I was going to start planning my first 'real' air compressor system for my garage. I am planning on buying the IR-30 7.5 HP system, so that I'll have plenty of air for painting, air tools, and using a blast cabinet. I will be running air lines to two separate areas of the shop. I was going to put in a standard black pipe system, but ran across a tubing system from Eastwood:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=23942&itemType=PRODUCT

Has anyone used this type of system ? One concern I have is dips in the line where moisture could build up. I don't see a way to put in water traps in this system, but I suppose you could work something up. I also was not sure if 1/2" is large enough as that is about the same size as an air hose.

Anyone use one of these ?

-Kevin

Those systems do not thrill me. I like the hard pipe. you can pipe in the proper drainage, and water traps. it is rigid with no hose flopping when you try to connect or disconnect.

TTFN
Mat

I ran 3/4" around my shop and have 1/2" drops to the seperator,oiler,regulators.I would reccomend running 1" with 1/2" drops and jump up off the mains for the drops and pitch the lines back to the compressor.I have two of these compressors and have had no issues for 7 years.When I bought mine they were $1000 now they are $1200 but I think they are well worth it.Here is a link they are nice to deal with.
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172993.htm

Never tried the flexible stuff, but mine is done with high pressure PVC...feeds both garages...paint,blast,air tools......5 years and not a problem and quite inexpensive

Do you mean schedule-80 (grey) PVC ? I've heard of people using that but was unsure. My one concern with black pipe is eventual rusting and I just think its going to be a PITA to work with.

-Kevin

I am going black pipe. I have seen a PVC air system explode, and its not pretty. Black pipe would probably last 80 years.

OK, I'm sold. Black pipe here I come !

-Kevin

OK, I'm sold. Black pipe here I come !

-Kevin I did a little google research and there is a lot of debate on the right stuff to use.....rust and corrosion being one concern with black pipe...explosions with PVC being another...there is a specific ABS plastic made for high pressure...but you really could research this on google and find a milllion opinions...good luck !

Heres this Kevin if it will help. You don't have to have an air dryer or dessicant cans.

http://www.1969supersport.com/draw1.html

Rob

1969ss:

Your link has been one of my bookmarks on how to setup an air system. I hope to come up with something similar when I complete mine.

Thanks

-Kevin

I'm running 1/2" copper for my air lines, but I'm not under pressure all the time. I have a solenoid at the compressor that shuts off when I shut the compressort off.

Jeff