Rapidair ,air piping system

[1jjpop]

I'am looking to place rapidair piping in my shop ,Just a 2 car garage , whats good & bad about it. I looked at a display today . Would a 1/2 '' kit be o.k. ? I use it for air ratchet, impact wrench, air up tires, blow pipe, & air drill mostly.[not all day or everday] I have P V C pipe now, want to get rid of it. I don't have long runs of pipe [1- 25' long & 1- 16' long ] now. One at bench & 1 at overhead door.

 

[vjlobel]

I did the larger rapidair system a while ago...the one where the pipe was an aluminum/pex combo. It wasn't too bad except for it was a pain in the rear to get the runs straight- they kept wanting to twist. Bent around corners great, fittings attached and sealed right up. I'll do it again in any shop I build. So much easier than copper or black pipe.

 

[Ray-CA]

I just priced the system for my shop. From Rapid-Air direct, it's $140, from Northern Tool (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200367525_200367525) it's $100.

Ray

PS: If the PVC is straight and where you want it, have you thought about running the Rapid-air hose inside the PVC?

 

[Cobra6]

I just priced the system for my shop. From Rapid-Air direct, it's $140, from Northern Tool (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200367525_200367525) it's $100.

It is on sale right now at Sears.com - $89.95 + free shipping - use the $5 Off $50 coupon and get it for $84.95

http://www.sears.com/rapid-air-rapidair-master-kit/p-00912420000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[dmeadow]

I think it would be fine for what you do with it. Do a search, there is another recent thread.

 

[gm54210]

I was going to use this kit as well until someone mentioned it is only 3/8" ID. I thought that was getting too restrictive for the long runs (25'). I am in the process of putting together 1/2" copper for my system. Still more restrictive than 3/4", but better than 3/8".
FWIW

 

[sberry]

The "restriction" doesn't mean squat especially at the huge distance of,,, 25 ft. Wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to much worry over it. You wont even notice the difference on common air tools.

 

[spunger1]

I have a fairly normal size 2 car garage and have tossed around the idea of the Rapidair kit. I'm just wanting to put the compressor in a corner & run a couple of drops near the front of the garage. For $100 I can't find any better way to do this. Add a couple of the Milton V style quick connects onto their blocks and I think air flow would be just fine.

I was amazed after changing everything over to the Milton V fittings (their hi-flow ones) how much more my regular air hose put out.

Since I have a portable compressor and at some point may have to move it I thought about plumbing in one quick disconnect onto the feed for the system. That way when it's in my garage I can use it like that OR if I need to take it I can just disconnect it and take the compressor with me.

 

[gm54210]

The "restriction" doesn't mean squat especially at the huge distance of,,, 25 ft. Wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to much worry over it. You wont even notice the difference on common air tools.

Your input is duly noted. Being new here, I'll have to assume you did not mean to come off as a horses *** - but that's how your note comes across.

 

[OldracerJones]

I used it in my 50 x 30 shop. Plumbed to all walls with two reels on opposite. Run small blast cabinet, all air tools, etc. like others have said it is hard to keep straight, make sure you straighten it out for a dew days before installing. Only problem I've had is small leaks at fittings. Played with them until the leak stopped. Overall, I would do again.

 

[KPSquared]

I plan to use it in my shop. Should be a great system for all my needs

 

[sberry]

Your input is duly noted. Being new here, I'll have to assume you did not mean to come off as a horses *** - but that's how your note comes across

Yes, I am kind of pushy but this is a common theme here along with which brand of oil and how often to change it. Those little fittings probably do ad some insult to the whole system but the 3.8 hose will drain that comp in a hurry on a sander and a home garage would never notice the difference between a 1/2 and a 3/4 pipe and even though as 1/2 is 4 or 4 times as good as a 3/8 hose its unlikely a guy could notice the difference.

A little comp will run out of air so fast anyway that most of it is moot.

 

[rburke65]

sberry a horses ***?......over that comment? Wow.....not in my opinion.

 

[sberry]

I only play a nice guy on the internet,,, in real life I am a pushy *****.

 

[gm54210]

Yes, I am kind of pushy but this is a common theme here along with which brand of oil and how often to change it. Those little fittings probably do ad some insult to the whole system but the 3.8 hose will drain that comp in a hurry on a sander and a home garage would never notice the difference between a 1/2 and a 3/4 pipe and even though as 1/2 is 4 or 4 times as good as a 3/8 hose its unlikely a guy could notice the difference.

A little comp will run out of air so fast anyway that most of it is moot.

sberry, thank you for the clarification. I see that I was misconstruing your intent. I owe an apology in this case. Again, being new, and this being the internet intent can be hard to perceive.

KPSquared, thanks for the concern. I put on the Hello Kitty pair, all is now good.

1jjpop, sorry to get things off track.

On topic - I was originally shooting for the 1/2" Rapidair system thinking it was 1/2" ID. Thankfully someone on GJ pointed out the true 3/8"ID spec. I figured the OP should know the same info just in case it would put a kink in his plans. I felt the 1/2" was appropriate for some of my heavier volume stuff which tends to need more moisture control, (blast cabinet). If the OP is thinking of future expansion, it is something to be considered. Though from what I have seen of the Rapidair system the upgrade may be as simple a PEX-AL-PEX line straight from the compressor. Again, to sberry's comment, this may be moot.

 

[A**holes Garage]

Are you looking at the plastic tubing kit?

The Rapid Air pipe starts at 1".

 

[dmeadow]

Are you looking at the plastic tubing kit?

The Rapid Air pipe starts at 1".

Rapidair sells several lines of pipe with varying construction, names and sizing. As noted, the Rapidair "plastic tubing" is called 1/2" by Rapidair, but has a 1/2" OD and 3/8" ID. Their 1/2" Maxline product (Pex-Al-Pex) is 1/2" ID (this is what I've installed). Confusing, to say the least. I think you may be referring to the Fastpipe product that is rigid pipe and has a smallest ID of 1".

In any case, it is best to study Rapidair's website carefully to determine what will work best for you and whether you are ordering the right thing with the right fittings. Even the so-called Master Kits have different fitting packages for different sizes.