Small Garage Air Compressor Question(s)...

[Tank29]

I recently purchased a Kolbalt 5HP 80 Gallon Air Compressor, Kobalt 3/8" Air Filter, and a Kobalt 3/8" regulator...

This is my first air compressor and I'm really not sure how I should plumb it...I have about 60' of 1/2" Type L copper left-over from a job that I'm planning on using...My work area is a 14' x 25' single car garage with 12' ceiling...What I would like to do is come off the air compressor (located at the rear corner of the garage) with a 3/4" x 18" high pressure flex line to the wall then from there have a stationary tap close to the air compressor...Then run my copper line to the entry end of the garage and install a 25' Air Hose Reel..I may eventually install another reel back by the compressor and leave the stationary "tap" as a dedicated line for a future plasma cutter...

I think I have everything that I need but need some direction though...I'm not sure (newbie) if I should plumb the air filter before the regulator or vise versa...I will eventually purchase and better filter/regulator but I figured this would at least get me started...Should I get another regulator and filter for the hose reel or will the one I already have work for both taps since the total run will be between 30'-40'?...

I'm planning on doing my install tomorrow so if any of you could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated...Thanks for helping a newb!!!

 

[kartracer55]

Props for using copper first of all.

1) You want the filter before the regulator
2) You want as much copper line between your filter and the tank as possible to allow air to condense
3) You ideally want to have the regulator right at the point of use.
4) Pull your drops up and over and down as shown in the link below. It is a good idea to T the regulator off the side of the drop and install a small ball valve on the bottom to drain any water that collects in the drop

http://www.tptools.com/StaticText/airline-piping-diagram.pdf

 

[Tank29]

Props for using copper first of all.

1) You want the filter before the regulator
2) You want as much copper line between your filter and the tank as possible to allow air to condense
3) You ideally want to have the regulator right at the point of use.
4) Pull your drops up and over and down as shown in the link below. It is a good idea to T the regulator off the side of the drop and install a small ball valve on the bottom to drain any water that collects in the drop

http://www.tptools.com/StaticText/airline-piping-diagram.pdf

Thank you for the quick reply...I already planned on running my line to the ceiling then the 180* back down to the regulator...I can go get another regulator and filter for the reel...How much line would be the minimum between the tank and my first "drop"?...Thanks again.

 

[kartracer55]

I can't really say you need THIS much, but as much as possible. I have about 30ft before my filter if you include the run up the wall. The filter catches water, but if you are running the compressor for hours straight don't drain it on the regular you will get a noticeable amount of moisture in the lines.

 

[Tank29]

I started figuring out how I will be piping everything and I think I will have roughly 25'-30' before each of my two drops counting the runs up and down the walls...