> As I am
> comparing the ones out there It appears there is some overlap in
> specs between
> single stage and two stage. Because I don't know any better I'm
> thinking 2 is
> better than 1 right? What are the advantages/disadvantages
> between the two?
A 2 stage is more efficient, especially at higher pressures. That
translates to more air for the same power and usually (not always) a higher
ultimate pressure. Plus, they'll work better when the rings and valves get
a bit tired, and should run just a bit quieter/smoother.
Note that there is a difference between just two cylinders and two stages.
The second stage cylinder has to be a smaller displacement, usually this is
obvious when looking at the pump.
In effect, a 2-stage compressor has a much higher overall compression ratio
than is possible with a single stage. Efficiency drops dramatically as the
output pressure approaches the input pressure times the compression ratio
(being zero when they are roughly equal).
Randall
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