what to use for air lines for air compressor !
 

So my man cave build is coming along I now have my IR 60 gallon compressor in its own room . So now I have to start thinking of running air lines . I know PVC or CPVC is considered taboo so what to use ? I really don't want the expense of black iron pipe and I see some folks are using PEX . So what is a good/safe/cost effective piping system ? I know there are aluminum/PVC coated piping available specifically made for compressor air lines is that the way to go ?

My air line run will be pretty simple , two drops for hose reels and one drop for the two post lift safety latches . I know to put ball valves in each drop for draining purposes . So what are you guys using ?

I bought a "garage kit" with some sort of blue tubing at Lowes. It has the push connectors and clips to mount it and such. Since I do not leave it pressurized all the time the tubing should work fine.

I think they used copper tubing at work to run throughout the building, not sure if it is sweated or brazed though? Copper might get pricey as well

You’re correct on hard plastic as it can get brittle, break, exposing sharp edges and flailing around like a knife.

Maxline M3800 Master Kit with 100' of 1/2'' Tubing | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware Looks to be what John was talking about.

I was going to run mine in black pipe when the time comes.

black pipe - 1/2" 10' is $20 at home depot. T's less than $3. With valves and gages I would think a garage could be done for $100.

You want a drip legs, drains, etc.

https://www.webbikeworld.com/wp-cont...ine-layout.jpg

I have a combination of RapidAir and copper running all over the building. Definitely spend the money and get a drier or make a condenser with a series of copper pipe going up and down with drains at the bottom of each "U".

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200484023_200484023?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Air%20Tools%2 0%2B%20Compressors%20%3E%20Compressed%20Air%20Pipi ng%20%2B%20Accessories%20%3E%20Air%20Compressor%20 Piping%20Kits&utm_campaign=RapidAir&utm_content=20 923&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz-z-3Z-V2wIVk9lkCh3WRgO-EAQYASABEgJS3PD_BwE



I have this coalescing filter before my drier and that collects a lot of water on a high capacity day.

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/61697454

Actually the correct type of plastic pipe is your friend. I wouldn’t go smaller than 3/4”. This kit on eBay is an example. When you consider all the fittings, valves, and clamps, it’s not a bad deal.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F17 1360158122

Rapidair as mentioned above, there is nothing better. You can even see it inside Ant's garage on Wheeler Dealers.

I am busy doing mine in copper. Not really all that expensive, though not sure how copper is prices on your side of the Atlantic.

Shaun, thanks for the heads-up on the drains - I will definitely retrofit some!

I was going to do mine in Schedule 80 PVC, it's gray and has threaded ends that would need Teflon but it won't break like the Sked 40 white PVC. I've pumped grout through 2-300' of 1 1/4" Sked 80, pressure over 350psi never had a problem.

Finn

i just used PVC to run to a hose spool in the middle of my garage.

I DO NOT get the same pressure at the spool as I do closer to the comp. never measured it but I can tell using the impact wrench. I don't know if it is the spool or the PVC size. I know I went bigger than 3/4.

I would think sweeps would be better instead of sharp 90's

Yesterday in the mail I received a Northern Tool flier and coupons . So the Rapidair 3/4 " kit is on sale for 149.99 and I have a 20.00 off coupon for purchase over 100.00 so it nets to 129.99 . Not a bad price....... HOWEVER......... I will need additional fittings and wow are they proud of those :( . I need to get this design down on paper to figure out the true cost .

I used PEX and have had no problems.

What size and color PEX did you use ? What is the size/pressure rating of your compressor ?

Well I checked online my local HD for 3/4 " L copper it's 23.43 per 10 ' stick wow copper has gone up ! I definitely have to get this down on paper now but the Rapidair may be cheaper .

I have 1/2" black pipe. I know you said you didn't like the cost aspect but it doesn't sound like your cost will be all that much for the runs you have planned. Just do the layout in precut lengths if you don't have a threader. I also have a Eaton refrigerated air drier plumbed into my system.

Maxline 3/4! Easy to work with and can be reconfigured later if you need to make changes. I found it way cheaper then copper when I priced out my system, plus a lot easier to install.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-ss5l5-5-hp-60-gallon-high-capacity-air-compressor?cm_vc=IOPDP2

I have this compressor 60 gal 135psi. I plumbed everything with 1/2 inch pex blue (cold water line) rated for 160psi. I am able to run a blast cabinet with no issues.

PVC gets a bad rap, but in 25 years of using it daily, I have had one line freeze, and rupture, and pulled a line once breaking the plastic. I have had zero problems other than that.
I still would not use it again, knowing what I know now . I was young, poor, in a hurry, and uninformed , but it has served me well for a long time .

It's funny you say that in my last garage I did use SCHD 80 PVC piping . But after hearing the potential of explosive shards I have ruled that out .

Like you I want to plumb my shop. Have for a years. I still just drag a hose from the compressor. Only 1 lift bay but its not the end of the world either way.