[oldsub86]

Bigger is better - esp if you plan to blast, paint etc. A larger tank takes longer to pump up but provides more volume of air. I would try to go to at least a 60 gallon tank. Also, I would say that the cast iron compressor units should be better than the aluminum ones in terms of longevity. Maybe look for a used one if the new ones are too pricey. I am running a big old deVilbiss that was made in 1947. I replaced the tank as I was a bit uncertain about the rust issue but I wonder if I really needed to. I maybe should have made a bigger effort to get it tested as a lot of the older stuff is better made than the new stuff. I have an 80 gallon tank now and when I sand blast it runs a lot.