Shop Air Compressor set up questions?

[bigtiller]

^^^I've put in several and I believe money well spent... the oldest is circa 1995 and no issues.

I put mine on when the compressor was new, about 2 years ago. No dirty water comes out, it appears to be as clean as tap water. It blows at a slight angle onto the floor and leaves no stain.

 

[BLSXJ]

I'll definitely look at a auto drain valve in the future. Right now I'm trying to figure out how to reduce the bush tax on a maxline system from rapid air

 

[BLSXJ]

I pulled the trigger and ordered the RapidAir Maxline system for my air distribution. I went up to the 3/4" size and enough extra fittings for a 4th drop and a decent connection to my regulator. It should arrive near the end of the month. I post back up once I start the install

 

[kenmac]

Just got my new compressor in Monday Belaire 318vl model. I'll need to run the electrical wires. Then, buy some stuff to hook up the air lines

 

[PILOON]

What I did is to remove the drain valve, add a street elbow and a suitable length of 1/8 threaded pipe to re install the drain valve out to where I have easy access.
Actually I tossed the factory valve and replaced it with a ball valve for better action.
Very cost effective ergonomic modification. (my back loves it)

 

[BLSXJ]

The RapidAir Maxline kit showed up. I went with this system because I couldn't justify the cost of copper. I didn't want to deal with rust in iron pipe. iron pipe would be about the same cost to install but twice the headache. PVC is a no-no and PEX isn't UV rated and I was concerned about operating it in the cold temps in my shop.
Here's a picture of the completed air compressor closet, and my almost complete metal ceiling.



The first step was to lay out all the fittings.

I went with the 100' long 3/4" M7500 kit. but added a few fittings in order to create a 4th drop to a hose reel and to make the connection to the regulator a bit nicer.

I also used "universal" quick connects on everything. I also wanted a pressure gauge on one of my drops near the man door.

 

[BLSXJ]

The tubing comes on a roll and is very stiff, but once you get it straight its stays.

That's my make shift tube straightener.

I ordered an extra 10 mounting clips (total of 30) and I'm glad I did. Rapid air says a clip every 5 feet is required, and I'm sure the tubing can span 5 feet no problem, but I used a clip every 42".

 

[BLSXJ]

I ran a string line down the 3 three walls, and marked out every tube clip.
I sloped my main line down 1" every 10ft. each drop has a water drain valve on the bottom.

out of my regulator I used a TEE to run vertical up to the ceiling and down to my first main drain valve

 

[BLSXJ]

Once out of the compressor closet I did one drop over my work bench.
one drop beside my man door with a pressure gauge.


and then the "lowest" drop beside the garage door. and then up hill to the other side of the door where I installed a hose reel.



its been 5 days since I finished the air lines, and I haven't lost 1 psi of air pressure.

I'd recommend the Rapid Air Maxline system. I'd suggest using the 1/2" system over the 3/4" because the outlet blocks on the 1/2" are tapped for 1/4" npt which matches all the standard quick connects with out an extra fitting.

when installing the tube fittings I'd suggest using soapy water on the O rings and using anti seize on the threads.