Air Compressor Plumbing and Wiring help

[CapnAl]

I have a 6hp 60 gallon compressor that I would like to plumb in the garage. I'll need about 100' of pipe and about 4 outlets. I've been considering the Rapid air Max line, but it seems that getting the tightly coiled line straight and looking proper is a concern. Sooooo...Black iron pipe or ? What about filters, drops, drains? Any suggestions or help appreciated
Also, I'm told I will need a magnetic starter for the 6 hp motor. It will be about 20 feet away from the 200amp box. What gauge wire and what size breaker should I use (220V) and if anybody has a suggestion for brand, model of starter?

 

[iowa4x4dieselman]

Rapidair makes a tubing straightener, or if you search on here I think a few members have made adjustable ones on there own using expandable pipe plugs. Also if you go to the fast pipe it is not coiled and comes as straight sticks. Look in the garage thread of OCD's 24x24. He used the straight stuff, and it looks AWESOME!! One could use iron pipe, the weight would be significantly more though. Copper is another choice, but can get pricey.

Specs on your compressor motor/setup would be helpful.

 

[Bretny]

There was a thread on this same thing 2 weeks ago...

 

[FTG-05]

I have a 6hp 60 gallon compressor that I would like to plumb in the garage. I'll need about 100' of pipe and about 4 outlets. I've been considering the Rapid air Max line, but it seems that getting the tightly coiled line straight and looking proper is a concern. Sooooo...Black iron pipe or ? What about filters, drops, drains? Any suggestions or help appreciated
Also, I'm told I will need a magnetic starter for the 6 hp motor. It will be about 20 feet away from the 200amp box. What gauge wire and what size breaker should I use (220V) and if anybody has a suggestion for brand, model of starter?

I had the same concern. Hence, I scheduled about 4 hours one time when my son was visiting from college.

It ended up taking us about 10 minutes to go about 75', i.e. the length of my shop. I pulled it and he kept the coil from kinking. Worked slicker than snot. We ended spending the rest of the day drinking beer, visiting and drinking beer. After his visit, I installed all the connections and drops, something I could do by myself.

I would use the Rapid Air in a heart beat.

 

[Matt M PA]

I used RapidAir in my garage. In most cases, it's behind cabinets, etc so it's not seen.

Where it is seen.....I placed it in the plastic wire channel, like running up the wall to the second floor. Similar to this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Legrand-1-Piece-1-in-x-60-in-Straight-Channel-White-Cord-Cover/3130109

 

[Farmallboy15]

Check out post #22, 26 and 27 on my build https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=390284

I ran 3/4" maxline throughout the shop. I bought a hydraulic hose from TSC to jump from the compressor to the wall, then go into a 5' section of iron pipe before going to the filter, then to the maxline.

Ball valves at the tank and all outlets. Each drop has a ball valve to drain moisture as well.

Skip the straightner. I returned the one I bought.

 

[OccupantRJ]

As far as your electrical, you will get more input by posting that question along with all markings on the compressor in the electrical section on here. Amps, volts, etc. pictures will help.

 

[Matt M PA]

Check out post #22, 26 and 27 on my build https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=390284

I ran 3/4" maxline throughout the shop. I bought a hydraulic hose from TSC to jump from the compressor to the wall, then go into a 5' section of iron pipe before going to the filter, then to the maxline.

Ball valves at the tank and all outlets. Each drop has a ball valve to drain moisture as well.

Skip the straightner. I returned the one I bought.

Going slightly off topic...is the 5' of iron pipe enough for moisture to be caught by the filter? I'm under the impression that I should be setting up 20-30'. I do realize that the current simple length of hose isn't enough. Wondering if I should simply put filters at each outlet...or set up some black pipe behind the compressor to help with moisture.

 

[Farmallboy15]

Going slightly off topic...is the 5' of iron pipe enough for moisture to be caught by the filter? I'm under the impression that I should be setting up 20-30'. I do realize that the current simple length of hose isn't enough. Wondering if I should simply put filters at each outlet...or set up some black pipe behind the compressor to help with moisture.

Not really but I also have an 80 gallon tank and an aftercooler. This is also why there are drain valves at all my drops, to collect moisture. If I were painting, I would add an extra filtering setup at that drop. For air tools, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I used to paint tractors and trucks off of a 3hp and a 60 gallon tank. I ran the outlet through a roll of hose before the filter, then straight to the end use hose. No permanent piping whatsoever. I didn't really have any problems besides the 3hp constantly running...

 

[Matt M PA]

Thanks Farmallboy15! I've only noticed a moisture concern when running the blast cabinet for longer periods and wondered what else I may do to ensure all is well.

I do have drains at each location, too.