1/4 Inlet Tool Why Use 1/2 Hose, Help

[fst2015]

Hello everyone,

First want to thank anyone that stopped here to help. Secondly I know this question is asked once in awhile, cause I did search before posting. I read allot of threads from different sites. They kinda explain but still having trouble and was hoping so can try and break it down. I own the Husky 60Gal C602H.

This is the problem I cant make sense of: I understand most times bigger is better, but if all tools only have 1/4 inlet at the tool connection end...then how does using a big line or running a 1/2 hose help?

I know my train of thought is wrong cause everything I read says so but in my mind I picture a Large pipe...say for example..its 1inch...from compressor, thru elbow, all the way to the tool but then at the tool it reduces to 1/4. everything is flowing fast and smooth but the second it gets to tool...it can only fit thru 1/4.

I'm upto the last part in my garage and ready to run line and buy fittings...I dont want to buy wrong size hose or etc only to find out I wasted money. Please if someone can try and help explain.


Again, thank so much for taking the time and sharing some advice.

 

[GMCGarage]

Friction loss. The friction loss through a fitting is nothing compared to maybe 100' of hose. If using 1/2 hose, try 3/8 fittings.

 

[bad_idea]

Okay, I'm baking this example up as I type, so hope it makes sense. Think of the pipe like a road. A four lane road with stop lights (1/2" pipe with 90s, tees, etc) necking down to a 1 lane road (1/4" fitting). The four lane highway will back up because it has to funnel into one lane. BUT the one lane road will stay loaded with a steady stream of cars funneling into it. See where I'm headed?

Now, if you had a one lane road from the start with stop lights, you would have gaps in traffic.

Basically the fittings in your system and the length of pipe will cause pressure drops seen at the tool. You use larger pipe to make sure you have full pressure and CFM at your point of use. Also, if you have multiple tools going, then the piping can keep up with the demand from multiple tools.

With me?

 

[sberry]

Yes, that isn't too shabby of explanations. Many of us are not familiar with aoll the model numbers of all the comps, the general specs make it a lot easier. 2 stage has the headroom to make up for losses in transport and final line restriction. There is quite a bit with a heavy 1/2 gun and especially with single the larger hose helps quite a bit. Normally "mechanics" compressors are 2 stage to allow these tools to work well on 3/8 and,,,,,,,,,,, but if it is doing the work then its fine on single. It normally is while the tank is full or while close to full and running. 3/8 is so much easier to handle.
In my shop the only reason I would break out a 1/2 hose would be for 3/4 air gun on occasion, don't even have it on a reel and its pretty rare. Impacts are about the only tool this crowd might face that is somewhat sensitive to this. The rest of the rotary tools not so much as the air demands are substantially less.
The idea isn't to see how much air you can blow thru the tool but to be adequate to get the work done.

 

[GMCGarage]

100 psi @ 10 CFM in 1/4" hose is 43psi loss per 100' hose. For same in 1/2", its 1psi. Fittings are negligible.

 

[larry_g]

Hello everyone,
everything is flowing fast and smooth but the second it gets to tool...it can only fit thru 1/4.
.

everything is flowing SLOW and....

The larger the pipe/hose the slower the air has to travel to move the energy down the pipe. The energy lost in the air is a factor of speed. The smaller the pipe the faster the air has to move creating more friction and energy loss. The coupler is more an orifice in the system and the short distance traveled through it does not give up much energy.

Same thing as trying to move to many amps through a wire. To small of a wire and it converts the electricity to heat, loosing energy. To long of a wire looses it over the whole length and current is lost that you need to drive the load.


lg
no neat sig line

 

[rburke65]

fst2015....now you know. Did you take notes?

 

[sberry]

I have 50 ft on a fancy red retractor I got at a sale. It was bolted to a 120v comp. Had a worn out Kobalt. Most of my stuff is heavy duty and have 3/8 50 ft reels to use with everything and havnt even installed the small hose reel.
I paid 50$ for that gem, the tank had a hole glued up, the regulator ****, then the comp threw a rod, cost me downtime when I didn't need it. I plugged it in when I got it, it all worked, took it to the job and after a little run it croaked a piece at a time.
I fixed it up, my bud had a pump, found some reg parts, repaired a booger factory weld on it that attached the running gear. I must have found or make a part for the regulator, don't remember exactly now but took that reel off and put a coupler on and use a 50 ft 3/8 hose or sections. The reel was really heavy and awkward, made it hard to load, move and haul.

 

[Trey T]

The larger diameter allows for storage of air near the exit to allow quick response of demand, simply put.

Technically, a high volume of air will allow higher velocity when the diameter is reduced. Inversely, a low volume of air will allow lower velocity when the diameter is enlarged; another word, the air is stalling making your tools useless (dramatically speaking).

 

[fst2015]

I first want to thank everyone for taking the time and helping to try and explain. I'm going to be honest, I'm still kinda little confused but its fine. I'm going to except that fact you guys know way more then I and just run the biggest size I can from compressor to connection of tool.

Going to see if I can find a video online that might show how or why this works. Again, cant thank you guys enough.

Take care,
Mac

 

[JazzBlueRT]

100 psi @ 10 CFM in 1/4" hose is 43psi loss per 100' hose. For same in 1/2", its 1psi. Fittings are negligible.

What is the drop through a 3/8 hose?

 

[Jbullfrog]

What is the drop through a 3/8 hose?

4.9 psi

 

[Richard D]

If you are running pipe in your garage, the larger pipe gives you more volume, akin to having a bigger tank.

 

[sberry]

4.9 psi

Is that for 100 ft? Would only be 1/2 that for 50. Not much. But a 1/2 air gun can use upward of 25 if heavy duty and full power.

 

[Hot Rod Grampa]

If high school math still works, I believe the volume of a pipe increases four fold for doubling the diameter. So a 1" pipe will flow 4x more air than a 1/2". You may not notice it if you use your shop alone but if you have more than one user it will show up.

 

[Rod N]

I love this place!

 

[strutaeng]

I've posted this handy calculator when I come across these threads before:

https://www.gates.com/resources/calculators/air-flow-calculator

Unless you guys are running 1" impacts or 200' of hose, 3/8" hose will be sufficient. I hope this helps.