Shop Air System Install

[Kubota Tee]

On my project list this fall/winter is a compressed air system installation for my shop. I'm starting to do the planning and research for this effort and thought I'd reach out to get some input on materials and design. It appears that the traditional approach has been either copper or black pipe. In doing some research, I've found some alternatives which include aluminum and aluminum lined plastic tubing. Here are some pics I've found on the internet:














So ..... What have you done in your shop with compressed air? Would love to get any/all advice on this project and of course, pics are always welcomed / desired.

Thanks,

Thomas

 

[bubbacuse77]

I use blue label copper for two reasons. First I can cut it and sweat it fast vs trying to get a pipe threading machine for black pipe. Second copper won't rust from condensate in the pipe. Copper can be more expensive but if you do it yourself you can save a bunch of cash. I don't have experience with the setup you listed but if it is made for running compressed air then you are safe. Just don't take the easy way and use PVC. PVC as it fails will burst like a grenade and send shards flying vs metal will just tear open. One other thing I see guys doing that I also did was use a hydraulic hose between the air compressor and my hard lines to have a less ridged connection.

 

[BethelHntr]

I used black iron pipe, At the time I had access to a threading machine and got a good deal on the pipe. It's been installed since the early 90's and have had zero problems. I'll try and post pics later today.

 

[k0ua]

On my project list this fall/winter is a compressed air system installation for my shop. I'm starting to do the planning and research for this effort and thought I'd reach out to get some input on materials and design. It appears that the traditional approach has been either copper or black pipe. In doing some research, I've found some alternatives which include aluminum and aluminum lined plastic tubing. Here are some pics I've found on the internet:



View attachment 341272





View attachment 341273




So ..... What have you done in your shop with compressed air? Would love to get any/all advice on this project and of course, pics are always welcomed / desired.

Thanks,

Thomas

From everything I have read, your idea is the modern preferred method. It is safe and easy to do. I am still dragging hoses around, but maybe someday will go the route you are proposing.

James K0UA

 

[Kubota Tee]

I use blue label copper for two reasons. First I can cut it and sweat it fast vs trying to get a pipe threading machine for black pipe. Second copper won't rust from condensate in the pipe. Copper can be more expensive but if you do it yourself you can save a bunch of cash. I don't have experience with the setup you listed but if it is made for running compressed air then you are safe. Just don't take the easy way and use PVC. PVC as it fails will burst like a grenade and send shards flying vs metal will just tear open. One other thing I see guys doing that I also did was use a hydraulic hose between the air compressor and my hard lines to have a less ridged connection.

Bubba, Thanks for your feedback and sharing your experience. I'm definitely not going to use PVC. The straight aluminum pipe was featured on Jay Leno's garage and the aluminum lined pipe is something I found on the internet by RAPIDAIR. Both systems feature quick attach couplers that avoids soldering or threading pipe. The aluminum lined pipe is quite a bit less expensive. Both are designed and sold specifically for air systems. Thomas

 

[Kubota Tee]

I used black iron pipe, At the time I had access to a threading machine and got a good deal on the pipe. It's been installed since the early 90's and have had zero problems. I'll try and post pics later today.

Larry,

Having the right equipment is always something that I'm challenged with which is why some of these newer systems look kinda nice to me. I'd love to see your pics as well as how you attached your compressor to the system and what you're doing for filtering and/or oil.

Thanks,

Thomas

 

[Kubota Tee]

From everything I have read, your idea is the modern preferred method. It is safe and easy to do. I am still dragging hoses around, but maybe someday will go the route you are proposing. James K0UA

James,

I'll be sure to post pics along the way as well as which system I end up going with and how it installs and performs.

Stay tuned ....

Thomas

 

[kg7il]

Create some low point drains. Feed your connector from a tee, and extend a leg downward to a valve. A cheaper way is to use a reducer to a larger pipe and cap it. The larger pipe will hold more water longer, and can be drained when you bring your system down.

 

[nc redneck]

I did my commercial body shop back in the early 80s with 1 inch copper. Sold business in the late 90s. But there has been 0 failures for about 30 years. They run 4 body techs and 2 painters. Paint booth and prep deck. Dual 10 HP compressor set a 175 PSI. Copper is by far better than black pipe if clean air is must.

 

[BethelHntr]

It's kind of hard taking photo's of air lines in a area so filled with other stuff but I did get a few.

This is where the pipe leaves the compressor and moves up the wall into the truss area, There is no filtration.



This is a line that goes above two garage bay's, I use plastic coil line for drops at head height and can connect a short wip line for impact guns or what ever is needed.





This main line goes down through the outside wall and has an outlet outside between the two garage doors for filling tires or what have you.

The more outlets the better IMO and you might want a drain at the end of your line to get rid of water.