blueman wrote in
:

I have a low-end Harbor Freight 8 gallon air compressor that has many
times over earned its $100 cost.

However, there are times when I would like to have a larger air supply
tank such as when I am blowing out my irrigation system. Of course the
steady-state is limited by the compressor motor to about 4-5 CFM@90
psi.


*snip*

But assuming that I am careful about duty cycle is this a reasonable
way to temporarily extend the initial air supply for occassional uses
where I need to get the advantages of a larger tank?


*snip*


Thanks!


Where it might make a difference is in air hungry intermittent duty
tools like air wrenches. The extra reserve of air would allow the tool
to run longer (perhaps enough to finish the job) before the compressor
kicks on.

If you do this, make sure to open the compressor regulator to charge the
tank fully and then put another regulator before the tool connection.
If all you charge the tank with is 30 psi, you won't see much difference
at all. Charge to 100 or 120 psi and you'll notice the difference.

Puckdropper