copper air lines

[car-nut]

I did a search and could not find what I was looking for.

Home Depot has two different 3/4 copper pipe. Which one do I want? I assume one is thicker or stronger than the other and I want to get the right one. But I don't want to just waste money.

Any suggestions????????????

 

[Itzkwik]

They are schedule L and M with L being the thicker wall pipe. I think the L is around $3/ft. now. Not sure on the M. Don't think its a huge difference in price. I would suggest the L, but the M is probably okay.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I suggest you download and save on your computer, a copy of the Copper Tube Handbook by the Copper Devolopment Association. It will give you all the specs you need.

http://www.copper.org/resources/pub_list/pdf/copper_tube_handbook.pdf

Indeed L is the heavier and thus more expensive pipe. While the handbook does not list M for compressed air, the specs for L and M for rated working pressures, in sizes you would use in a shop (up to one inch) are more than enough. A worst case would be one inch annealed (weaker than drawn) at 250F is 270 PSI, go smaller or with drawn and not annealed, and the working pressure goes up.

Charles

 

[maa139]

I used black iron. It was cheaper.

 

[Roospike]

COPPER!?

Wouldn't it be cheaper to intall GOLD pipe ?

I still need to install all my pipe for my compressor but DAMB , copper price is just unreal . I was doing good to install 3/8" OD copper line for my auto drain , I'll have to hit the bank for a loan on the copper feed line.