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Ask Rapidair!

MitchH

Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2019
Messages
21
Location
Wisconsin
Hi Guys,

My name is Mitch and I am the lead Engineer/Estimator for Rapidair. If you guys have any questions about compressed air systems. Feel free to contact me or post some questions in here. I have been recommended to this site form past customers with questions so figured I'd make a post to see if I could help!
 
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MitchH

Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2019
Messages
21
Location
Wisconsin
Thanks bamawildcat! When or If you are done installing, post some pictures here and if we end up using them on our facebook page, we will send you a free hat or T-Shirt! Make sure to like our facebook page as we do giveaways periodically!
 

bullnerd

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 17, 2012
Messages
5,690
Location
Jersey
So Mitch, what size PVC piping do you recommend for my shop?
















:lol_hitti Welcome Mitch! I think your going to get a few question here! :beer:
 
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MitchH

Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2019
Messages
21
Location
Wisconsin
Bullnerd, a majority of the phone calls i receive start out with "I HAD PVC in my shop and it exploded last night ...." lol, I've seen way to many pictures that I don't want to see! Thanks for the Welcome, Here to Help!
 

Dentaltec

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 19, 2017
Messages
363
Location
Redlands Ca
Just picked up RAPIDAIR FASTPIPE F28070 waiting for my new compressor to get delivered to make the install.

My Father in law wanted me to use PEX ( retired plumber) when he saw what I got and I told him the price he was floored. Looking forward to show him the finished product and see his face.

Good to have you here Mitch
 

bczygan

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 4, 2009
Messages
22,002
Location
DETROIT! Arsenal of Scrappers
Welcome to GJ Mitch!

Glad you are here.

Your systems are highly regarded.

Got any extra special deals for GJ members?

Bill (Thinking about how to set up my air system)
 

PNWguy

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 3, 2018
Messages
494
Location
Near Grants Pass, OR
Mitch,

I'm in the planning stages, and should start building this spring. 800 sq ft house, with an attached garage & woodshop plus 1,300 sq ft auto/metal shop.

The shop will be 40 x 32.
I won't be painting, but will have a blast cabinet, and running occasional air tools.

What kind of a layout (loop or two long runs?), and what diameter tubing would you use?
I'd like a drop every 1-15' along the walls, and a few down the center of the building.

Thanks, and your system is on the list of possibilities for air delivery.
 

DocsMachine

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 16, 2006
Messages
1,844
Well, if you want my story: I have a two-bay garage with a side-room machine shop, and a shed aside that for storage. It all had a black-iron system in it with a cobbled assortment of drains and accumulator tanks when I moved in, all of which leaked like a sieve- my 60-gallon compressor would run at least three times a day just keeping the system charged.

I pulled all that out years ago, and for at least a decade, planned to replace it with a soldered copper system. The two main sticking points there being a lack of an easy way to make a wall-mount outlet fitting out of copper, and of course the hassle of having to try and solder joints while atop a ladder, etc.

Last year I finally bit the bullet and bought a Rapidair setup- as noted above, largely due to the positive results I saw here on GJ.

I eventually used most of two 3/4" kits and about half of a 1/2" kit.

The compressor got moved out to the shed and stuck in a convenient corner, with two water separator/filters, a new extended stainless steel 1/4"-turn drain, and a pressure regulator keeping the whole system at 90 psi. (The average requirement for the majority of my air tools.)

shopair79.jpg


I ran 3/4" from there, through to the machine shop and across it's (unfinished) ceiling, along the way branching off three 1/2" drops:

shopair26.jpg


Two are located near the main-use machine tools, and mainly used just for blowguns...

shopair27.jpg


While for the third, I custom milled a sort of bulkhead outlet mount...

outlet26.jpg


To plumb an outlet right next to my main workbench area:

shopair56.jpg


I wanted it angled down more than usual- but not quite flat to the wall- as that's almost directly below my vise, and I didn't want it sticking out where it might get in the way. Turns out it's at least half an inch inboard of the edge of the workbench, so fairly well 'protected'.

Out in the garage area, I splurged and put two dual outlets, one between the two garage doors, and one between the garage door and the man door:

shopair18.jpg


There's also two other outlets, one on the side wall and one on the end wall near the welding bench and the big lathe.

shopair16.jpg


And, one little trick I did to the mounting blocks is I used a belt sander and deburr wheel to smooth the corners a bit, just for appearances, and I countersunk the mounting holes to better accommodate standard drywall screws. My shop walls are plywood, so that's the preferred method for attaching racks, shelves and other storage.

shopair05.jpg


Overall, I'm very happy with the setup. The compressor, being in the side shed, is a LOT quieter in operation, it's a great deal more convenient to have the multiple outlet locations, and after a little leak-chasing, if I don't have any hoses connected, the compressor only cycles roughly once every 20-22 days to keep the system topped up.

