compressed air kits

[vavet]

Looking at adding plumbing for a compressed air setup in my garage.
Rapidair looks pretty nice, but it's pricey. The master kit isn't too bad, but heaven forbid you need an extra tee fitting or outlet. Those little extra pieces are crazy money!

Home Depot has a couple knock-offs: Industrial Air and Primefit.

Anyone tried these?

How much of a problem is the water vapor? These plastic lines are not going to cool the air like copper/black iron would, but I've been using a hose. I can't imagine it's any different than that.
My main uses are:
release locks on my lift
impact gun for tires
air drill
air rivet gun
inflating tires

No sandblasting, although I might be interesting in future-proofing.

 

[dagofast]

I looked at the Rapid air type kits and came to the same conclusion that you did about the exorbitant prices for any spare fittings. So I priced out using ¾" type L copper and the pipe itself really wasn't terrible...I seem to remember $18 a stick? But most especially the fittings were actually far, far cheaper for my application. It was a bit more labor intensive but since it was for me, I'm willing to work cheap. Retired guys tend to have more time than money.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, Anything other than Iron Pipe is a compromise. Iron Pipe systems can be expanded or added to as time and money become available.

 

[sberry]

Ain't got to plumb everywhere with every fitting they ever invented. It can be simple. Where I see the advantage of the rolled line is home run or limited t. Only fittings needed would be male threaded adapters.
I would have bought 2 pieces 100 ft, no connections in the ceilings, simple tie wrap hangers, hook it up in an hour. Steel is a pain in tall buildings. Could do the starts and finishes in standard fittings.

 

[redmondjp]

IMHO, Anything other than Iron Pipe is a compromise. Iron Pipe systems can be expanded or added to as time and money become available.

I disagree; any type of piping system can be expanded, if you plan ahead.

For copper, you may use a tee instead of an elbow, with one pipe stubbed off at a union with a cap on one side. Then later on you can expand from that union w/o having to even solder on the existing piping.

I really like the Rapidair systems, they install quickly and very easily when compared to iron or copper pipes.

 

[Ron_J]

I put in the rapidair system and have no complaints. I didn't buy the kit, but found for my setup it was cheaper to buy it piecemeal.

 

[cstmg8]

What are the differences between rapidair tubing and pex?

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[pepi]

I put in the rapidair system and have no complaints. I didn't buy the kit, but found for my setup it was cheaper to buy it piecemeal.

Always the case with all & any kits.

 

[Augus7us]

What are the differences between rapidair tubing and pex?

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If you look on their website rapidair has an aluminum layer in the pipe, pex does not. HDPE, aluminum and HDPE per their webiste.

I've read countless posts on this subject here recently as I'm also hooking up my new compressor in my new shop. I'm going with rapidair's fastpipe.

I choose it for ease of installation and aesthetics. Second choice copper, third maxline and my absolute last choice would be black iron. Don't like it because of rust, difficulty in cutting and threading it and weight.

I agree its a bit pricey but its not going to cost me double copper or maxline. And the fittings are not cheap, but as has been mentioned I'm not running a drop every 8', its air not electricity! Maybe 4 drops in my 30x40 and that's only because I built some rooms and one will have a drop in it.

 

[PT Doc]

Look at a Prevost. No comparison to black pipe. Each to cut and install and light. If you are serious, contact me when ready to buy.

 

[Showkey]

IMHO, Anything other than Iron Pipe is a compromise. Iron Pipe systems can be expanded or added to as time and money become available.

Every material has compromises including iron......its heavy, it rusts, cost, fitting, threading to mention a few.

Maybe copper is better choice????????

 

[HoosierMark]

I put rapid air in my barn before ceiling was installed. I made it so any moisture in the line will drain to one of the outlets. I was pleased and since I am new to that type of thing was pleased to have a simple kit to use. And I have limited connections to possibly leak later.

 

[allinon72]

Rapid Air is very attractive if you can match your desired setup to the full contents of the kit without adding fittings (or getting close). That’s where the value is found - especially as the kits go on sale frequently. I chose the 3/4” Rapid Air Maxline and only had to add 1 male adapter and have no regrets.

In a larger shop, copper begins to make more sense than anything else.

 

[Kaizen]

IMHO, Anything other than Iron Pipe is a compromise. Iron Pipe systems can be expanded or added to as time and money become available.

I will disagree based on my experience. Ran it on last compressor as an after cooler and drops. Wayyyyy more expensive due to fittings and it rusts on the inside!! Just not worth the hassle of dealing with the dirt and flecks of rust. Any system can easily be added on.

Only drawback to rapid air is the coils need the tool to straighten and that negates cost savings from copper when I priced it.


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[fourjeepin]

What are the differences between rapidair tubing and pex?

I recently weighed the differences between 3/4” rapidair and pex and went with pex. It was very easy and inexpensive. It has only been in a few months but no issues to this point.

 

[rburke65]

Rapid air systems are really nice. Light weight, no rust, complete systems packages available.

 

[wru]

did you consider Prevost?

 

[scottvh]

I went with the 3/4" Rapid Air after lots of research, fittings are a bit more $$ than pex, but the aluminum wall and ease of install were worth the premium. Overall very pleased with Rapid Air.

 

[lolaetype]

Home Depot and other places are selling a kit made by Primefit. No idea if they are any good. Price seems to be about half of what Rapid Air wwants.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Primefi...6Oc--z-O1WMLhy3Ivl4aAnFREALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Only comes in 1/2" size though

 

[redmondjp]

I went with the 3/4" Rapid Air after lots of research, fittings are a bit more $$ than pex, but the aluminum wall and ease of install were worth the premium. Overall very pleased with Rapid Air.

The 3/4" Rapid Air kit is rated for 200psi, while the 1/2" kit is rated for 150psi - just wanted to point that out. I helped install a 1/2" kit in my friend's shop and he has a 2-stage compressor, but it shuts off at 145psi. Even if it did hit 150-155psi, I still wouldn't be worried about it.

Eventually I will install the 3/4" kit in my garage.

 

[emillika]

How does the Prevost cost compare to the Rapidaire?

 

[no704]

Just run copper pipe, has worked for decades.

 

[Citation]

Home Depot and other places are selling a kit made by Primefit. No idea if they are any good. Price seems to be about half of what Rapid Air wwants.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Primefi...6Oc--z-O1WMLhy3Ivl4aAnFREALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Only comes in 1/2" size though

Keep in mind that is 1/2" OD. The ID is 3/8" which is basically standard hose.

 

[redmondjp]

Just run copper pipe, has worked for decades.

Sure, if you know how to sweat copper pipe. Anybody can put one of the PEX systems in without having any special tools or skills, other than being able to cut off the tubing cleanly and squarely.