My tornador vac has a regulator, still playing with that, but biggest problem is it uses WAY too much air, empties compressor tank too quickly, any suggestions?
The key isn't tank size as much as cfm rate from the compressor. Any 30 gallon compressor will yield you about 1 min. a 60 gal 2 minutes before it's kicking on to get back up to pressure regardless of the compressor. The key remains getting a compressor with 10-12cfm rates. This will allow for you to drive the tool full speed non-stop and work while it simultaneously fills the reserve tank back up. Sure you can use a 6cfm compressor but it's going to die a quick death overheating as it's going to need to run full time if you keep working when the tank pressure drops. It just won't have enough flow to drive the tool and fill the tank. Also, many of the smaller 5-6cfm compressors are oil-free aka cheaper teflon coated ones that have a half-life vs a good oiled compressor. I went with a 60 gal as it allows for full time working while still maintaining a 50% run-time for the compressor which is what it's duty cycle is. Anything more than 6 minutes of running on a compressor on a regular basis is going to be hard on it. Mine let's me work for 2 mins, then runs for 1:30 and fills the tank, then I work for 2 mins and it kicks on for another 1:30 thus you can see after say 10 cycles, I'm able to get 20 minutes of non stop cleaning and yet the compressor has only run for 15 minutes total in spurts of 1:20-2 mins at a time. Great for longevity of the unit and keeps me happy that I get full 90psi non-stop. If you're mobile and need one on a truck, get a gas powered one. There are higher 10-12 cfm portable units but they are pricey and I doubt you're going to have a place to plug one in that will support the amps it needs. www.lowes.com/pd/Campbell-Hausfeld-20-Gallon-Portable-Gas-Horizontal-Air-Compressor/1000128213 Hope that helps.
