do I really need a dryer on my setup?

[robc1976]

Hey guys, have 2 questions

1. I have a small 60 gal setup with 1/2" black pipe speedaire regulator/filter. My system is used only for ratchets, impacts and cutoff tools, do I really need a dryer?

2. I am also wanting to run a line that is not regulated (impact gun line). I was thinking of putting another filter right after shutoff off valve on compressor then putting a "T" before the regulator and then another shutoff valve after "T" so I can shut air off before regulator and direct air to "T". Is this the correct way to accomplish this? I am a bit new to this as you can tell by the questions.

Thanks,

Rob

 

[robc1976]

Any recommendations?

 

[NordicSaab]

1) for what you are doing a dryer is probably not nevessary, but is is a good idea. I have a 60 gallon setup and when I'm working for long periods of time with a sand blaster or air grinder you will start to get condensation in the line because of the air being cooled in the hose. You have to remember that when compresses air gets really hot and any distance after the mouth of the compressor will start to cool the air resulting in water. However, if you are not completely cycling your compressor and the air has rime to cool in the cylinder it's not a big deal.

I am planning on making a copper "radiator" a some point to act as a dryer. Might be something to look into.

2) I'm sure you could run two lines that way, but I have always run an impact through a regulator and never had an issue. I'm not sure what benefit you would get by a direct line

Best of luck!

 

[dgxlh]

I just use a T from the black pipe one side is my filrer/regulator the other is a direct line.
I use the direct line for those really stubborn bolts that 90 psi won't do.

 

[8man]

Check out the thread "Compressed Air System Advice" it has a lot of information and can help you figure out what you want to accomplish.

 

[robc1976]

I just use a T from the black pipe one side is my filrer/regulator the other is a direct line.
I use the direct line for those really stubborn bolts that 90 psi won't do.

exactly what I want it for.

 

[robc1976]

Check out the thread "Compressed Air System Advice" it has a lot of information and can help you figure out what you want to accomplish.

awesome, I will check it out

 

[robc1976]

I just use a T from the black pipe one side is my filrer/regulator the other is a direct line.
I use the direct line for those really stubborn bolts that 90 psi won't do.

You have a pic by chance?

 

[mrjaw14]

I have a 33gal compressor that I run impact tools, die grinders, etc. I wasn't as diligent with my draining over the summer when humidity was high and the tank built up some water in it. All of a sudden one of my air tools started spitting water out of it. I drained the tank, oiled the tool and ran air through it to get the water out, but there was probably water in the air hose, so not completely dry air. After that I installed a filter/drier that more or less interrupts the path of the air and the water dropplets fall out of the air before it goes through a brass filter on the other side. I haven't had any more water issues since, but I'm also better at draining it.

If you're painting you MUST have dry air. If you're running air tools a basic setup like I described works fine, and I do recommend it

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I don't see the need for a dryer unless you paint or media blast. Just oil your tools religiously.

 

[RM209]

You can often find a low-end dryer from $25-50 that will protect your impact tools. At that price, droplets of water will still sneak through and make their way through the tools, but it's better than nothing. However, you'll want something better if you intend to spray paint. It's also wise to drain the compressor tank frequently .

RM209

 

[robc1976]

I don't see the need for a dryer unless you paint or media blast. Just oil your tools religiously.

thats what I thought, I oil every few hours.

 

[robc1976]

You can often find a low-end dryer from $25-50 that will protect your impact tools. At that price, droplets of water will still sneak through and make their way through the tools, but it's better than nothing. However, you'll want something better if you intend to spray paint. It's also wise to drain the compressor tank frequently .

RM209

no painting at all.

 

[robc1976]

I have a 33gal compressor that I run impact tools, die grinders, etc. I wasn't as diligent with my draining over the summer when humidity was high and the tank built up some water in it. All of a sudden one of my air tools started spitting water out of it. I drained the tank, oiled the tool and ran air through it to get the water out, but there was probably water in the air hose, so not completely dry air. After that I installed a filter/drier that more or less interrupts the path of the air and the water dropplets fall out of the air before it goes through a brass filter on the other side. I haven't had any more water issues since, but I'm also better at draining it.

If you're painting you MUST have dry air. If you're running air tools a basic setup like I described works fine, and I do recommend it

I will have 2 speedaire filters but think I need to extend my 1/2" piping after doing some reading. My piping is only 12ft from compressor then goes directly to hose. Will extend it down the wall and loop back so air has time to cool. It does help my garage is temp controlled I am sure, low humidity and 72 degrees.

 

[dgxlh]

Yeah I'll put one up later tonight

 

[dgxlh]

Here's my set up. Different regulator on it now but same concept. Its nice to have a high side to hook up and persuade stubborn bolts. Giving an air tool 160psi really brings them to life

 

[bob15]

Here's my set up. Different regulator on it now but same concept. Its nice to have a high side to hook up and persuade stubborn bolts. Giving an air tool 160psi really brings them to life

You really need a drip leg on you set-up. I would get another tee and rotate the one you have 90° and then install the second below it. Put the 2 quick disconnects off the horizontal. On the vertical run (bottom) of the lower tee install a 6 or 8" ****** with a valve at the bottom. You will be surprised how much water can collect there.....

 

[dgxlh]

The new regulator has a dryer on it. My dad does that on his compressor along with a dryer. Why Idk but he does lol

 

[robc1976]

Here's my set up. Different regulator on it now but same concept. Its nice to have a high side to hook up and persuade stubborn bolts. Giving an air tool 160psi really brings them to life

stupid question, with that T what keeps the air from going into the regulator to keep pressure? You close the regulator? Couldn't I just put a valve after the "T" to direct air flow?

 

[bob15]

stupid question, with that T what keeps the air from going into the regulator to keep pressure? You close the regulator? Couldn't I just put a valve after the "T" to direct air flow?

Air won't go through the regulator unless there is a demand for it.

Look here....maybe this will help you with a good set-up with drip legs:

http://www.tptools.com/Metal-Piping-Kits.html

 

[robc1976]

Here is my very "caveman-ish" drawing on what I plan to do. Nothing crazy like done here but it is only 1 line with ratchets,impact and cutoff tools.

 

[bob15]

What is the "upside down U" for?

Your first filter......make sure it is rated for the air compressor pressure.

 

[robc1976]

What is the "upside down U" for?

Your first filter......make sure it is rated for the air compressor pressure.

I was told to have it go up so the water/moisture falls and can be drained. Also, this is the only way for me to really get 20' of cooling. Is this a bad idea? I was trying to replicate this pic but on a smaller level. My filter is rated for 250 psi and compressor is 155. Can I run the line straight with drains? Wouldn't I have to go up to have water drain? Can I just go up in stages like steps almost and have drains at each rise?

 

[robc1976]

By steps I mean like this, another cave man drawing.

 

[bob15]

By steps I mean like this, another cave man drawing.

I like set-up.

 

[robc1976]

I like set-up.

I don't really have room to do the 2 step do it will still kinda have the "U" just not as tall. How bad does the 20' of 1/2" pipe hurt flow? Here is what I first had before learning on this site...pretty bad lol!