Air Compressor to Airline Flexible Hose

[floyd]

I'm finalizing my air line set up and looking for a short section of hose (18-36 inch) to connect the compressor to the start of the copper line. I'm looking at these from the McMaster Carr catalog:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/117/226/=dxhzyk

Air Hose Impact Absorbers

Neoprene 1/2" ID; max pressure @ 72 degrees 200 psi

Will that work or is there something better?

Thanks

 

[A_Pmech]

What size compressor?

If you don't need the temperature rating of the stainless, which you shouldn't unless you have 10HP plus and no receiver, I would have a short section of hydraulic hose made made up. The hydraulic hose will be about 1/3rd the cost and much more flexible.

Edit:

Most NAPA auto parts, heavy equipment companies and tractor companies can make hoses. If you have a farm store nearby, you can buy ready-made hoses in 6" or 12" increments which are much less expensive than having a custom length hose made.

 

[floyd]

It's a 60 gallon, 5.5 hp, single stage. I'm looking at the neoprene hose listed in the middle of the catalog page (not the stainless).

I think the "easy-connect fittings" (that spin 360 degrees until tight) will make it easier to connect (and disconnect if necessary). I'm not sure how else to make that connection easily.

I guess I'm asking if neoprene hose rated at max 200 psi (at 72 degrees) is good enough.

I did see some short sections of stainless braded hose in the TP Tools catalog. It's pretty affordable at about $25 but I don't know how I'd be able to connect and disconnect it with fixed male fittings on both ends.

 

[A_Pmech]

Ahh.... My mistake.

The neoprene hose should work, but I think there are better solutions, especially if you plan to run pressures above 100PSI though it. My guess is temperature derates the neoprene hose pretty quickly.

Personally, I would install a Milton Type G hose coupler on your compressor outlet. Then buy a section of pre-made hydraulic hose from the farm store for $10 with 1/2" NPT on both ends. The Milton coupler will alleviate the installation problem and provide an easy way to disconnect the air supply.

 

[Zeke]

I just use a short section of 3/8ths rubber air hose from the paint store.

 

[floyd]

The thing about the Milton Type G hose couplers that concerns me is the ID. I have a 1/2" diameter fitting coming out of the tank and will step up to the 3/4" copper lines . It looks like the inner diameter for the quick connect hose coupler is about 3/8". It seems overly restrictive to neck it down to 3/8" as the air leaves the tank.

 

[Falcon67]

I used a 36" length of 3/4" hydraulic hose from Tractor Supply. Under $20. Locally, a 36" length of 1/2 NPT both ends 3500 PSI is $14.99.

 

[A_Pmech]

It seems overly restrictive to neck it down to 3/8" as the air leaves the tank.

Milton rates the Type G couplers for 99 CFM.

 

[71flh]

The thing about the Milton Type G hose couplers that concerns me is the ID. I have a 1/2" diameter fitting coming out of the tank and will step up to the 3/4" copper lines . It looks like the inner diameter for the quick connect hose coupler is about 3/8". It seems overly restrictive to neck it down to 3/8" as the air leaves the tank.

From what I've read, copper isn't very good at reducing heat, and stepping up the diameter won't help your flow that's limited by the 1/2" outlet.

You might be better off with 1/2" black pipe. The home store will cut and thread it if stock sizes aren't enough.

I used a 1" ID flexible hose for the 3/4" ID connectors on the ends. By using a union on one end I didn't need any swivel connectors.

 

[MrMark]

McMaster has more appropriate stuff. Look for the hydraulic hose with the JIC fittings, they sell it by the foot. 1/2" ID should work well. You want the JIC fittings because of the union it provides.

The stuff you linked is OK too probably.

I used the 1/2 hose with the 3/4 copper.

 

[tdkkart]

I used a 36" length of 3/4" hydraulic hose from Tractor Supply. Under $20. Locally, a 36" length of 1/2 NPT both ends 3500 PSI is $14.99.

Bingo, thanks for saving me the typing........

 

[lessan]

For my setup I have 1 1/4" for my riser from the compressor and around the whole ceiling with 3/4" drops. From the compressor to the Riser, I used a 1 1/4" Hydraulic Hose.

You really want to keep from necking down (to say 3/8" or 1/2") especially right out of the compressor as it creates ALOT of heat. Ideally your drops should be larger then your outlets as well (thats why my drops are 3/4").

A nice side effect of running larger pipe, you get more volume of stored air. I gained about 20 Gallons

 

[larry_g]

Bingo, thanks for saving me the typing........

X2 on this. Hydraulic hose is the way to go and you can get the appropriate connectors with it also.

lg

 

[floyd]

Thanks for all the replies!