Quick answer for compressor line diameter

[Spaggs]

I did a search and I'm confused. I am having my garage piped today for a compressor line and need some help. I plan on buying a bigger compressor with 220 later on, but now have a 110 Craftsman 5 horse compressor. What size line do I tell my plumber to put in and where do I get the needed connectors, hoses and hose reels?

Thanks.

Spaggs

 

[5Cent]

What are your uses/needs? Tools you'll be running etc.?

3/8 metal should be sufficient, but if you're running higher cfm tools (blast cabinet) then you will some benefit with the new compressor and 1/2".

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Spaggs,

It depends on the type of equipment you are planning on running. If a blast cabinet, large air guns (3/4 and 1"), DA sanders and die grinders are in your future, plumb the main lines with 3/4 (or 1” for a large blaster) and the drops with 1/2. If you are just running a 3/8 or 1/2 air gun and maybe an air ratchet on occasion and using it to fill tires, 1/2 will be cheaper to run.

Just remember that it IS expensive to set airlines up (mine cost more than my used compressor) and you only want to do it once. Think hard about what you need and work your budget accordingly. Note!!! 1” pipe will not cost much more UNTIL you get to the fittings. Have your Nitro pills handy if you decide to go this route. I used ¾ for my main line and don’t ever see the need to increase it but I only plan on adding a small blast cabinet down the road.


Everyone has their own opinion about connectors but I started using Milton Hi-Flo fittings (Northern Tool carries them) as I still have quite a few of their std fitting that will work with that connector on my lower cfm tools (air ratchets, 3/8 guns, blow guns, etc.).

Hose reels are another choice depending on what you want to spend. HF and Northern Tools on the lower end, Lowe's reels (and similar in the middle) and on the upper end McMaster-Carr carries some nice ones (and several other retailers).

 

[sberry]

1/2 pipe will do everything this poster will want to do.

 

[Spaggs]

Where do I get the 1/2" to 3/8" connector adapters?

Spaggs

 

[hetkind]

local hardware store, going down from 1/2 to 3/8 it will be a "bushing", going up it will an adapter.

I am a firm believer in 1/2 black iron for compressor plumbing, and you can get all you need at the local Grainger Industrial Supply, or over the net at McMaster-Carr, www.mcmaster.com.

I run die grinders and da sanders all day with 1/2" black iron, 1/4" quick connects and 3/8" black rubber hose. Those are pretty much industry standard.

Howard

 

[Spaggs]

Thanks. That helps. Is there a disadvantage to using copper instead of cast iron? My plumber says he can do the copper for a lot less.

Spaggs

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

All of mine is in type "L" copper. I did silver solder the joints though. Most here prefer silver solder or brazing over soft solder for the strength and (in the case of brazing) for fire safety.

Black iron might be better for cooling the air but I can solder joint quickly and I hate threading pipe.

 

[mikeyr]

copper is better if your plumber can do it cheaper, I just don't see any reason to go less than 3/4" when I plumb a garage for a compressor. Copper usually costs more to buy when you are doing it yourself but it goes together so much faster that when you include the plumbers labor, I am not surprised copper will be cheaper. Go with 3/4 and do it right, you might be able to get by with 3/8 like the first poster said, or 1/2 that most have recommended but 3/4 will give you growth room, once you have a compressor plumbed in you might you use it much more often than you ever planned to.

3/4 copper !

 

[benjamming]

I would use Goodyear 1/2" hoses (red, I believe).
I would suggest looking at reels from Cox, Reelcraft, Hosetract, & Hannay.