Air reciever volume - what does it matter?

[julianf]

Now I understand the technicalities, but in actual real terms?

I mean if you're not using a lot of air, what does it really matter how often the pump comes on and off?

And, if you are using a lot of air... the reciever volume won't make much difference to anything, as you're limited by the pump.

So, in real terms, when does a larger reciever actually matter? All I can see is that it allows you to go momentarily (and the reciever size determines the length of that 'moment') over the output of the pump. But in real terms that moment is always going to be short, even with a 200ltr reciever.

..so what's the deal?

 

[armalites]

It depends on how you are using the air, if you are using it so the pump runs continuously then it probably doesn't make much difference. Once up to pressure the pump can have a rest but will obviously will take longer to pump up when it's running.

The thing you will gain is the ability to run a tool that needs more than your compressor can pump.

So lets say you have spray gun that needs 16CFM but your compressor is a 15CFM so in real numbers maybe 10CFM then a large receiver would allow you to run that gun for a while where a small tank wouldn't. Sure it run out of puff but it will be a longer period with a bigger tank

It's also surprising how much air something like impact gun can suck in a short blast and an impact won't do its job if it relies on the pump, it needs that initial burst

Larger tank can allow the air to cool too

 

[brightspark]

as above that's about it in a nutshell