Compressor lines vs retractable hose reel

[bedn0009]

Hello,

I am planning a 32 x 28 x 9 build for later this summer. In the garage I plan to do some woodworking and subsequently HVLP paint spraying and finishing (as well as storage). I don't do anything automotive, but will likely have a couple of pneumatic tools for lawn mower and small tractor maintenance.

My question...

Though I love the idea of running hard lines for compressed air, I'm wondering WHY I would do it in a shop my size vs just setting up a retractable air hose?

Am I missing something?

Thanks

 

[bedn0009]

Thank you. Logic tells me the same thing, but I'm willing to do it if the argument could be made...

 

[C96]

You want hard lines (black iron pipe) in order to help cool the air so the water drops out. Run at least 25’ black iron (more pipe the better) sloped with drip legs/drain valves. Come off the top of the main horizontal line then turn 180° down vertically and T-off to your service point then continue down vertically with a drip leg/drain valve directly below that. Install water filter separator at service point with regulator. If maintained properly, (compressor tank, air lines and water separator trap drained regularly) this will help eliminate most if not all condensation problems in your average home shop.

If you are going to be doing paint spraying of any kind, you need to do this at the very minimum to remove the condensation before it reaches the spray gun.

You can still use your hose reel, just hook it up at the service point at the end of the water filter separator regulator.

 

[sharkytm]

Both.
I ran 3/4" copper in my garage, and attached a 50' 2/3" hose reel to it. The hose reel reaches everything inside, and about 25' outside. I've got an outside drop with a QD for media blasting, a drop over the bench for general use, and a drop in the wood shop for tools there. I use the reel most of all, but the rest are nice. The hard lines also act as additional compressor "tank", and force condensation to drop out of the air. I've got central filtering and regulation, which is a huge plus.

 

[rice rocket]

Retractable hoses store dust, and releases it every time you pull them out.

 

[Boilerhouse]

My compressor is in the back corner. I ran hard lines and installed a reel near the garage door. It allows me to use the c.a outside without having to join extra hoses each time. Also have a hard branch line that runs through an air drier.

 

[sberry]

I agree with a little of each, 1/2 inch valve after the comp, a simple manifold with an extra T after the regulator to hook additional equipment and then a hose reel. You are right on track with this especially to start. Figure out what works before plumbing every possible scenario you can imagine.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

My setup is far from "proper". I have a 25' reel at the back of the garage in front of the car, a 50' reel by the roll up door to reach out into the driveway and a 15' coil hose on a tool retract reel over the bench for dust off & local bench work. It's all fed by leftover air line hose coming from the regulator. I know it's no where near perfect, but it works for me. I'm not painting, never had an issue with moisture. Eventually I'd like to replace the old air hose with 1/2" black pipe or copper...

Tommy

 

[T4Turtle]

You want hard lines (black iron pipe) in order to help cool the air so the water drops out. Run at least 25’ black iron (more pipe the better) sloped with drip legs/drain valves. Come off the top of the main horizontal line then turn 180° down vertically and T-off to your service point then continue down vertically with a drip leg/drain valve directly below that. Install water filter separator at service point with regulator. If maintained properly, (compressor tank, air lines and water separator trap drained regularly) this will help eliminate most if not all condensation problems in your average home shop.

If you are going to be doing paint spraying of any kind, you need to do this at the very minimum to remove the condensation before it reaches the spray gun.

You can still use your hose reel, just hook it up at the service point at the end of the water filter separator regulator.

When you say at least 25 feet, is this before the first service point? My compressor is close to my first service point to where it would be about 15 ft of pipe before this service point, then continue on to the next service point.

 

[jpcjguy]

https://www.tptools.com/tech-metal-piping.dlp

 

[Falcon67]

I have both and use the heck out of both. I have two drops in my 24x28 space and a 50' reel. There are also two drops in the 12x24 work area.

 

[LEVE]

I have three drops under my work bench and three more drops from the ceiling in my small two car garage. Within the garage all I need is a 25' coiled air hose. It works for me.