What did you use or do you recommend for air line in a shop?

[Dan_69GTX]

I want to plumb some air line in my shop - what do you recommend?



I was thinking of using PVC piping, but someone said it isn't recommended and that I should use steel.



But steel is MUCH more expensive and harder to work with.

 

[ETOBICOKE]

PVC is a generaly regarded as unsafe for air lines. Although nylon and poly are used for smaller tubing not all plastics are suitable.

Black pipe is the most common for air lines in industry, but most people can't thread it at home. Copper water pipe is good alternative for home shop use. Handles the pressure and is easy to work with, just make shure not to use the type for drains.

All verticle piping needs a drip leg to drain moisture, and all branches from the main header should come off from the top of the pipe. For say a 5 hp compressor, 3/4" or 1" would be fine for the main header. Hope this helps.



Neil

 

[Bigramguy]

I don't think PVC will be strong enough for air pressure,unless it is specially made for that application.



We used to use steel pipe,but when we moved to a new shop,we switched to rubber hose. With all the good quality hose out there we decided to go that route. It was WAY cheaper and easier to do in regular air hose than in steel pipe. It has been in place now for almost 4 years with no problems. Make sure you use a good hose,min 300-450 PSI rating as opposed to the cheap 150 PSI stuff. Stick to 3\4" for your mainline off the compressor,1\2" for the branches,and then 1\2" for your lines to your tools.

 

[Davis]

if PVC pipe fails..... it can shatter sending shrapnel in all directions. I would avoid it.

 

[RJOL]

Air Pipe

Used 1/2" copper pipe for my shop. It's easy to work with, and works great. Just don't burn the shop down while sweating the joints. Put a piece of 1/4" plywood behind each joint when I did them.



My brother used heavy duty pvc in his system (was in the attic in Eastern Washington). The summer heat combined with air pressure caused the pipes to balloon. He finally had to replace them with copper... .

 

[illflem]

I've had over 300' of 3/4" Sch 40 airline under 120 psi in my shop for over 25 years without a single problem. I don't use tees on it, just drill and tap for outlets. Sure is a heck of a lot easier than using steel, I wouldn't consider doing it any other way but you are your own warranty station.

 

[dmurdock]

the last "NTB" i was in used pvc for all the mainlines and drops...



just add a pop off valve somewhere in the mainline and you should be ok (remember to keep it out of direct sunlight)

 

[Deezul1]

I have used PVC in 3 shops and had no problems. Use schd 40. the pressure rating is higher than you will need with a home compressor, I limited mine to 110 lbs and the PVC rating is a fair amount higher than that.

 

[SStokes]

I used 3/4" pvc to run air under a shed I built 20 years ago. Keeps 120 lbs. of pressure on 24 hours a day. Have worn out 2 compressors. Don't know if its proper thing but worked for me.

 

[CumminsAholic]

We have plastic in our cabinet shop. It's actually in the wall. It's rated for the pressure, no problems so far.

Corey

 

[Briar Hopper]

I ran 3/4 and 1/2 copper pipe, with soldered fittings, in my uncle's race shop. It's easy to do, and fun. Since there's no water, it's also easy to go back and re-solder it if you get a leak anywhere.

 

[klenger]

Our hanger at work is plumbed in copper for all of our compressed air.

 

[CCahill]

Have 2 shops now, and soon to be a new one..... Schd 40 PVC has allways worked for me. . I"ve used all the available fittings... . 160 # everyday... Part of the shop I can regulate down to zero, the rest runs at full pop ( no pun intended). . Check the ratings on the pipe. . It'll surprise you...



Colin

 

[Un-Hemi]

Yes, BUT plastic will shatter if damaged. Copper just dents or bends. I choose copper.

 

[jwgary]

There is an OSHA guideline for airlines. This link gives a lot of info about PVC lines. We have converted almost everything to copper in our shop and are working on finishing the job. PVC can cause serrious injury or death if ruptured with compressed air inside. ABS pipe can be used for shop air when running pressures over 100 psi. Be sure that it says "rated for compressed air" on it. Don't risk your health or life for a cheap alternative.

 

[NOMOFO]

There are polyethylene and nylon tubings made for air brake and other applications that have related fittings that are incredibly easy to assemble , disassemble and adapt to brass or steel for the outlets and drains. Parker and Imperial Eastman have this stuff. Lots of options.

 

[CCahill]

jwgary,

Thanks much for a very timely bit of info... allthough I've had good luck with PVC/Sch40 over the years... . I'll contact my local Plumbery/ Elec supply house for prices on this ABS that is acceptable... . I'll also check on copper... .

Thanks again... .



Colin

 

[merryman]

I have heard of two instances of PVC rupturing and covering the shop in shards of PVC; surely not deadly but could be real bad for eyes!



Vaughn

 

[Double 6]

If you do use PVC/ Sch 40, I've always seen it break within 10 ft. of the compressor. It seems it is the vibration from the comp. plus the heat that affects it. If you use some flex hose and 10 ft. of copper or steel for the first stretch, PVC will usually do fine.

 

[Strick-9]

I helped build a sawmill a few years ago. We used PVC in several places. One day, I was standing 20 feet from a guy leveling the ground with a shovel under one of the machines. He hit a 1" line with the shovel and it exploded. I'm not sure what exactly hit him, but he was knocked lifeless for several minutes. Once he woke up, his eyes didn't lose their glaze for half an hour. That was a very scary incident.



My advice would be to run PVC where there is no chance a hammer or ANYTHING could fall and impact it.



-Chris