Type of airline to run from compressor?
- Thread starter infinkc
- Start date
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
This subject has been discussed many times on this forum. The least expensive air line system is what is used on air-brake systems on big trucks. While this system can be made pretty, it is not good looking, it can be.
The air line can be bought in rolls and many sizes. FASTENAL most likely sell this product. The connecting fittings are also inexpensive and come in two styles. There is the, simple for the installer, push to connect and the other tighten to seal. I prefer the latter.
If your installation is going in a wall good looks are less important.
http://www.pisco.com/products/fitti...8WN1jIMZDHx-x8F3alALiE5OzsZw-ZkRoCYo8QAvD_BwE
https://www.greenlinehose.com/index...ngs,Truck.Air.Brake.Fittings,dept-252&path=to
These links may not be convenient for you, but, if you know what you are looking for, it may be easier to find on AMAZON. Knowing what to ask for may help you at you local truck repair shop. These shops are always a good source for this stuff.
The air line can be bought in rolls and many sizes. FASTENAL most likely sell this product. The connecting fittings are also inexpensive and come in two styles. There is the, simple for the installer, push to connect and the other tighten to seal. I prefer the latter.
If your installation is going in a wall good looks are less important.
http://www.pisco.com/products/fitti...8WN1jIMZDHx-x8F3alALiE5OzsZw-ZkRoCYo8QAvD_BwE
https://www.greenlinehose.com/index...ngs,Truck.Air.Brake.Fittings,dept-252&path=to
These links may not be convenient for you, but, if you know what you are looking for, it may be easier to find on AMAZON. Knowing what to ask for may help you at you local truck repair shop. These shops are always a good source for this stuff.
Last edited:
Lelandwelds
Well-known member
Don't use nylon. Use HDPE or urethane. PEX is the easiest source. Not UV stable. PE-AL-PE like used in slab heating is a good choice. Aluminum, stainless, black pipe, or copper are good choices.
O ring fittings eventually fail.
I like PEX mixed with black pipe at compressor and drops. That avoids tricky exact length threaded pieces and most of the required unions. ( unions are more expensive than most fittings.)
rburke65
Well-known member
If you are going to bury it in a wall then I'd do black pipe.
machsnell
Well-known member
I used rapid air Maxline.
Pretty easy to hook up. I ran in attic space and did drops to outlets.
I am almost hooked up. I hope it doesn't leak. But I have yet to have a system set.up that didn't. Whether at a fitting or qc. Or the line
I was super careful w this but there are a lot of joints. We will see.
Much easier and cheaper than a bunch of copper.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Pretty easy to hook up. I ran in attic space and did drops to outlets.
I am almost hooked up. I hope it doesn't leak. But I have yet to have a system set.up that didn't. Whether at a fitting or qc. Or the line
I was super careful w this but there are a lot of joints. We will see.
Much easier and cheaper than a bunch of copper.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
mikeyr
Well-known member
I was going to do black pipe in the wall, but was afraid of developing leaks in the future. I ended up going with copper on the outside of the wall, does not look too bad and besides its a garage. I only went with copper because for me it is far easier to build a system with no leaks then black pipe and I cut/fit pipe exactly around corners, etc. easier than black pipe where I have to get all kinds of fittings (don't have a threader).
joe_padavano
Well-known member
Black iron is preferred from a moisture removal standpoint. The thermal mass of the pipe causes the moisture in the compressed air to condense out before it screws up your spray gun or media blaster. Of course, this assumes proper design of the piping system to force the water to a specific drain point.
Bretny
Well-known member
I wouldnt use black pipe if its going to be in the wall. I have seen that stuff so rusted inside it was 1/3rd the ID than it started as.
Why burry them in your walls? Can you run it in the attic and use copper drops?
Lelandwelds
Well-known member
ford33
Well-known member
OP should run a search on this topic. Plenty of information here already.
Pythong
Well-known member
its actually cheaper to go with maxline system vs buying pex al pex from supply house. its the individual fittings for air line hookups that cost the most from maxline. i did the math and if i were to buy the hookups seperate and get my pex from supplyhouse id be paying more i think close to 40c/ft more
Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk
engineer2
Well-known member
I like copper. It's maintenance free and you won't have rust problems. Easy to install, easy to modify. 1/2" is fine for a home system
machsnell
Well-known member
Uh...i don't know.... maybe because cheaper easier and I would say better.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Lelandwelds
Well-known member
Better because it is baby blue and nickel plated? My paper system was larger than the kits. Using standard part was hundreds $ less than if I used the kit. The standard fittings in particular are substantially less than Rapidair.