piping for air in shop

[jdrotert]

We talked a little about 2 months or so ago about running air lines in the shop/garage/shed. I got the impression from all the posts that type "L" copper pipe is the best for this. Well, I'm ready to run some lines! One question though: Do the fitting need to be brazed or can they just be soft soldered. BTW, I've read that soldering refers to melting the filler under 800 degrees F, whereas brazing occurs at over 800 degrees F. I saw some silver solder used for brazing at the farm and home store this weekend which was rated at 80,000 psi strength. I don't think I'll need that much!! So would regular solder used for plumbing work in this installation?

 

[DocHeb]

It will work well. Threaded pipe is overkill. Remember to pitch the pipe gently to allow for condensation to run out/downhill to a drain.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Soft solder will work just fine, as long as you remember to pitch properly and install drains. If moisture is left to freeze in low points, it will actually force soldered joynts apart.
Exotic solders, such as silver alloys are used for applications where there is a shock load involved, such as R-22 refridgeration systems, where there is tremendous vibration plus thermal shock.
Remember to thoroughly clean all fitups and flux so you don't need to apply excessive heat which will anneal the copper.
Also include a loop to minimize vibration load between the compressor and the piping system.