Just got a small 3HP air compressor, it has a oil lubricated pump. Air delivery ratings 5.6cfm@90, 7.2@40.

Is it possible to hook up a second air tank in with the other to increase the tool usage, to run the tool longer so the compressor doesn't run as much?

Yes, it's done all the time in industry.

Getting ready to do the same thing myself ;)

Almost anything that can stand the PSI rating can be used as air storage - even large sized piping in the shop. The trick is to increase the PSI of the pump then regulate the line out so that pumping doesn't automatically make your air PSI jump up and down. Adjust the pump to come on at 90 or so and off at 150 (if it will take it).

I have a 5horse 20gal going into an 80gal tank. Works good. One thing though, if your tool uses more air than your compressor puts out it will never catch up.

I have a 5horse 20gal going into an 80gal tank. Works good. One thing though, if your tool uses more air than your compressor puts out it will never catch up.

But that's when you stop for beer!

And note, the opposite is true too - with a larger tank you'll be able to run a tool longer before the compressor comes back on, when it does come back on it'll take longer to refill the larger tank. So you need to look at your usage and determine if it'll help.

I run a small (10gal) tank on the end of the line all the time for using airchisels along way from the comp (like 150 ft). The long line just can't keep up. Lets me chisel for 20-30 sec, pause a bit, and keep going.

I have a small pancake compressor and a 100# propane tank as my main storage tank, works good

That's what I'll do. Put a regulator on the outgoing compressor and increase the PSI.

Didn't think of it, but it makes sense. The more cu. foot of air space I add the longer it'll take to refill. I guess it's trial and error to find out the PSI that's going to be needed to run each tool.

Yeah this is my first compressor, Man it's going to be nice not having to kill myself taking off them stubborn nuts and bolts.