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Best Mtl to run air line thru shop?

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Wayne Woods

12-01-2001 14:36:17




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One of the things on my "to-do" list is to run air lines from my compressor to various worktables and other convient places in my workshop. I'd like to hear your opinions on various pipe materiels to use, their advantages and disadvantages. Discarded idea of using PCV as I've heard numerous accounts of it becomming brittle, and when it breaks - *%^$@#%^*%$ kind of a mess!!
I was considering copper tubing. Was at a liquidation auction in a plant today and noticed their air distribution plumming was galvanized pipe. Knowing that I'm not the best at soldering copper tubing, the galvanized pipe may be a better way to get good air tight joints.
Sounds like some of you guys have tons of experience. Would sure like to hear some 'experiece talking' on this subject.

Thanks
WW

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PJW

12-05-2001 19:12:17




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 Re: Best Mtl to run air line thru shop? in reply to Wayne Woods, 12-01-2001 14:36:17  
I am not sure why all are so in favor of black pipe. The copper is a cleaner installation and better for air tool use. I currently run 125 psi without any problems. The connection between the compressor and the copper run is a rubber hose. If you are new to soldering make sure the joints are clean first. To make it easy on yourself build large sections on the floor raise into position and join in an easy area or using compression fittings to connect the larger sections.

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TB

12-04-2001 17:48:36




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 Re: Best Mtl to run air line thru shop? in reply to Wayne Woods, 12-01-2001 14:36:17  
I ran my air hose over head threw the attic as a temp solution to my work stations. Thay have lasted so good I never did get to piping them in.



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cannonball

12-02-2001 05:44:35




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 Re: Best Mtl to run air line thru shop? in reply to Wayne Woods, 12-01-2001 14:36:17  
steel pipe is the way to go..black or gal..just remember from tank to pipe use something flexible..hyd hose or something like that...when you thread std pipe you cut away 80% of pipe in threads..so they can't stand much vibration..have 1/2 stainless tubing in my shop..have nice day



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billyz

12-02-2001 05:02:05




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 Re: Best Mtl to run air line thru shop? in reply to Wayne Woods, 12-01-2001 14:36:17  
My vote goes to blackpipe, One thing I always do, never use elbows always use Tees and plug one end that way you can always add on easily, be sure to have plenty of moisture traps and shut-offs.



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Cliff Neubauer

12-02-2001 06:44:31




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 Re: Re: Best Mtl to run air line thru shop? in reply to billyz, 12-02-2001 05:02:05  
I used 1/2" black pipe for our shop and the only thing I would do different would be to have used 3/4" for the main run. I used tees for all my connections with one port plugged so I can easily add lines in the future.



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Paul Decker

12-02-2001 03:31:30




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 Re: Best Mtl to run air line thru shop? in reply to Wayne Woods, 12-01-2001 14:36:17  
PVC is NOT recommended. If it receives a blow from the outside while pressurized, it will break and send shrapnell like a grenade. There is a system of piping that is plastic and assembles like PVC that is specifically designed for compressed air systems but it is a bit pricy.

I don't know why the popularity of black pipe-it rusts and is difficult to make additions. When I finally get around to it, I am going to use sweated copper pipe. Soldering is a breeze if you clean the pipe properly. Compression fittings would be even easier but costlier.

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Dave_Id

12-01-2001 17:44:51




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 Re: Best Mtl to run air line thru shop? in reply to Wayne Woods, 12-01-2001 14:36:17  
Since you have discarded the idea of using PVC, maybe I shouldn't post, but for ballance, here goes. I've plumbed two industrial shops with Schedule 40 PVC. Never had a problem. I use 3/4 ID pipe. It is easy to install, it's cheap, and easy to repair. In 15 years, I only had one piece that split. It's rated for about 250psi, so that shouldn't be a problem. I worked in a plant in Mpls. that had 2 inch air lines running throughout. They forgot to glue a joint, and one day it let go. It sounded like a cannon.....no heart failures though.

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Dave_Id

12-01-2001 17:44:05




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 Re: Best Mtl to run air line thru shop? in reply to Wayne Woods, 12-01-2001 14:36:17  
Since you have discarded the idea of using PVC, maybe I shouldn't post, but for ballance, here goes. I've plumbed two industrial shops with Schedule 40 PVC. Never had a problem. I use 3/4 ID pipe. It is easy to install, and easy to repair. In 15 years, I only had one piece that split. It's rated for about 250psi, so that shouldn't be a problem. I worked in a plant in Mpls. that had 2 inch air lines running throughout. They forgot to glue a joint, and one day it let go. It sounded like a cannon.....no heart failures though.

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Mac

12-01-2001 17:03:27




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 Re: Best Mtl to run air line thru shop? in reply to Wayne Woods, 12-01-2001 14:36:17  
Places I worked, we used either black or galv. pipe.



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Johnny in E.Tx.

12-01-2001 16:53:27




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 Re: Best Mtl to run air line thru shop? in reply to Wayne Woods, 12-01-2001 14:36:17  
In the plant I used to work in, we always used black pipe, it is really very easy to cut and thread if you could rent or borrow a pipe threader. I suppose that galvanized pipe would work also and might last a bit longer.



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ErnieD

12-01-2001 15:56:31




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 Re: Best Mtl to run air line thru shop? in reply to Wayne Woods, 12-01-2001 14:36:17  
Our plant piping code is galvanized iron or copper rigid. Take offs point up and pitch header to a trap. Float type condensate trap is dandy to expel water.



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J R Ohio

12-01-2001 15:48:06




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 Re: Best Mtl to run air line thru shop? in reply to Wayne Woods, 12-01-2001 14:36:17  
Where I worked we used black pipe and some ridged copper pipe. The compressors maintained 120# air all the time. There was never a problem. Hope this helps J R Ohio



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