Slick 60's

im looking to run solid air lines along the wallls of my garage to various places so i could run a shorter rubber hose instead of a 50 footer. my question is whats a good solid line to run. ive heard fo people using copper, plastic and steel. anyone have any advice or tips to help me decide which one will fit me the best. i wont use anything more than a da sander and my air compressor is a 150psi one. sorry if i sound like an idiot but id like to do it safe and right the first time

There are really only 2 options if you are doing it yourself copper or black iron . You can buy kits to do it with aluminum pipe but copper and black iron are easy user options . The copper is better if you see yourself wanting to add to it or change it up later .


Rick

I had a buddy that ran PVC pipe throuout his shop and he said he never had any issues.

Since the primer and glue actually melt or weld the pipe together, I can see it being a good option. Of course, using the thick schedule 40 pipe for it.

I have been wanting to do this in my garage, just haven't had the time to do it.




j

PVC is not rated for very high pressure, even the sch40.

I used Copper.

Bookmarked this the last time I read a good discussion on air lines...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/compressed-air/

If the PVC breaks you end up with shrapnel. I know people that use it and get away with it but it only takes once.

i was lazy and used PVC..... 2 years and no problems yet
put a 1'' hose between compressor & 3/4'' sch 80 pipe
pipes mounted high on wall where they cant get damaged
mounted five hoses and ran about 200' ft of pipe
kick on @ 100 psi off @ 125

put a piece of hose between the compressor and the pvc. pvc is sensitive to heat and will melt down.

1" sch 40 is rated at 450 psi. 1" sch 80 is rated at 630 psi. I would also watch what pvc valves used if any. there is also some blue pvc w/ screw on fittings special made for compressed air.

PVC is your easiest and cheapest option. I would install a valve at the compressor and a a rubber hose conncetion. Besure to add drip legs to trap water and drain it occassionaly. I suggest installing a valves on the drip legs with a plug that can be removed. I would also install a valve at the compressor for a main shutoff, in brass or stainless.
Black or galvanized pipe would be my last choice as it is hard to work with and you could end up with rust problems in your air. Copper of course is nice, but expensive, and would be my first choice if money is not a factor. That being said, I'm not sure but I wouldn't go with PVC anyway.

Rich

I used regular air hose in my shop. I got a couple of 100' lengths and ran them to my two air hose reals. Been that way for years. I used zip tie to hold it down to the frame work.

Here are a couple of ideas. Pretty easy to install as I understand it and gives you a lot of flexibly and expandability in your install:

http://www.eastwood.com/complete-garage ... e-kit.html

http://www.garage-pak.com/compressed-ai ... afety.html

I bought a similar set from Harbor Freight at a closeout price, but don't see it on their site. Haven't installed it yet so can't give an evaluation.

From everything I've read and understand the black pipe is supposed to be the best reasonably priced solution. But the install seems like it would be a royal pain and would require pipe threading. I've also seen a lot of PVC installs in auto shops and carpentry shops, but have also heard a lot of scare stories.

Well speaking of PVC for airlines . Heres a story from my area from today ( read closely ) .


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46672256/ns ... sville_ky/



I will stick to copper or Black iron for air lines personally .



Rick

Very timely!

I'm gonna stick to the copper thanks for all the input guys

Good Call . They were showing some pictures from inside that plant tonight on the news and there were small shards of PVC everywhere and the pipe looked to be around a 3-6" pipe . I have yet to figure out how they got past OSHA with it as it is not rated for air pressure it is rated for water pressure which is quite differant from air pressure .


Rick

This is what I just used when I removed the PVC. The compressor is in my basement workshop on a 3 way switch and also runs to the garage. VERY easy install.

RapidAir



http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... w={keyword}

6" PVC pressure ratings drop to 180 psi. Very easy to imagine running a commercial compressor to, above or near this level. My residential one will run to 150 no problem. And no there no significant difference between water pressure or air pressure in the line. A 6" system would of had very little safety factor (if any) and in an industrial application would have been much more susceptible to impact damage.

Not sure of the specifics but it is very possible that they used DWV PVC which is the thinner wall stuff used for waste and vent lines and is more readily available in the larger sizes, not typically used under any significant pressure in fact I did not find any manufacturers with pressure ratings for DWV pipe (domestic waste & vent)

When we built the new Motion Industries Hose shop here in Houston years ago, I plumbed the main air lines with 1" sch. 80 PVC. and drops with the 1/2". (We had long spans to run to the equipment). A little more expensive, but a lot safer and you get the benefit of no corrosion.
Also, if you want to add a drop, its a lot easier than with copper or galvanized.
Schedule 80 PVC is dark grey and takes a different glue than the sched. 40.
Don't forget a small drain at the bottom of each of your hose outlets and hook the compressor to the main line with a flexible air hose or metal hose connector to eliminate the vibration fatigue on the hard line from the compressor.
Forgot to say: after 20+ years, its still there.

i really like that kit big mike. ive got a tad over a 1 car garage so i dont need to much material so i think im gonna stick with the copper