I am getting ready to put my compressor all back together. The copper discharge line it had on it is all dented up and bad looking. Would like to install a new line, what do you all recommend? I was looking at those stainless flex hoses, but don't know anything about them.
Need a compressor discharge line idea
- Thread starter mrpizza
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rsanter
Well-known member
make a new copper line or use braided steel flex line (like what is used on race cars not from home depot/lowes)
bob
bob
Not sure where you are but around here Osh sells tubing by the foot as well as the independent owned plumbing shops. The big box hardware stores only sell by 10' & 25', etc rolls.
Don't know if you have a single or two stage but the discharge line on a signle stage can get up to 300 - 400 deg. If you're going to use a braded hose make sure it can withstand those temps. I just don't see it being a good idea to use a hose that is not solid metal. With the copper tube, heat disappates through the tank as well. Wouldn't hurt to install an aftercooler while you're at it if you don't have one. I installed a small inexpensive OEM aftercooler & it dropped temps by about 120 deg. Some people even install a big coil of copper tubing to work like an aftercooler.
Don't know if you have a single or two stage but the discharge line on a signle stage can get up to 300 - 400 deg. If you're going to use a braded hose make sure it can withstand those temps. I just don't see it being a good idea to use a hose that is not solid metal. With the copper tube, heat disappates through the tank as well. Wouldn't hurt to install an aftercooler while you're at it if you don't have one. I installed a small inexpensive OEM aftercooler & it dropped temps by about 120 deg. Some people even install a big coil of copper tubing to work like an aftercooler.
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A commercial refrigeration contractor should be able to sell you 1" soft tubing by the foot. He'll also be able to bend and flare it for you, if necessary.
Do not use hydraulic hose, it will melt.
Flexible stainless compressor discharge lines are available from McMaster IIRC.
What type of after cooler did you install. Is it between the 2 stages or after the second? THANKS
rsanter
Well-known member
frankly if you are going to make one yourself out of soft copper you could bend a few loops into it before routing to the end locations and that would be sort of an aftercooler
what size do you need? I have some copper tubing so I may have exactly what you need
bob
what size do you need? I have some copper tubing so I may have exactly what you need
bob
I only have a single stage but generally on a 2 stage you would install it after the second stage.
Here's a little bit of info (some of the examples are actually from here on GJ):
http://cnccookbook.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/aftercooling-a-compressor-to-cut-down-on-moisture/
Here on GJ:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50946&highlight=aftercooler
My aftercooler is not universal, it's a cheap inexpensive small OEM cast unit that only fits my style pump used on compressors made by ABAC/IMC Amercian: Belaire, older Kobalts, US General, & some others.
The aftercooler was $22. If I find a good deal on a real heat exchanger I'll go that route but for now I'm good.
Stock:
Yes it is a compressor from HF but one of the few products of theirs that is made in the US (except the pump).
But I can't complain, I picked up this 60gal for $250 & sold my old 20 gal Craftsman for $200. This should hold me over for a while.
jimbbski
Well-known member
No you need to flare the tubing first. You can use swege lock fittings but if you have flare fittings already then you have to flare the tubing. If you have a brake flaring tool they sometimes come with addaptors to that size but it's not common. A plumbing supply store shoud have a cheap flaring tool to do 3/4 inch tubing.
Anyone use an old AC condenser from a car as an aftercooler? Most are copper tubing with aluminum fins and can take the pressure fine.
Anyone use an old AC condenser from a car as an aftercooler? Most are copper tubing with aluminum fins and can take the pressure fine.
jrsulo
Well-known member
Nope....ya gotta flare it
Flare the tubing? I know flare fittings are a type of compression fitting but aren't flare fittings (like for gas lives) usually called flare fittings & what are called compression fitttings use ferrules over the tubing instead of flaring the end of the tube?
Of the three compressors I've had, they all used compression fittings with a ferrule over the tubing, no flares. Didn't know compressors used flare fittings but then again I've never worked on larger/quality "big boys" compressors.
Of the three compressors I've had, they all used compression fittings with a ferrule over the tubing, no flares. Didn't know compressors used flare fittings but then again I've never worked on larger/quality "big boys" compressors.