Shop Air Compressor set up questions?

[dodge man]

I have a very similar compressor to the one you bought, if not the same model very close. It does well. I've had mine maybe 15 years or so. Don't forget to change the compressor oil once in a while.

 

[BLSXJ]

How would you compare the Maxline to the Rapidaire System? Their 1/2 x 100 is half the price of the Maxline.

I was aware of the Rapidaire but, had never seen the Maxline. Thanks for sharing this.

they are both made by the same company... Maxline comes in a few different sizes, all larger then they're "garage system"... what one is for you depends on three things.
your compressor size
your maximum air usage
and your longest pipe run

 

[lostcreekranch]

they are both made by the same company... Maxline comes in a few different sizes, all larger then they're "garage system"... what one is for you depends on three things.
your compressor size
your maximum air usage
and your longest pipe run

Ok, good to know. Thanks.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I have the same air compressor also. Purchased it used off Craigslist several years ago. It has been trouble free and served me well. I change the oil once a year just as a habit although it probably doesn't need it. I really like that Maxline system. I just installed a hose reel and keep the compressor at the edge of my roll up door. Works well for my uses. Don't have a water trap of any kind. Just drain a little water out of the tank occasionally and thus far no issues.

 

[bspeedy]

they are both made by the same company... Maxline comes in a few different sizes, all larger then they're "garage system"... what one is for you depends on three things.
your compressor size
your maximum air usage
and your longest pipe run

I feel the 1/2" system with the aluminum coated lines is the best value. Maybe I'd feel differently if I was trying to run a huge shop. My shop area is 24x40 and my compressor is an 80 gallon Ingersoll Rand with 5 hp motor.

If money were no object, I'd probably go with the 3/4" system. Maybe copper. I am 100 percent happy with my system, though.

My longest pipe run is along the 40' side of the shop. No issue with volume when running my 1/2" impact wrench for extended periods.

 

[frugalangler]

from what I can tell, Maxline and Rapidaire are simply packaged Pex-Al-Pex systems - I think (I haven't checked) that if you're resourceful in researching you could source the components even more economically from traditional plumbing supply outlets, has anyone looked into that?

 

[BLSXJ]

I've been pricing out a bunch of options for air distribution.

Here in Canada.... I cant get the 1/2 maxline system.... I'd have to ship it across... which funny enough makes the 3/4" maxline system cheaper for me, cause it can ship from the west coast of Canada.

cost wise I cant do better then normal pex... after that its a bit of a toss up between black iron pipe and the rapidair systems

 

[lostcreekranch]

It looks like, on Amazon, the 3/4” x 100’ System is only $16 more than the 1/2” x 100’? I’d think that the larger hose would be a great benefit?

Maxline M75 Master Kit, 3/4-Inch x 1-Feet - Air Compressor Accessories - Amazon.com

 

[lostcreekranch]

Northern Tool has the 3/4” x 100’ kit for $155.

RapidAir 3/4in. MaxLine Compressed Air Piping System Master Kit, Model# M75 | Air Compressor Piping Kits| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[Industrial Toys]

Steel pipe looks so much nicer in a shop then plastic, but I'm sure the plastic delivers much cleaner air in the long run. In my shop, I had a tough time sealing up 1/2" black pipe joints. A prefer teflon tape but probably should have used dope. If you have a large air system, it's important to keep leaks to a minimum. I have a small ball valve on every coupler as they all seem to leak a bit.