you used it too much. the single tank would work for the nails guns better i think. because it wouldn't have to catch up on the air quite as much. i have one that size and done a small roof with it and a roofing coil nailer. it was about 1 1/4 squares of shingles
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