Might seem like a lot, but I have over 150 feet of tubing, nine drops with eleven total QDs and something like eight elbows and tees.

Doc.
 

Augus7us

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 14, 2017
Messages
1,190
Location
Central Ohio
Ok Mitch I'll bite.

First welcome to the site, you will get more than a few questions on here. Air line installation and layout are popular topics.

My question for you is what are your thoughts on running rapid air in the walls or ceilings? I plan on running my airlines in the walls and with copper I don't see any issues but some on here have expressed reservations about running rapidair and similar products in the walls. I'm interested in your thoughts on it and any potential pitfalls you may be aware of.

Thanks

-Clint
 

lilscorpion

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 15, 2010
Messages
3,599
Location
Colorado
Welcome to the forum Mitch. I've been looking at the Rapidair systems for well over a year now and was planning to use them in my latest shop refresh. I've already ruled out PVC (I've had one burst a few years back) and black pipe (when I moved I took apart my black pipe system and the internals were rusted out) so we don't need to go there. ;)

What makes me hesitant is the unrolling/straightening activity. I know you offer a straightener, and I wouldn't mind buying one if I knew the results would end up favorable but some who have posted here have said that the results turn out only alright. In your experience, what should my expectations be regarding my ability to (1) uncoil the tube and get the straight parts visually straight and (2) accomplish bends to navigate the tubing around stuff as necessary? Also, how common is installing the air lines in the walls vs on top of the walls?

Thanks, Matt
 

toyoguy81

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 16, 2013
Messages
229
Location
Missouri
I bought RapidAir for my shop because of this site. Hands down, the easiest to install and I have not had any problems with it in the 4 years I have had it in my shop. Very DIY friendly!
 

ricpad

Active member
Joined
Sep 28, 2011
Messages
25
Location
Northern NY
Welcome to the forum Mitch. I've been looking at the Rapidair systems for well over a year now and was planning to use them in my latest shop refresh. I've already ruled out PVC (I've had one burst a few years back) and black pipe (when I moved I took apart my black pipe system and the internals were rusted out) so we don't need to go there. ;)

What makes me hesitant is the unrolling/straightening activity. I know you offer a straightener, and I wouldn't mind buying one if I knew the results would end up favorable but some who have posted here have said that the results turn out only alright. In your experience, what should my expectations be regarding my ability to (1) uncoil the tube and get the straight parts visually straight and (2) accomplish bends to navigate the tubing around stuff as necessary? Also, how common is installing the air lines in the walls vs on top of the walls?

Thanks, Matt
I have the same concern as lilscorpion...how straight can you get it for runs once it is uncoiled. If I have a pretty good length straight run I really don't want it to look all squiggly and hacked. Can you get it pretty close to looking like the uncoiled run is a straight pipe?
 

SarcasticDwarf

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 30, 2009
Messages
236
Location
North Dakota
What makes me hesitant is the unrolling/straightening activity.

Same. I am surprised RA does not have a loaner program. I can think of one company, AAW, that basically charges you the full price for their tools as a deposit and then refunds almost all of it if it is returned within a certain timeframe.
 

jeepinerdeep

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
2,099
Location
South Central PA
I just wish it wasn't blue. Any consideration ever given to a bare or natural finish for those of us, eh blue haters?

Edit- Specifically the rigid system.
 
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foolio

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 7, 2015
Messages
58
Location
Pendleton, IN
I have installed the 100’ maxline system plus some extra tubing to get it where I needed it. One thing I thought hard about was straightening the lines. Decided in the end I would give it a go by hand since I am more cheap than I am particular. It actually turned out ok and I have some long runs (25’). One thing I noticed is that after a week or so of the lines pressurized to 100 psi, they seem to have straightened themselves even more. I’ll try to get some pics up.
 
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Matt M PA

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 21, 2008
Messages
3,174
Location
SE PA
I too have a RapidAir system in my garage. I did not mount in the walls just in case I got a leak. Mine is the PEX type of hose.

In two places, I needed to run it up the wall into the upstairs for the blast cabinet and also down to the TireFlator. In both cases, I ran surface mount wire tracks and placed the tubing inside.

I had to add to there system recently and the ability to quickly cut the hose and make a new leg was welcomed.
 

finn

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 27, 2005
Messages
16,175
Location
The UP, God's country
Warranty is a sales and marketing strategy and decision, not an engineering or technical issue.

The guy does engineering and estimating. Why ask questions like why is it blue and why isn’t the warranty longer to the engine?
 
