Shop Air

[housedad]

I went the copper route. No regrets.

Rebuilt my air system Thread

 

[aliva]

20 years ago there was no Rapid Air system, so I used 1/2 type L copper pipe silver soldered the joints haven't had a problem yet. When I added a power draw bar to my mill I tapped into the copper with a SharkBite T fitting and ran pex to the mill no issues yet.

 

[Pops]

20+ years ago I ran 1/2” cpvc lines throughout my 25’ X 75’ shop. Installed several retractable air hoses as well. Living in Houston the humidity is terrible. Sometimes there’s a gallon of water or more in the lines and the tank. I went to Harbor Freight and found a self draining regulator. Bought several of these to go in strategic places and the water problem was solved. If I need another outlet just cut the main line and add a tee. Very simple.


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[Janderso]

I used the Rapid air system with my new 60 gallon IR compressor.
I love it! 400 sq. Ft shop with 5 drops.

 

[DeanB]

3/4" copper with drops on both ends of the shop plus 2 over my work tables. Need to add an extension over to the mill / lathe. Also have a drop in the garage by the welder / plasma and another between the doors with a retractable hose. A bit more work but the copper lasts forever. Once you pass the initial leak test you're golden.

 

[Janderso]

In our shops at work, we have two 10hp 80 gallon IR Industrial compressors.
They used black pipe, 3/4 to 1/2”. I started to work there in 1986. I’m still there and we never touched the pipe.
Probably over 50 years and still working fine.

 

[uncle harry]

I went the copper route. No regrets.

Rebuilt my air system Thread

As did I....happy with my systems....(2 shop buildings)

 

[projectnut]

In our shops at work, we have two 10hp 80 gallon IR Industrial compressors.
They used black pipe, 3/4 to 1/2”. I started to work there in 1986. I’m still there and we never touched the pipe.
Probably over 50 years and still working fine.

I think that was, and still is the standard for industrial and commercial buildings. Our machine shops were built in the 1940's and had the same setup. It's tough, durable, and almost impossible for even the clumsiest to damage or destroy. The downside is it's expensive and time consuming to install.

 

[Boswell]

The downside is it's expensive and time consuming to install

I have initially installed black pipe for my air delivery but am going to replace it with PEX or RapidAir due to the cost and effort to both install and Modify.

 

[Winegrower]

I read all the threads on all the technologies, installed PVC and been happy ever since.