Yet Another Air Compressor Line Question

[floyd]

I've been looking many of the posts on this topic. Has anyone ever used/evaluated the "Rapid Air" flexible nylon tubing system?

http://www.rapidairproducts.com/index.asp

I'm guessing the line moisture issue would be the main issue?

I have a 60 gallon, single-stage, 6hp compressor. I'll be using it for a blast cabinet (light-duty), some touch-up painting (components - not body work), and potentially some air tools. Just a hobby-type shop application.

I just about finished the garage and this system looks pretty easy to DIY.

Thanks

 

[PAToyota]

They had a booth at a car show I was at this past spring. Looked like a nice setup and I'm tempted to use a few of their fittings. But I'll stick with my copper lines.

 

[sharpshooter]

I havent personally used this set-up, but I used to work at a place that made concrete molds. We relied on plastic air lines a whole lot, when they work they were great, when they didnt work, they were a real PITA. For some reason using the plastic lines seemed to create more moisture...

 

[Jerm]

Try it out and let us know how it works, it may be a good alternative for some people.

 

[floyd]

I may just do that. I think the basic kit (100ft of line, 1 compressor manifold, and 2 air outlets) is less than $200.

 

[russlaferrera]

I have not used it. IMO stay with copper. It is stronger and when your old and tired of doing this type of hobby, you can scrap it and get your money back.

 

[ddawg16]

I can buy a LOT of galv pipe for $140...including fittings....and have money left over for beer.

One big issue...connection points. With pipe, you have a nice rigid connection for your quick disconnect....in most cases you use simple pipe clamps against the wall. With the nylon stuff you will need some type of bracket to hold the quick connect.

Reminds me of a solution looking for a problem.

 

[StanBo]

Did anyone go with this plumbing? I am researching mine and wanted to know the final verdict.

Thanks

 

[Matt M PA]

There's another active thread on this where I posted my experience.

In a nutshell..I installed Rapid Air and am pleased.

 

[StanBo]

Cool I will look it up now. Thanks.

 

[ryno]

it looks to be the same dot line as used on most big rigs or in the mini truck air bag world. i think you could piece together you rown "kit" at suicide doors.com for cheaper.

 

[StanBo]

Good point. I was thinking it looked along the lines of paintball tubing.

 

[Stinger]

Harbor Freight has the same kit for $89.99 and I believe it comes with more fittings.

 

[StanBo]

I tell you I can't say I don't shop at HF. I have a bunch of stuff from there. Seems that the cost savings comes at the cost of durability. I really just want to do this install once and call it a day.

 

[Stinger]

I think it is the exact same stuff, not a copy of the original.

 

[StanBo]

I will look thru their catalog now. Was this online or a store item?

 

[Falcon67]

Their item 66747
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66747

 

[StanBo]

Thank you very very much. I did a search last night on air lines, lines, pipes and I didn't get that item number. I don't have the compressor yet but I will be saving this part number to my spreadsheet.

Side note

A buddy laughed last night when I told him I don't have a compressor yet and do everything by hand lol.

 

[ironroad 9c1]

3/8's seems kinda small for anything over a few feet.

 

[StanBo]

I wasn't considering using this for the main feeds. I have to sit and figure out what tools I am going to be working and what volume they need.