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Air compressor piping

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sberry

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Jun 18, 2005
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Brethren, Michigan
I like it simple and way to add to it. Many plumbed garages try to plan for everything and things don't always work out. Either effort spent on installing hydrants where they are never used or they are not where they need to be when all is said and done. A common garage, 30/40 needs about 3 drops and maybe an outside. Ideal thing is to install comp, hang a reel and figure out where things really get used, follow that with plumbing.
 
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A**holes Garage

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Jun 30, 2011
Messages
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AZ
jon.human said:
I'm looking at plumbing hard lines for an air compressor. I'm looking mostly at the rapid air systems, has anyone here used this?
http://www.rapidairproducts.com/maxline.asp I'm specifically looking at the maxline system. Just wondering what everyone else is using.
Click to expand...

I just ordered the AirNet product for Rapid Air.

The Maxline hose looks like it would be flimsy and hard to keep straight when plumbing it.
 
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Nighttrain

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Aug 6, 2009
Messages
2,682
Location
Dripping Springs, Tx
There are a lot of folks that have used the rapid air system on here. The biggest/only issue I have read is that the hose is kinda hard to lay straight. If you are putting it behind the wall no big deal then or if you don't mind it bending a bit than no big deal either. I was real close to using it but have decided to go copper. I plan on being here for ever. If you only are going to be in your shop a short time then that may be the best bet and less $$$..
 
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Agent1320

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Aug 5, 2011
Messages
398
Location
Texas
DOT air line for big trucks, and Push-To-Connect (PTC) fittings for easy splicing/joining. Rated for air pressure and a range of temps. Comes in all the sizes, easy to install and if there's any leaks, easy to repair. Also if you ever want to add on or remove a section, it's simple and takes only minutes. It's the same thing as the Rapid Air stuff, but much cheaper. You can get it at your local truck parts counter or Grainger, etc.
 
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TWX

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Apr 1, 2010
Messages
817
Location
Phoenix
There's no business in my workshop, so OSHA isn't a factor. I use PVC. I'm certain that a lot of people think I'm terrible for it, but it was there when I bought the house and shop, and I added on to it a little, but for the moment it's working fine.

If I ever get around to insulating the ceiling and installing sheetrock then I'll have to take it and a bunch of electrical down anyway, so at that point it would be corrected. For the moment it works fine.
 
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StaggeringGoat

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Jul 1, 2011
Messages
758
Location
Oregon
TWX said:
I use PVC....but for the moment it's working fine.
Click to expand...

I smoke...and I don't have cancer. Yet.........

Everybody should smoke, I have proven it safe. :lol_hitti

As far as "systems" go...they are overpriced. All you need is regular pipe in whatever type you choose...except PVC......
 
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dude67

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Feb 25, 2010
Messages
119
The best add on I ever put on my air system in my shop is this automatic compressor drain kit from HF. Don't use the plastic tubing that comes with it. I used 1/4 copper tubing with the same kit. Ever time your compressor shuts off, the valve at the bottom opens and bleeds a little air and water (condensation) off until it starts back up then closes. I live in Florida and it's very humid here and it does bleed off a fair amount of water. Plus will make your tank, air tools last longer.

http://www.harborfreight.com/automatic-compressor-drain-kit-68244.html
 
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OP
J

jon.human

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Oct 15, 2011
Messages
45
Location
Union Point, Ga
Yeah I've been down that road with PVC. My father had a cabinet shop when I was a kid, the compressor didn't get shut off and at some point over the weekend the pvc ruptured and the compressor ran till it seized. I remember having to listen to him rant about it. I was really concerned with the rapid air connections, how well they seal.
 
T

TWX

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Apr 1, 2010
Messages
817
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Phoenix
jon.human said:
Yeah I've been down that road with PVC. My father had a cabinet shop when I was a kid, the compressor didn't get shut off and at some point over the weekend the pvc ruptured and the compressor ran till it seized. I remember having to listen to him rant about it. I was really concerned with the rapid air connections, how well they seal.
Click to expand...

My compressor motor has a thermal cutout- if the motor gets too hot it trips itself off. Running for some time would probably trigger that.
 
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Falcon67

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Jun 11, 2009
Messages
18,371
Location
Merkel, TX
I got a deal on some old 4" cast iron drain pipe...

The way mine ( was / will be ) wired is with a power shutoff by the door. There is also a 3/4 gate valve at the compressor. When I leave the shop, both are off.

I still like black iron for my shop. I can buy a hell of a lot of pipe and fittings for $250.
 
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Steevo

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43.49600, -112.04300
A**holes Garage said:
I just ordered the AirNet product for Rapid Air.

The Maxline hose looks like it would be flimsy and hard to keep straight when plumbing it.
Click to expand...

Hey, AG, did you have your AirNet piping shipped, or were you able to pick it up from a local supplier?
I am trying to determine whether it is worth doing, but shipping would kill it for me.
 
A

A**holes Garage

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AZ
Steevo said:
Hey, AG, did you have your AirNet piping shipped, or were you able to pick it up from a local supplier?
I am trying to determine whether it is worth doing, but shipping would kill it for me.
Click to expand...

I should get my order tomorrow. Seven sticks of pipe, elbows, unions, wall outlets, clips, tees, wrench.

I ordered direct from Rapid Air.

$40.00 shipping from Arpin WI to Phoenix, AZ.

:thumbup:
 
B

Burn1

Well-known member
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Sep 30, 2011
Messages
181
Location
Texas
jon.human said:
I'm looking at plumbing hard lines for an air compressor. I'm looking mostly at the rapid air systems, has anyone here used this?
http://www.rapidairproducts.com/maxline.asp I'm specifically looking at the maxline system. Just wondering what everyone else is using.
Click to expand...

I recently installed a Rapid Air Products Airnet aluminum piping system and the system was easy to install. The company was wonderful to work with and had all items in stock when I needed it. So happy with the product that I purchased some addtional material for a second air outlet. Will work on taking some pictures and posting on the forum this weekend.
 
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4

48cj2a

New member
Joined
Aug 1, 2009
Messages
4
I recently started a black iron pipe run of 3/4" pipe the length of my 24x24 garage, suspended it from the the bottom of upper pitched truss 2x4s. Went to the Farm Store and bought two 1/2" x 18" premade hydraulic hose w one swivel end for my flex hoses on the compressor and reel.

Took a little time to cut the correct lengths and thread the pipe but it's turing out pretty nice.
 
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fitz11

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Jun 16, 2011
Messages
974
Location
Fox Valley, WI
stick004 said:
Is it just me, or does that seem excessive? I understand giving the air time to cool and plenty of water drains for nice dry air, but HOLY COW!

I might just keep my eye out for a used air dryer in C/L.
Click to expand...

That does look way excessive, and a big waste of wall space by the looks of it. Looks like it would work good though
 
D

dude67

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Feb 25, 2010
Messages
119
stick004 said:
Is it just me, or does that seem excessive? I understand giving the air time to cool and plenty of water drains for nice dry air, but HOLY COW!

I might just keep my eye out for a used air dryer in C/L.
Click to expand...

That guy must live in a really moist area to want to remove that
much water or had a paint job screwed up from water.
 
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