Who is using what for air in their shop

[68 Sedan]

Some time in the next couple of weeks I think I'll be in a position to get a bigazz compressor to stand in the corner, and I'll be piping air to a couple of places in my shop. I know it's a bad idea to use PVC s40 for this, but what about the s80? Will you still be pelted with needle sharp shards of polyvinyl chloride if you use it?

I called a place that does this professionally and was told they are now using copper pipe for most of their installations. Should be easy to install, but I've already learned there are different ratings on copper pipe and don't know what the differences are.

Bueller???

 

[catsncudas]

I used iron pipe in my garage. Used 1/4 npt tees for fittings and elbows for the corners. I just made sure to put in a good filter/water separator. Clamped to the wall with those thingys you use to route conduit and it's plenty strong.

 

[comoxian]

I'm sure that copper would work fine, but look at the price.

You could easily do it in either galvanized iron or regular black iron. You'd probably get more rust in the black iron, so galvanized would be better.

Iron comes in 21' lengths, and most places carry shorter, pre-threaded pieces also. I'm sure that you could rent a hand-threader somewhere locally. I have my own, so it's not an issue.

To help eliminate water, install every take-off vertically up from the main line. The installation of a water separator is an added bonus, but a drip leg at the end of the line is a cheap alternative.

Whatever you choose to install, make sure that it isn't plastic. Safety first:cheers:.

Mark. (20 yrs as a plumber/pipefitter)

 

[clhyer]

I used 1/2" sched. 80 PVC - but it is behind the wall. If I were doing it over I would use 3/4" just for the added capacity.
C

 

[C130 Chief]

The two ratings on copper are "Expensive" and "Stoopid Expensive" for thin and thick wall respectively.

I used black iron which is pretty cheap. Your local home center can thread ends if you need to cut pipe.

 

[RedFish]

I used the gray sch80 pvc in 1 inch across over head and made drops with precut and threaded 1/2 inch sch40 galv. No problems so far (over 14 years)

 

[grimreaper]

Mine's iron installed as Comaxian suggests. So, consider me another vote for the iron.

 

[OUTLAW]

I just used some large (3/4") flexible air hose like you'd use from the compressor to your impact. Works well, doesn't rust or create moisture in the line and is easy to put up and take down and loop around items already mounted on the wall...and oh yeah cheap as hell and haven't had a problem with it in 9 years

 

[3404speed]

http://www.sharpe1.com/sharpe/sharpe.nsf/Page/Air+Piping+Layout

save some water, enjoy the air!

And I'd use black pipe...have used copper, too, but $$$ now. Go as big as you can diameter and put in some extra drain valves or shut offs so you can drain it anywhere.

 

[CudaChick1968]

I've got a 30x40 shop with 3/4" Schedule 80 PVC with 10 down drops around the shop for my ancient compressor that can put out 180 psi. Have never had any problems with it or blown up any PVC (but it will probably blow one out tomorrow now that I'm braggin on it).

When setting up your down drops, add a few inches of pipe below your air line fitting "T" and attach a drain **** to the bottom of the pipe. Any water generated will collect in those (rather than in your air lines) and is easily drained with a quick turn of the wrist. I can snap a couple pics of my setup if you want.

 

[68 Sedan]

(oh baby would I like to see pics of your setup):sign5:

I'm sorry...I just couldn't help it.....