Air Compressor Question

[Cygnus X1]

Too lazy to google this...
I bought an air compressor, 30 gallon tank.
The manual says to drain it after use.
I seldom use it, should I leave it empty or leave it full?

I'm concerned with moisture buidup in between uses.
Seems leaving it empty would invite moisture buildup, but I may be all wet...

[Jackson/Charvelfan]

Cygnus,
When I worked as a gunsmith and later building Hot Rods & parts for them we would always drain the tanks every day as you would have water build up and soon there would be rust inside the tank. We would also leave the valve open to prevent rust. So I will always leave it empty.

[dg]

The moisture condenses out of the air when it is pressurized. IMO, if you're not using it often, go ahead & depressurize it & drain it. If you leave it under pressure, there's likely to be some moisture in the bottom of the tank, and if it sits for a long time the tank will corrode. I don't think any moisture will get in there while it sits idle after you depressurize & drain.

[jacksoncsplayer]

Drain it. and leave ye valve cracked.

[Cygnus X1]

Thanks. Dang thing's full right now, and I don't want to hear it drain.
Guess I'll go take a leak, myself, while it does.

[Cygnus X1]

15 minutes later, it's still draining. Glad I peed.
Now, I feel like I have to pee again.

[DonP]

Shit - I used to leave mine empty but got lazy. Time to drain it after 6 months.