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casmurbax

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 25, 2012
Messages
2,756
Location
Wilton, NY
Warranty is a sales and marketing strategy and decision, not an engineering or technical issue.

The guy does engineering and estimating. Why ask questions like why is it blue and why isn’t the warranty longer to the engine?


Hi Guys,

My name is Mitch and I am the lead Engineer/Estimator for Rapidair. If you guys have any questions about compressed air systems. Feel free to contact me or post some questions in here. I have been recommended to this site formpast customers with questions so figured I'd make a post to see if I could help!

This person offered to answer ANY questions, that is why they are asking.

:beer:
 

DocsMachine

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 16, 2006
Messages
1,844
Mitch should also be able to forward non-engineering type questions- such as the warranty issue- to the appropriate people.

Doc.
 

StRacerDuke

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 7, 2009
Messages
104
I just wish it wasn't blue. Any consideration ever given to a bare or natural finish for those of us, eh blue haters?

Edit- Specifically the rigid system.

This. I just finished digging the foundation on my garage and am now in the process of investigating air lines. Purchase is probably going to be April or May. The only hesitation I have for your kit is the blue.

Please offer white lines for the 99% of us that have white garage walls.
 

sberry

Banned
Joined
Jun 18, 2005
Messages
35,747
Location
Brethren, Michigan
I regret not looking to it before I remodeled a couple 3 years ago. I would have got 2 one hundred foot rolls and a connector for the ends. I would do 2 main home runs. If it was 50 ft and I might intentionally design around that concept would likely use 1/2 mainly to reduce the needs for reduction to fit common filgregs.
 

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sberry

Banned
Joined
Jun 18, 2005
Messages
35,747
Location
Brethren, Michigan
The first pic above is 1/2 pipe to a disconnect valve followed by adapter to 90 degree hyd/swivel elbow in 3/8 right in to the filter which would act as the drip leg. Both those setups that way. The blue filter is posted 1/2 in, again disconnect with union and offset fittings piped hard to the filter. It's 3/8 out to a regulator. With a t that feeds some different stuff , hose real and some secondary piping. Got 4 places I can use air from the same regulator. All fixed whip or reel.
The one in the first 2 pics is to a real which can use these or thru a port outdoor. The only outlet on it is the reel. It really flies as the hose is old and was on 24/7 for 20 years or more. It was born 3/8 but you could dam near roll a 1/2 ball bearing down it,,,, ha and it was 100 ft and I cut some off over the years. I moved the disconnect and the reel to its current location, I turn it off locally when not used.
 

crook038

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 3, 2010
Messages
113
Location
South Eastern MA
I have installed the 3/4” rapid air maxline kit in my garage. Actually i have used 2 of the 100 foot kits with some leftover for drops as needed. I am more than satisfied with the performance of the system. My system currently consists of 3 hose reel drops mounted on the ceiling and a dedicated drop for the 4 post lift to power the rolling jacks and air locks. The hardest part is straightening the pipe when unrolling it. I used boat trailer rollers mounted on a board and then pulled it through narrowing 2x4’s mounted to the same board. I actually prefer the blue color, it’s usually a conversation piece. Great product but I wish the fittings were priced more reasonably. Would I recommend it to a friend, absolutely yes.
Sean
 

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sberry

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Jun 18, 2005
Messages
35,747
Location
Brethren, Michigan
I could have tied it and hidden it behind purlins or some sheet and back of beams. I wouldn't use any t, none of it, home runs with a valve on each end.
 

PNWguy

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 3, 2018
Messages
494
Location
Near Grants Pass, OR
Warranty is a sales and marketing strategy and decision, not an engineering or technical issue.

The guy does engineering and estimating. Why ask questions like why is it blue and why isn’t the warranty longer to the engine?

Because it's part of his job to talk to customers? Because if enough people say "I would buy grey, but never blue" his boss might want to know that?

Also, because he asked.
 

casmurbax

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Joined
Sep 25, 2012
Messages
2,756
Location
Wilton, NY
The hardest part is straightening the pipe when unrolling it. I used boat trailer rollers mounted on a board and then pulled it through narrowing 2x4’s mounted to the same board.

Nice shop, great idea on straightening the pipe out.


:beer:
 

motofool33

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 2, 2013
Messages
1,634
Location
Currently North of Houston
Warranty is a sales and marketing strategy and decision, not an engineering or technical issue.

The guy does engineering and estimating. Why ask questions like why is it blue and why isn’t the warranty longer to the engine?

Picking up on some old written info off google rapid air doesn't make these Fast pipes its another vendor and they carry the larger warranty on same product is why i ask as im about to buy 3-4k of this kind of product for my shop
 
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