outfitting shop with new compressor

[mattn]

Finally got a nice big compressor. Planning on running 1/2 iron pipe around the basement/garage shop. My question is - having run 1/2 inch pipe, does it make sense to use 3/8 inch hose? typical connections in my experience are 3/8 so not sure it matters and 3/8 is less expensive...

let me know if this is the wrong forum for this question...

thanks,
matt

[JohnJL]

I used 1/2" in the walls but all my hoses and fittings are 3/8. I get plenty of flow for my needs. The tank and compressor also have to be considered. I run a 3-cylinder on a 3/4 hp baldor motor with a 150 gallon tank and it keeps up with just about everything...blasting, die grinders, impact wrenches, air files, etc.

[mattn]

Got a good deal on a 5HP IR compressor. 1/2" outlet so I will run 1/2" pipe but switching to 3/8 at the hose and connectors seems reasonable. Thanks.
Matt

[flat6s]

Why would you run iron pipe. ... Why not schedule 40 pvc 200 psi or polyethelene tubing 250 psi ? Run 3/4 ". I use it all the time with my compressors at home and at work.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by JohnJL

... I run a 3-cylinder on a 3/4 hp baldor motor with a 150 gallon tank and it keeps up with just about everything...blasting, die grinders, impact wrenches, air files, etc.

Holly caca

[Gav]

3/4 poly tubing is what I have used, easy to fit, bends around corners with ease.
I use 3/4 tees with a 1/2 bsp socket for my tappings and reduce them to 3/8 works a treat.

[mattn]

Tough call. I haven't actually run the pipe yet. Have heard good arguments about PVC vs iron. Still in the design phase and was thinking first about pipe size / air flow constriction.....
But you like the PVC?

[blucille]

Cold iron pipes helps pull the water out of the lines, too....don't forget drip legs with a drain...fear of shattering is why I avoided PVC.

[flat6s]

I have used 3/4" schedule 40 pvc pipe with my compressors for 20 years. Inexpensive, easy to work with, lasts forever. Solvent weld fittings (glue joint ). Always use the purple primer before glueing. Biggest advantage...... Never rusts.
Just my opinion

[flat6s]

How in the world does cold iron pipes help "pull" the water out of the lines.... Makes no sense

[porsche930dude]

condenses on the pipe and drips down to a drip leg. also causing rust in the lines and clogging up your guns like it did to a friend of mine.

[HarryD]

I have used 3/4" schedule 40 pvc pipe with my compressors for 20 years. Inexpensive, easy to work with, lasts forever. Solvent weld fittings (glue joint ). Always use the purple primer before glueing. Biggest advantage...... Never rusts.

Just my opinion

Remind me to never to go near your shop. I have seen failures of PVC at 100 psi. Think thousands of knives flying through the air. Safe distance is 100+ feet.

There is a reason they make special plastic pipe for compressed gases.

[ClickClickBoom]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Remind me to never to go near your shop. I have seen failures of PVC at 100 psi. Think thousands of knives flying through the air. Safe distance is 50+ feet.

There is a reason they make special plastic pipe for compressed gases.

The oil in the compressed air can attack the plastic. Came into a shop that had lots of plastic bits on the floor, PVC was weakened by the oil from the compressor(my guess). If I go into a work area where PVC is used for air, I quietly leave.
I did my shop in 1/2 "L" copper with sweated fittings.

[seafeye]

I use PVC and works great. I guess if I had time this system below looks like the ticket.

[ClickClickBoom]

Originally Posted by seafeye

I use PVC and works great. I guess if I had time this system below looks like the ticket.

Right up until it doesn't.........

http://www.californiasprinklerfitters.org/files/WhyCPVC-OccasFail.pdf

[wildcat077]

Originally Posted by mattn

Finally got a nice big compressor. Planning on running 1/2 iron pipe around the basement/garage shop. My question is - having run 1/2 inch pipe, does it make sense to use 3/8 inch hose? typical connections in my experience are 3/8 so not sure it matters and 3/8 is less expensive...

let me know if this is the wrong forum for this question...

thanks,
matt

You want to use 3/4 copper pipe welded with silver solder so that you can use fittings and plumb in a water separator as well as a pressure regulator on some of your outlets.
Start with a 2ft section of 3/4 inch rubber hose from your compressor for vibration purposes then you could run it into a tee and plumb your outlets whichever way you like.

Do a search on google regarding the proper way to plumb a shop for a compressor,you`ll be surprised !

Cheers
Phil

[HarryD]

Use PVC. After all, what would these guys know (being pain in the butt beururatic agency and all).

https://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19880520.html

[JohnJL]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

Holly caca

In a good way or a bad way? The tank was a kijiji special, the pump still worked but needed a new motor and I learned how to wire 220v starters in the process...

[flat6s]

Ok. So i am convinced that schedule 40 PVC pipe is not the way to go. So why not just use air hose. I suppose it could be clamped on the wall like pipe. It's made for compressed air. It's fairly cheap. Fittings are readily available. It bends easily. Seems to me this would not be a bad choice.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by JohnJL

In a good way or a bad way? The tank was a kijiji special, the pump still worked but needed a new motor and I learned how to wire 220v starters in the process...

Good way...