How's this sound for a kegging system? (semi-portable)

[bsay]

I am looking into getting into kegging, but I don't have the space for a full blown setup, so I searched around the forums and thought of an idea...

I want to use a paintball-like tank, similar to what EdWort and BierMuncher have done with their portable systems. I have a mini-fridge that I used in college that is now my bar fridge, but it'll only fit 2 of the 3 gallon corneys, no 5 gallon. That's ok, I found 3 gallons at midwest supplies for $99 each with reasonable shipping. There is no place in town to get CO2, but there is a Lowe's for exchanges in a city about 30 minutes away that I get to fairly often.

I figure if I naturally carbonate the kegs and just use the CO2 to dispense and purge/seal, then it should work ok. How's this setup sound? I figure I'd get two 20oz. tanks, and just switch them out when needed. I'd also pick up a 3gal model of the keglove to take to the future in-laws. Yay for portability!

Main Questions:
Should I get the paintball regulator from William's or the toolbelt style from Lowe's?
How many 3 gallon kegs will a 20oz. container dispense?
Once I pressurize the kegs, can I disconnect the CO2 and leave them pressurized for storage or when not in use(assuming no leaks)?

 

[IrregularPulse]

Those Kobalt regulators from Lowes seem way overprices for what you really get. Looks like just a big bulk of plastic you're paying for. Anyone used an actual paintball regulator from a gun? They regulate within 1-2 psi when firing a paintball gun, why couldn't it hold a steady pressure for a keg?

 

[david_42]

1. I'd go with the William's regulator
2. It takes 1.5-2 oz. to dispense a 3 gallon cornie, but I don't know if 20 oz. is nominal or actual.
3. Yes