Rapid Air compressor tubing

kooldino · Sep 28, 2010

A friend showed me this stuff:

http://www.rapidairproducts.com/index.asp

I'm thinking about using it for my setup. I have a CH compressor with a 3/4" outlet that does about 16SCFM @ 90psi.

I'm assuming I'll need 3/4" line which narrows my choices down to either the Airnet or the Duratec piping system. The Duratec tubing is cheaper, but the fittings are twice the price. Then again, since it comes in a roll, I'll probably only need half the fittings.

The Airnet is hard aluminum piping, but it only comes in shippable lengths of 8'10", which means I'll need a lot of unions.

The RapidAir looks ok, but since it only comes in 3/8" tubing, I don't know if it will suffice.

Does anyone have any experience with these?

tording01bolt · Sep 28, 2010

I have been looking at these systems as well and also would like to know if they work well or not.

mustangmccance · Sep 28, 2010

I used the rapid air and air net combo for my shop. I have been very happy with it. I used the 3/4 inch air net to make my primary runs and the rapid air to make the secondary. but to be honest I have a run from one of my main branch points to my retractible reel in my main shop that is over 40 feet from the compressor and I have had no problem running any of my air tools off this. even my cut off wheel or sanding discs. of course my 1/2 inch drive impact has no issues at all.

compressors in closet

this is the outside of the compressor closet with the reminder light installed.

mustangmccance · Sep 28, 2010

I also forgot to mention that the air net tubing comes in 20 foot lengths as well as the 8 foot 10 inch lengths but they obviously have to be shipped truck freight.

kooldino · Sep 28, 2010

Yeah, I saw that I could get longer lengths w/ truck freight.

How much did your setup cost you?

Also, do you keep the compressors in the closet to reduce noise? If so, is it very effective?

mustangmccance · Sep 28, 2010

honestly I don't know what it cost. I bought some then decided to add a bit here and a bit there and it actually kind of mushroomed out of control, I don't think I spent over 400.00 for everything excluding the hose reels though. as far as the compressor cabinet yes I use it to reduce noise, and because they are always dusty and just don't look good. and it works very well. when I am out in the main part of the shop I can barely hear the compressor kick on at all.

djd99 · Sep 28, 2010

I have black pipe in my garage so I can't comment on the rapid air. But if your looking for a less expensive option hf has a clone kit.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-accessories/complete-garage-air-kit-66747.html

padronanniversary · Sep 28, 2010

I have the rapid air product, and have used black pipe in the past. I use mine with sand blasting equipment no issues as well as DA. There is a calculator on their web page which I also found on a few other sites to validate their numbers. You should be able to run that SCFM no issues with the rapid air stuff. I really like being able to run the stuff through the basement into the garage at angles and around items. Black pipe at my last place was a pain, and I ended up threading pipe and buying the equipment to do so.

stay away from the HF stuff. I bought a set for my neighbor since he liked my set up, the connections leak, he went out and bought the rapid air connectors. the hose was fine though

harryhood · Sep 29, 2010

I was going to go with the rapid-air system for my garage, but decided to go with copper lines to help with water removal.

z28toz06 · Sep 29, 2010

I saw that system in Northern Tool. I was just apprehensive because I thought it would be difficult to run without forming low areas in the tubing and collecting water/

Matt M PA · Sep 29, 2010

I too used Rapidair and have been well pleased. I did use a regular piece of hose with a higher rating for the compressor to the first manifold.

One other tip. Hook up ball valves at every outlet. Makes later service much easier.

harryhood · Sep 29, 2010

just out of interest, for those running the rapidair system what are you using for a dryer? And do you have any moisture problems?

Varkwso · Sep 29, 2010

harryhood said:
just out of interest, for those running the rapidair system what are you using for a dryer? And do you have any moisture problems?

I too am interested in the dryer used with this system. Big issue here in Georgia.

Dewaynep · Sep 29, 2010

I have the HF tubing setup. It is the same as the one in the link above. It is actually a quality setup. I used it to run 2 extra drops across my shop. It works well and doesn't leak. Also it is easy to set up. I think I paid under $80 for the kit from HF.

Cryptic1911 · Sep 29, 2010

I'm just going to run PEX tubing with Viega crimp connectors. The tubing and fittings are cheap, and the Viega crimp fittings are really nice and make a solid connection

kooldino · Sep 29, 2010

padronanniversary said:
I have the rapid air product, and have used black pipe in the past. I use mine with sand blasting equipment no issues as well as DA. There is a calculator on their web page which I also found on a few other sites to validate their numbers.

Can yo link me to one of these calculators?

mustangmccance · Sep 29, 2010

harryhood said:
just out of interest, for those running the rapidair system what are you using for a dryer? And do you have any moisture problems?

