Twin or single piston compressors...Does it matter?

Not sure about that but in my home garage I ran a Sear 25 gal. 5 hp. 1 cylinder compressor for over 20 years. I used it for automotve tools.The only reason I upgraded to an 80 gallon compressor was that I got a deal on one I couldn't refuse (free) I have an Airmate 1 cylinder I run my A/B's off of its a dual tank model I got a deal on that too $50 from from some guy selling tools that came into my old place of work( I knew he was a contractor that was going outta buisness so I assume it wasn't hot) . Both have heald up great. If the 25 gallon one wasn't 220 I'd hook it up in my model room.

John

Just because something is rated at being capable of producing twice the horsepower, doesn't mean that it is achieving maximum production of that horsepower ALL of the time. Twin piston compressors can pump out a greater CFM of air, but in reality airbrushes are only using a tiny amount at a time. At the low pressures we work at, the twin design is less stressful on the moving parts than the single.

cuzimthedad

I'm looking at compressors to power the Badger 105 Patriot I will soon be purchasing. I read yesterday that the twin piston will last longer than the single for the obvious reason, however I'm not sure that is fully accurate as the twin produces more than twice the hp than the single. Any thoughts?

Yes, it matters when you are comparing 2 compressors from the same manufacturer.

The twin piston compressor NEEDS a bigger motor and usually produces 70-80% more air flow. Besides, the twin piston tend to compensate each other to reduce pulsation, but pulsation is no longer a problem like the old diaphram driven compressors. A well designed, modern piston driven compressor are pretty free of pulsation even if it is only single piston.

Take the horsepower rating with a grain of salt, particularly those made in China (mainland China, not Taiwanese). They usually have double the HP rating for similar size motor made elsewhere. Check the airflow and pressure ratings. A good manufacturer will rate their compressor with something like:

1.2 CFM @ 40-60 psi or open flow

Typically, a single piston compressor provides 0.7-0.8 CFM and a twin >1 CFM.  A manufacturer who cannot or will not specify the CFM @ psi rating is NOT a good sign.

I will stay with name brand compressor such as Iwata, Sparmax and  stay AWAY from old design diaphram type compressor. The old diaphram ones usually have a 1/10 or 1/20 HP rating. Consider that a compressor has a piston constantly rubbing against the cylinder wall. Its durability is a important issue. Buy a cheap compressor that may work ok when new, but it may not last.

I have an older Paasche DA400 that I like very much. It is a twin piston made by Sparmax in Taiwan for Paasche. But Paasche switch manufacturer to China now for the DA400. Not sure how it works anymore. If you have a Hobby Lobby nearby, the Sparmax TC-2000 is a good buy using their 40% off coupon.