Ooops. Please move to the correct forum. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/frown.gif

What type of pipe is good to use with an air compressor? I would like to run piping from the compressor which resides in the rear of my garage to the front and also a line to the 2nd floor work area.

I know plastic or PVC shouldn't be used but how about copper tubing? If steel pipe is the only way, any ideas on where to get it? I looked at some home centers but couldn't find anything in steel.

Thanks.

P.S. If you have any useful tips on designing this system please pass them along. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

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Bob (Pa.)

1963 Impala 283
1966 Chevelle SS 409
1969 Malibu 307
1972 Malibu 307
1969 C10 stepside 350
1971 Cheyenne 20 3/4 ton
Somebody stop me... http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

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[This message has been edited by mr409 (edited 07-21-2002).]

Bob. I have used copper tubing (soldered) for 20 years with no problems. Be sure to mount small taps below the connectors to get rid of any water.

Hope this helps.

Rob

I plumbed mine with black iron gas pipe. Make sure you have a 12'+ run to the first outlet to let the air cool and moisture condense out. I have a moisture and dirt trap at two outlets and also run small moisture traps at the hose connection to the tools. Copper would be better but costs a little more and takes soldering vs. threaded connections.

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OrrieG
64 Malibu HT Survivor (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/OrrieG1.jpg)

Also, don't run your pipe level. Give it a slope toward your water drains.

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My Web Page (http://www.landry-family.com) (updated 06-21-02)

"Long Live Freedom!"

Chad Landry
TC Member #643
ACES Member #4556
'68 El Camino, 357, L31 Vortec heads, 700R4,
8.2 10-bolt, 3.55 gears, Auburn Pro Posi.

Thanks alot guys. Good tips too.



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Bob (Pa.)

1963 Impala 283
1966 Chevelle SS 409
1969 Malibu 307
1972 Malibu 307
1969 C10 stepside 350
1971 Cheyenne 20 3/4 ton
Somebody stop me... :)

Looking for Chevelle or Impala parts? Click here:
Chevelle parts for sale (http://www.angelfire.com/trek/mr409/items4sale.html)

The 348/409 Chevrolet forum
http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/187005

Mine is ran in hard copper with sweat fittings but 3/4" CPVC works good and is very easy to install, no torch or threading needed, just a hack saw

And cpvc won't produce green or orange goo like copper and steel do when they corrode.

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My Web Page (http://www.landry-family.com) (updated 06-21-02)

"Long Live Freedom!"

Chad Landry
TC Member #643
ACES Member #4556
'68 El Camino, 357, L31 Vortec heads, 700R4,
8.2 10-bolt, 3.55 gears, Auburn Pro Posi.

mr409
u r partially right about the plastic. It can be dangerous in an area where it could be hit by other activity in the shop. If it is secured to the wall at all fittings and couplings and especially where you connect your drop line to, it should be fine. I used CPVC also and should be fine for most of our hobbist compressors of less than 100psi.
lawyer speek: proceed at your on risk

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71 SS-454 El Camino

All good tips, here's some more. Use a flexible (braided rubber hose, and spendy) line from your compressor to the hard lines on the wall to isolate vibration and breakage.
Go high! Leave the compressor and go UP the wall, THEN do your horizontal runs around the shop, with drops down to the taps. All your horizontal runs should be sloped about 1/4" inch per lineal foot (back towards the compressor) for condensate "drainback". At the "taps", don't just 90 out, use a "tee", and install a short "drop trap" (like the gas lines in your house) to catch the condensate and crud. You may want to put a petcock or "blow out" valve in these drop traps to clean the lines. Pvc, iron, or copper are all good materials, but PVC should be protected or armored anywhere below 5' above the floor. I wouldn't use PVC at all if you have a possibility of freezing temperatures (been there, had a line crack and the compressor ran constant over a 3 day weekend). As mentioned, install a water trap/filter at your most frequently used (especially paint gun) taps. $15 for a CH mini trap is cheap insurance for your air tools. Depending on your compressor, you may consider piping/extending the intake side out the wall or into the attic to REALLY cut down on the noise.
These guys helped me set up my shop, and they are good..http://iyp.uswestdex.com/castairofmn/Page1.html


[This message has been edited by John D (edited 07-23-2002).]

[This message has been edited by John D (edited 07-23-2002).]

3/4 inch schedule 80 CPVC has a lot higher psi rating than one would think. Check out this manufacturer's site: http://www.harvel.com/CPVCpipe.html

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Bob McCormick
69 Malibu project

Thanks everyone. The book that came with the compressor mentioned avoiding the plastic pipe. I'll look into it further.

I did manage to locate some black pipe but it's more costly than the copper. Hmmm, now I have to consider the CPVC. I'll check out the sites.



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Bob (Pa.)

1963 Impala 283
1966 Chevelle SS 409
1969 Malibu 307
1972 Malibu 307
1969 C10 stepside 350
1971 Cheyenne 20 3/4 ton
Somebody stop me... :)

Looking for Chevelle or Impala parts? Click here:
Chevelle parts for sale (http://www.angelfire.com/trek/mr409/items4sale.html)

The 348/409 Chevrolet forum
http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/187005