[Shop-talk] a question on portable air tanks

[nick brearley]

I have an 11 gal portable air tank, think it came from Northern Tools 
last century, which gets used for the sort of thing such things get used 
for. Looking at the underside the other day I noticed  " Discard after 
Mar 2007" stamped in the metal. Are the manufacturers covering 
themselves against abuse and neglect or do these things have a 
measurable lifespan? FWIW I drain it off after each use with an open 
ended hose in an inverted position, hoping to shift any build up of 
condensation.

Any experience or opinions received with interest.

Nick Brearley