Airline Size

[merlin1952]

I am considering installing in wall airline in my shop before I put up the sheetrock. I have seen several threads discussing different airline kits from Amazon, e-bay, and Tractor Supply with the kits being ½ inch airline. I would like to know everyone’s opinion on airline size is ½ inch really large enough for the average home workshop. I’m really just a tinkerer and do not currently have any large pneumatic tools but do hope to get a small blast cabinet at some point. I just don’t want to get the shop walls finished only to realize that my air system is inadequate. On the other hand I don’t want to spend a lot of extra money on something I won’t ever need. So what are everyone’s thoughts regarding airline size for a home shop. Thanks!

 

[The Cobbler]

In my build I just installed 1/2 copper type L in the studs so it will be behind my finished walls. 1/2 is more than adequate for most hobbyist's needs.

 

[CNGsaves]

Search GJ for examples as I think Tim The Toolman has nice in-wall copper with drops at bench, etc.

Yes for typical homeowner garage 1/2" airline system is fine.

 

[JCQuick]

On my build I'm planning 3/4" runs and 1/2" drops

 

[merlin1952]

Thanks for the replies I guess I will go with a ½ inch line for my system. Any thoughts on which kit is the best bang for the buck? My shop is 32x32 and I’m thinking pretty much one outlet on each wall. Any and all suggestions are very much appreciated. Thanks

 

[8man]

My shop is about your size and I'm going with a hose reel at each end and then dedicated outlets for the plasma cutter and the sandblast cabinet and a general use outlet over the work bench. So 5 in my shop.

 

[doojus]

Merlin, check out the RapidAir Maxline system.

http://www.rapidairproducts.com/page/maxline


FYI, for those wondering what size tubing they need, this is a good calculator:

http://preview.rapidairproducts.com/page/flow-rate-calculator

According to that, you can get 23 CFM at the end of 100' of 1/2" tubing, way more CFM than my 5HP compressor can put out.

 

[Falcon67]

I've used nothing but 1/2 iron pipe and have no volume delivery issues, even to the sand blaster at the end of a 30' run.

 

[sberry]

I have seen some super nice charts from PEX let one do side by side comparison. That sire is nice and the recommendations are adequate and modest. 50 ft for a 3/8 ID line, same as an air hose to run 15 cfm tools.
There is the compressor factor too, single or 2 stage. If one is regulating down stream the primary line is less of an issue than with lower pressure regulated long runs.
I like the fact they refer some to the difference between pipe tubing and hose so to speak.
This is where I jump on as a fan of 1/2 pipe. Its quite a bit bigger than even a 1/2 hose a guy may occasionally connect. It isn't even a size factor once a guy puts a section of 3/8 hose on, there would only be slight drop if a second modest user came on.

 

[sberry]

I've used nothing but 1/2 iron pipe and have no volume delivery issues, even to the sand blaster at the end of a 30' run.

You are right where you should be for the most part. Simple, sized to the point its not an issue and not wasted effort sitting idle.
As a side note one of the pex sites had data for 60 ft as well as 100 which made for great comparison and good for considering real length. Way more circuits in these garages closer to 60 than 100 and the side by side data is great for comparing flow vs drop.
Like a lot of electric circuits doesn't mean every tail end of a 100 ft circuit will ever really see a 20A load.

 

[sberry]

My shop is about your size and I'm going with a hose reel at each end and then dedicated outlets for the plasma cutter and the sandblast cabinet and a general use outlet over the work bench. So 5 in my shop.

It can be tricky to get the most out of a reel location and sometimes it doesn't matter of coarse but I could go from 2 drops to 1 by moving a reel. Evolution occurs fast or can in a new shop. I changed a few things after I settled in to reduce or relocate. Most of my plans started too complicated,,, ha
Over a career went from insufficient to overboard and now try to center it to hit the real demand and duty cycle. I can say for almost a stone fact that this crowd doesn't need a 3/4 pipe for demand reasons.

 

[merlin1952]

This is all great information and interesting links I appreciate everyone’s input. Thanks.