I don't use a dryer with mine. I run the air net tube straight up out of the compressors as you can see on my pictures, all of the moisture seems to stay in the compressor. I have to drain them periodically but everyone does. I don't paint but I just tested it today to see before posting and on one of my end drops I sprayed compressed air on some brown papertowels and there was no moisture on them at all. and I have not drained the tank or the drops in at least 2 months I am ashamed to admit. so contrary to what people will say on this board I have no detectable moisture issues at all. other than in the tanks themselves.
and anyone who thinks it is because there is no humidity has never lived through an iowa summer. lol.

aveguy · Sep 29, 2010

What are the cons to using PEX tubing for air supply lines? I just checked and PEX is good for 160psi@75degF. Why do people like the nylon air supply systems over PEX? Is it because PEX is so stiff? I live in the north, do these plastic air supply lines get weaker below zeroF?

Update: Maybe we better just ignore my question, I don't want to start a **** storm. I later found lots of info on using PEX for air line systems once I realized that the search engine in this forum failed to locate the word PEX. Once I googled it I found what I needed. Thanks

larry_g · Sep 29, 2010

Do a search on pneumatic tubing or pneumatic fittings . There many competing companys that sell this kind of tubing and pushloc type fittings. One thing to make sure of is that the tubing and fittings are compatible as some may not interchange.. Legris, SMC, Clippard and others are good brands. You should be able to get your hands on this equipment at your local industrial supply house.

lg
no neat sig line

kooldino · Oct 1, 2010

So apparently I do need 3/4" line to utilize the output of my compressor. I really don't want to take the time and spend the money to do that though.

I think this is what I'm going to do:

1-Run a few feet of 3/4" Iron pipe.
2-Put a "T" in said pipe.
3-In one leg of the T, put a 3/8" step down to go directly to my air compressor.
4-In the other leg of the T, use the plastic 3/8" RapidAir system or a system like it. I'm tempted to try the harbor freight one, but I'm not sure if it's available in stores, and I'm iffy about the quality of it.

Dewaynep · Oct 1, 2010

I bought my "rapid air" system from my local HF store. I think you'll find the quality is the same as the other kits out there. The blocks are machined well, the shutoffs work and don't leak and the push connect fittings work well and don't leak. Also, you can use the 20% off coupon and get the kit for under $80. Actually, the kit is on sale for $79.99 on the website so you could get it for even less.

padronanniversary · Oct 1, 2010

I use speedaire separator/dryers. One at the compressor and one at each branch. I do that since my compressor is regulated at 175, and I drop it down to 140 psi then have the regulator/dryer at 110 or what ever at each port.

So far, the dryers work good. I get most surprisingly at the compressor. I also run the automatic drain valves with it going off every 30 mins.

Redshift · Oct 1, 2010

I bought two full "installation" kits of RapidAir brand (was warned against cheap imitations, FWIW) from Northern and will install soon. I have a fairly long run from my compressor which is already installed in the main house basement utility room. It's go to make it from there about 30-40 feet and out through the poured concrete basement wall and into the new building and then up to the garage - probably 2-4 outlets in there with another 50+ feet of tubing. I really like the quality of the kit contents, but will get a buddy to help me route the line in all the tricky places most likely.

digdug18 · Oct 12, 2010

I'm planning on running pex tubing over my shop, the cost will end up about the same, but I think the PEX product itself is just better made.

AussieDan · Oct 13, 2010

I installed the HF kit this past weekend along with some of their milton v-style clone disconnects. I had to swap out one defective disconnect but the kit itself went together smoothly and hasn't leaked.

So far I have it set up with 2 drops, but I didn't use the manifold and have enough leftover tubing and fittings to add a hose reel once I pick one up.

Matt M PA · Oct 13, 2010

The walls in my garage are finished, as is the ceiling so by the time I decided to run the RapidAir, it was too late to go behind the walls. Truth be known, I wanted the air surface mounted in case there was a problem later.

Anyhow...it's completely out of sight behind cabinets, etc...except where it had to go upstairs to the blast cabinet. I mounted a piece of the surface mount electric channel with snap on cover. I ran the RapidAir hose in that so it looks better than the blue hose going up the wall.

Finally, I see PEX listed here, and while I can't comment on how good this is for airlines, I have used it in the past for water. My understanding..and perhaps I am wrong...was that it had to be out of UV light or it degrades. Is this a reason not to use it for air?

Jeremy W · Oct 13, 2010

I used the harbor freight kit and also bought extra fittings from northern tool, worked great. It is a pain to unroll the line as it wants to remain coiled but once it is strapped down it is fine. I have 2 hose reels and 4 drops.

padronanniversary · Oct 13, 2010

Jeremy W said:
I used the harbor freight kit and also bought extra fittings from northern tool, worked great. It is a pain to unroll the line as it wants to remain coiled but once it is strapped down it is fine. I have 2 hose reels and 4 drops.

warm day or heat gun to roll it out. I left my roll in the sun in the summer for a few hours, unrolled easy

Redshift · Oct 14, 2010

padronanniversary said:
warm day or heat gun to roll it out. I left my roll in the sun in the summer for a few hours, unrolled easy

Good tip. I did unroll one of my two 100' rolls last night and it wasn't impossible, but was a bit tricky and cumbersome. Two people helps. I'll do the rest later this weekend maybe.

Rapid Air compressor tubing

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