Small Air Compressors

For the occaisional user, weekend warrior, it works out well. Not for painting or long term use. I also had it hooked up to about a 20 gallon tank, but abandoned that. It really didn't help out that much for what I needed and caused the compressor to run longer to pump it up.

If I were buying an oiless, buy as big as tank as you can get given the space and power. For the long haul, go with an oil sump. Quieter and lasts longer, but next time, I will probably go the oiless route. Heck 10 years for $180 isn't too bad.

IMHO

JU

1. Pancake compressors are designed for running nailers on tiny tanks. They most likely have a short duty cycle before they overheat. Filling a 40 gallon tank would be deadly.

2. Most pancakes use an oilless compressor. They are slow, run VERY hot, and are incredibly noisy. You need hearing protection to use one I've seen indoors.

3. Oilless compressors don't last nearly as long as a proper oil-lubed model (the "sump" type Tyler was referring to). I know someone who uses an oil compressor that nearly 90 years old.

4. I doubt the output would be any faster than the one you have. They can't keep up with an impact wrench.

5. And finally, any pancake compressor that's cheaper than an oil-lubed pump is junk. You can't get a good compressor, tank, and regulator for less than a serious compressor pump.

Also, you might need a more powerful motor to run the bigger pump you buy.

Good luck.

It will work to add the 40 gal tank to the small compressor and it will give you a greater capacity. Your small compressor will take longer to load up but there's usually plenty of time with the duty cycle of most air tools.

When you look for a compressor, be sure to look at the difference between a "sump" compressor and these new "ear busting" things. The new compressors are cheap to build but REALLY loud. I know a contractor who is selling one just because of the noise and it's used outside.

A sump type compressor has a long throw and quiet opperation. I'd go for the peace and quiet over the few bucks you save.