air compressor ???'s

[nevada70chev]

getting a new air compressor in march, 5hp 29 gallon vertical tank. how and what do i use to plumb up my garage for air? i want to leave the compressor in one place and also how many outlets can i have? thanks for the help

[Erl]

Use rigid copper tubing and fittings. Not too expensive and easy to get at Home Depot. Do not use PVC pipe, the burst strength goes way down as the temperature increases. Iron pipe causes rust in the lines, so long term problems.

[wnc mountain]

You can have as many outlets that you think you could possibly need, the only limiting factor is the compressor can only handle a specified amount of flow at a time. So as long as you don't exceed the airflow at one time, there is no limit. that said I feel that every 15 feet or so would be ok, some say one per wall, its really up to your personal preference.

[67cst]

i also have a question, my dad is looking to buy one . would 12.3 cfm, 7 hp 60 gallon tank power all the air tools? and could you paint with it?

[Crank]

You can get those one adapter things from Northern Tool and Equipment that one hose goes into and has like 3 or 5 outlets that way, you can have all your tools plugged in at the same time. Although, I'm not sure if you can run more than say... 2 at a time or so, because of the psi. But it'd be easier than pluggin in each tool as you need it I guess.
Brandon

[cheyenne10]

What experinence do you have to support the Copper over PVC? I have been told that the high pressure PVC pipes will hold something like 900 psi, I realize heat will lower that number but howe much? Do you or anyone else have more data and info. on this? I hope to add such a system to my shop and want the best possible info. I like to learn form everyone elses experiences instead of the school of hard knocks, I tire from beating myself up in that school.

[Stout72]

67cst, 12.3 cfm will probably be plenty, but you have to look at what output pressure that flow rate corresponds to. Most air powered tools operate at 90 psi. Check the specs for the specific tools you're using, decide how many tools will be operating at once, then size your compressor accordingly.

As for plumbing, use whatever you're comfortable with installing. I'd stay away from plastic for compressed air. Threaded galv pipe would be best, most durable. Rigid copper is cool, but you'd have a lot of fittings to solder. Since the compressor max pressure is probably 150 psi, I bet you could use copper tubing and compression fittings. Use a flex connection between the compressor outlet and your garage plumbing to absorb the vibration from the compressor. Aeroquip hose and fittings are good for this. For multiple outlets, tee off a main line run from one end of your garage to the other, you can have as many as you want. Install quick-disconnects at each tee.

Use a filter/dryer between the outlet of the compressor and your main line plumbing to keep everything dry.

For your air tools, be sure to use an inline oiler and a dedicated hose. Install a quick-disconnect male fitting on the inlet of the oiler so you can plug it in to any of the taps you install.

[nevada70chev]

thanks for all the input and wisdom, man i love this site! i saw in a pic post of a truck, i think it was lotik, and he had white pvc with an air outlet. i'm not very good with copper and soldering, so i may do the plastic pipe. what schedule do i use and can i get it at home depot? thanks.

[Piston]

I've worked in a couple of shops that plumbed with pvc pipe and its dangerous! Within a 2 year period we had 3 pipes explode.

The pipe itself will hold the pressure with no problem whatsoever, but its the cold/heat factor and if they get bumped watch out!!!! I noticed more problems in the winter than the summer because when the pipe gets cold its more rigid. The vibrations from the compressor alone were enough to explode the pipe. NOT good to have flying plastic debris coming right at you. I would consider pvc as a temp fix NOT a permanent plumbing job. Thats just MHO though.

[ljbear]

I used schedule 40, readily available at all hardware stores. However, I'm changing to copper. I think the strength on both is more than adequate. The copper should cool the air from the compressor quicker and make the water traps more effective. I just bought a blast cabinet and have noticed a lot more water in my system than ever before despite good filters and traps.

Larry

[Snowbound]

A good idea I saw was to put an outlet in the ceiling about in the center of the garage and use a coil type flex line or retractable reel to store the hose. Makes it pretty handy for working on stuff as you don't have the hose catching on everything on the floor.

Brian

[Piston]

ljbear, im running into the same situation with mine. 60gl 6hp compressor with 2 filters and I still get some condensation if I do more than 10 minutes of blasting. Dam I love that cabinet though!!!!!

[Snowbound]

To solve the condensation problem try a 5 gal pail full of water and ice cubes. Run a coil into the pail and then through your trap. This will knock most of the water out of the system. Dry air is a must for sandblasters, as you've already found out.

Brian

[cdowns]

go to www.tptools.com get their free catalogue they have an excellent picture of how to run an air system, the other thing is steer away from the oiless compressors they work ok but man are they noisey!!!!!

[ljbear]

Piston I agree on the blast cabinet, one of the best tools I've purchased. I like the pail of ice trick, a real time saver. I'll bet I could get a entire 6 pack in there and probably save 30 minutes a day running to the house for beer. Probably more if my wife's home and I have to take off my boots

Originally posted by Snowbound
To solve the condensation problem try a 5 gal pail full of water and ice cubes.

[Kid]

I plumbed my shop over 10 years ago with sched. 40 1" plastic pipe. Have not had one problem with it yet. I keep the pressure in the line at 120 PSI. The 1" is rated at 450 PSI at 73 degrees. Just my experience.

[Jwill41]

I used 1-1/2" schedule 40 at two different shops. I agree with Piston. It is VERY DANGEROUS. When it cold it is very brittle and one little bump will make it explode. I have seen "spears" flying through the air when it goes. I will never use it again.

[WORNBRAKES]

Another good way to cut down on condensation is to run your pipes high and then at some point angle it toward the floor and then back up to the celing. Put a valve or a water seperator on the bottom to collect or drain condensation.

[rangernsk]

Had PVC at the shop for about 12 years. Keepin a constant pressure of 120 psi, never had a problem, but if you had the money go with copper! From the other members experience, the saving in plastic isn't worth an eye! Just my $.02

[Piston]

Great idea WORNBRAKES, most shops are plumbed like this but I didnt even think of doing it at home too. If there is a water trap coming right off the compressor, its only about 50% effective. Air needs time to cool down which produces the condensation. Guess I just talked myself into plumbing my garage now... DOH! lol