Newbie on air compressor and attachments

[Roo19]

So first of all I'm new here and wanted to come here for some help and join other fellow DIY'ers.
I was able to buy a new Reelcraft reel 7850 for a great price it's new and has a 1/2" 300psi hose. My questions are what's the best way to attach the inlet hose from source to reel?
Next question is, is the 1/2 inch hose too big for regular around the house needs? I have a DeWalt pancake air compressor 6 gallon.

Another question would be or use tool and attachments would it be better to use 1/2" or 3/8" inch attachments??

Once again thank you for all your advice.


Oh one more question I want to install the reel on the ceiling, is there any recommendations on mounts or do I just fork over the 80+ for the mount they sell that swivels??

 

[bimmer1980]

Well, you got a nice hose reel that is a bit overkill.... garagejournaller's like that..... Welcome!

Find a nice centralized place in your garage to mount the hose reel. Use copper or rubber airlines to route from the compressor to the hose reel. (NO PVC...google that if you have to ask....) If you really want to spend some money, look at Transair, Rapid Air or similar.

1/2" air hose is a bit over kill for most happy home owner devises. I would get a 5' to 10' whip airhose that is either 1/4" or 3/8" inside diameter and connect that to the end of your 1/2" hose. The 1/2" hose will get you rough placement anywhere in the garage and the smaller hose will give you the flexibility, etc.

Candidly, that pancake compressor would not be able to supply enough air to ever exceed the capacity of the 1/2" hose or reel....

I do like the reel craft products. I have a couple of the 4600 series reels in my garage. One has a 1/4" hose and the other a 3/8" hose. The 1/4" hose is really flexible, but the 3/8" will provide more air.... I'm also getting ready to install a 50' cox hose reel with 1/2" air hose. I also have a 60 gal air compressor to supply all of that.....


I used unistrut and angle steel to mount my cord and hose reels.

Enjoy the convenience of the hose reel... I love being able to easily roll up the hose when I'm done.....

Browse the "air Compressor" Thread for lots of pictures of other peoples set up.... there are some nice ones....

 

[Roo19]

Would you recommend I switch out the 1/2 for a smaller diameter? I mean I got this reel brand new for 75 bucks couldn't pass that up. What a good hose to exchange it out with??

 

[bimmer1980]

For that price, hang the reel and start using it.....

Just keep in mind that you might want to use a smaller diameter "whip" hose for the last 5' on your air tool.... For example, I use a number of die grinders and smaller angle die grinders. A flexible and light hose gives better control of the tool and less user fatigue.... But that is easy to add at any time after you get the reel installed.

Just be sure to get a solid mount in the wall or ceiling. You may need to add 2x lumber as needed for adequate mounting points.

Post a pic once you have it hung up and ready to use....

 

[Roo19]

Awesome, thank you for your guidance. I'm on my way to pick up a 5 footer from northern tool, Goodyear hose 3/8" @250 psi

 

[sberry]

A 3/8 hose real is way more practical.

 

[Roo19]

Would you recommend I switch out the entire 1/2" hose for a 50 ' hose of 3/8" for the reel??

 

[Diesel Mercedes]

Just keep t for goodness sake, since it's just DIY/Hobby work and not on the job, it won't kill you because how large it is.

Make sure everything has 3/8" air fittings and couplers and you're good to go. In my opinion I would upgrade to used belt driven air compressor 20 gallon unit.

 

[Roo19]

I actually wanna have 1/4 fittings all around and use HI-flow couplers