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Air and water lines finally run.

akdiesel

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Joined
Aug 8, 2008
Messages
2,617
Location
Wasilla, AK
I only have a couple of pitures right now, but I will get some more of the progress later.
I finally got all of my air and water lines run through out the shop.
I have been installing 3/4" air lines that are made of .035 stainless tubing with the swagelok blue plastic wall anchors. There is also a small stainless tank that will be downstream of the air compressor and main tank to act as a knock out drum for water.
I did not incorperate the rise/drop set up I have seen on most systems main runs to keep water from getting to the drops.
I was able to get four Craftman retractable hose reels that swivel and have a 30' x 3/8" hose each. I placed them at each corner of the shop. There is also three drops on one wall for a future bench.
Two items I am lacking are the larger air compressor and the filter. As of now I am still using my 5 year old CH 30 gallon compressor. Still going strong though.
Prior to installing the hose reels the tubing held for a month a half rock solid. Lots of extra fittings and quick connects are contributing to a very small leak. Nothing in my eyes to worry about.
Having to ability to grab the air hose from any location makes things alot less frustrating and alot less clutter on the floor.

The next line is made of 1/2" stainless that is also .035 wall thickness. Plenty of pressure ratting for what I have in mind.
This line runs in the same plastic swagelok holders as the air lines. The line runs from one end of the shop where my water heater is located to the far corner.
I have a three way valve that will allow me to either switch from tap water pressure to high pressure water pump. There is also a check valve to protect the copper tubing.
I purchased an electric Kraucher (spelling) pressure washer that puts out approx 1800 psi.
At the other end I have the standard retractable air hose reel I picked up at Costco. I modified it with some high pressure fittings and a swivel for the pressure washer.
No leaks on the tubing but there is a small leak on the quick connect on the hose reel and it may be due to the bend in the hose and binding on the o-ring.
This is the first pressure washer I have owned and it works as expected. There are more expensive ones out there but it works. I also went with the electric one so that I can was my vehicles inside in the winter.
 

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SteveU

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Nov 20, 2006
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1,243
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Michigan
Sweet, never saw SS tubing when I was getting ready to plumb the compressor. Was going to go with 2" copper like the tp tools diagram until I found out it was 14.00/ft so just went with black pipe. Who carries the SS & how much is it per foot?
 
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akdiesel

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Joined
Aug 8, 2008
Messages
2,617
Location
Wasilla, AK
Thanks for the replies.
The tubing can be expensive if you have a lot of runs. A 20' 3/4" x .035 will cost around $60 in Alaska, it may be cheaper in the 48's. I get a great deal on it since my work deals with them on a large basis. But if you have a small run the cost and convenience is right there with the other choices.
The large hardware stores don't really carry it. I got mine from a local Swagelok dist..
 
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akdiesel

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Aug 8, 2008
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Location
Wasilla, AK
Yes.
In your own words I enjoy having fun building somthing that will outperform and is much safer.
 
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Steve in Mi

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Mar 13, 2007
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Mid Michigan
I enjoy having fun building somthing that will outperform and is much safer.

Those sound like they could be my words alright, only I don't agree they fit here. I like your neatness etc., but the heat transfer rate for SS is nothing to brag about compared to copper so you loose some cooling capacity. Sorry, I don't see it outperforming and as for the second part 'much safer' ... compared to PVC, you are correct. Physically exposed I'd guess it to be marginally safer than copper from bumps and abrasion.

On the BLING scale, it is a 10:thumbup:
 
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akdiesel

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Joined
Aug 8, 2008
Messages
2,617
Location
Wasilla, AK
That is correct. Now that Sara has put us on the map it seems to make the new more, it may even grow more with the word of the Dividend as well and the economy the way it is.
 

Kona Cruisers

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Joined
Jul 19, 2008
Messages
284
Location
Big Lake Alaska.
we have some property out on pt McKenzie 80ish archers. I'd move back in a heart beat, however my fiance grew up in vegas and is a warm weather girl. I was even thinking If I did move back the valley is where I would want to be not much of a city person anymore.
 
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