I'm in the process of piping the air lines in my resto/detail shop. I've heard of guys using either pvc,copper, and steel pipes to run their shops with pipe size ranges from 3/4 to 1/2. What is the best long lasting method?

I don't know if this will help.. but here is a good place for a routing layout and from what I remember I wouldn't use PVC because of burst ratings and safety..
http://www.sharpe1.com/dr-pipe.htm

Hope this helps and good luck

PVC works pretty well if you observe the pressure limits printed on the pipe. Remember that it is temperature sensitive, but in your climate that should be no problem. I lived outside Chicago and used PVC for years with no problem.

Gleek. I have used brass for over 30 years. Never had a problem. Be sure to create water pockets below the take out points.
rob

I'd think the copper line would be the easiest and will look good. They also have the advantage of cooling the air and helping the condensation fall out before it hits the hose.

All the fittings are there and there is no worry about a line blowing apart.

Peter

You want a metallic line of some sort, copper, galvanize, etc,. Avoid PVC if possible. As mentioned before, metallic lines will act as a cooler and pull a lot of the moisture out of the air. As a result you need to install moisture traps in the piping.

Thanks for the responses. I'm going to go with the copper tubing. What size should I use?

I'd use 3/4 for around the top of the shop and 1/2 for the drops to the outlets.

Peter