Running a screw compressor without a tank

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Righty Tighty

Blame it on the dog
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Hey FABO, quick question about air compressors - specifically rotary screw compressors.

I'm currently running a Hydrovane screw compressor, and looking to upgrade to an Atlas-Copco. The Hydrovane is great - 47 CFM with an 80 gallon tank, but it maxes out at 100 PSI. The Atlas-Copco I have my eye on is 84 CFM, 130 PSI maximum. More CFM than I really need, but I would really like more PSI than 100.

The Atlas unit doesn't have a tank, so I would need to source my own. My question is, would it be a bad idea to run it *temporarily* without an air storage tank? Main activities are CNC plasma, air tools like sanders/die grinders, and sandblasting.

I can't go without a compressor, so if it's a really bad idea, I'll store the Atlas in the corner until I have a tank for it.

Thanks, as always.
 
I used to sell those Hydrovane compressors back in the '80s....Italian if I remember correctly. Running a compressor without a tank could be sketchy as the demand varies and it will likely be on and off or loading/unloading too frequently. In my opinion you need a tank to buffer the load.
 
Thanks. Yes, that was kind of my thinking as well. I'll wait to use it until I have a tank.
 

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