Printable View
Someone mentioned to me that you could use regular schedule 40 PVC pipe (3/4"-1") to plumb air lines from your compressor around your shop. Anyone ever seen or done this? Seems feasible if I am only running 150 lbs or so...thoughts?
I tried to search on this topic here, but the words "AIR" and "PVC" are too short and excluded from searches.
Biggest drawback to PVC is it is brittle and can burst in use and send sharp little missiles about. Here's a good article that mentions other type plastic alternatives:http://www.hydraulicspneumatics.com/...lse/6547/Issue
Like Bob said, watch out for flyin chunks of PVC.
Do Copper, you'll only do it once and it will last 4ever.
Call a plumber and ask him, he'll tell ya the same thing.
Had copper in my last shop (22 years)
Have copper in new shop (10 years)
Never had a problem.
Thx guys...Ill do copper. I can sweat pipes myself and have a small garage, so it should be a piece of cake.
I know several guys that have pvc in their shops and never had a problem. I was thinking of going with it also but now I'm not sure after reading this. I think we need some more info on this topic.:whacked:
Interesting subject..I was using alkathene,which we use as a water pipe,30mm OD,3mm wall thickness,screw together fittings,the same as plumbers use,was told its a good cheaper alternative to galv pipe..It is,,works great,and easy to set up and dismantle,has a variety of fittings for water traps etc,handles 150psi,worked for me at the last shop,havent installed it here yet,as I only have 75 square metres here.
Maybe you should read the link I attached. Even the manufacturers of PVC don't recommend it without a protective sheath. The guys you know have been fortunate. If copper (my choice too)or iron bursts, it merely splits, no projectiles. Makes your choices, takes your chances.Quote:
Originally Posted by AllStitchedOut
I think I will look into some copper. Thanks
I would not use it.
If I HAD to I would use schedule 80 and put it in a rubber hose or give it 4 half-lap wraps of duct tape including the joints.
But then I wouldn't. ;)
Kitz
I ggogled the hell out of this subject and it seems everyone and their brother warns about the dangers of PVC, but it seems to be more of an urban legend. PVC holds water for years under pressure and heat without problems and I would not be afraid to use it. But since I also feel competent working with copper, that's the route Ill be taking.
I had PVC - Sch 80, I believe. It blew apart at a joint - my fault, poor prep and glue job. When I took the rest down, every joint shattered tho the lengths between them was strong and flexible. I suspect the solvents in the glue attacked the PVC. I have copper now:D.
I've had the same sch 40 in my shop for 29 years now. only times it's broken was when I hooked a line with the hose or ran into it with something. but then I only keep my air set at 95-100 pounds. If I were doing it again I'd use galvanized or copper however, as the plastic maks a BIG bang when it breaks. an old fart like me could have a heart attack the next time ;)
Russ
I still use good old water pipe, seen the mes when a plastic ones break...fortunately nobody hurt from the shrapnel!
I got black iron water pipe. been up for a few years now w/o issue
There have been some good discussions on The Garage Journal board on the subject of using plastic for air lines as well as alternatives.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ight=Air+Lines
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ight=Air+Lines
Also, some good general info on air lines and design here:
http://www.oldsmobility.com/air-compressor-piping.htm
if your going to use it get sch 40 /600 psi . i have it in this shop 12 yrs, last shop 13 yrs and the shop before 10 yrs. i have never had a failure. but i also see no reason to run more than 80 lbs of air pressure.
I went with something like this. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...5476_200415476
I can't remember the brand name, but it's safer than PVC yet relatively cheap compared to copper, and flexible to run around the shop. If I was planning on using my big compressor regularly(i.e. more than once in a blue moon) I'd go with the copper setup.
I just got this stuff with visions of maybe painting the truck myself when the it is ready!
Actually here is the starter kit I got.
http://www.rapidairproducts.com/
Or theres this one www.garage-pak.com
Wow !!!!!! I just checked out that "Rapid air system.
What a rip-off.
Over $800 to do just a 3 bay shop
My shop is over 3000 sq ft, ran all the air lines in 1 " copper,outlets
every 10 ft all around, plus plumbed 2- 80 gal compressord and the spray booth and only spent around $300 in pipe, fittings ,drains etc.
Less than 8 hrs and it was done ( over 250 soldered joints)
I worked in a big shop that used it. We never had a problem and it was easy to modify. But still I never trusted the stuff, wouldn't do that in my own shop.
Kit I bought costs 139.00 now, and less last year. It has a hundred feet of line.Quote:
Originally Posted by DA34GUY
One kit did everything. When I priced copper it was 11.99 per 10 ft length, then there was all of the elbow fittings and adapter pieces(significantly more. 100 ft copper pipe alone would cost 119.99, not to mention fittings, etc, and time to assemble vs. solder joints. If I had a professional shop, yeah copper would be what I bought, but for home, weekend use the kit I mentioned is cheaper and easier to install. A good alternative to copper at about 1/3 to 1/2 the cost factoring in time and materials. Steve.
I have it in my shop, And never had one problem... Like shine said they are good for 600psi ... Just don't trip over your hose in pull it off the wall..:eek:
I install air lines for body shops & industrial for a living.
PVC has NEVER been approved for air.
PVC is not approved for anything above ground. Even water.
The problem w/ PVC is it will shatter as it ages. Take a new piece of PVC & it bends very easily. Strike it with a hammer. In most cases, it will flex.
Now take a piece & either leave it in the sun or stick it in your 110 degree garage for a year. PVC has no UV protection & drys out above ground.
Then try to bend it. It will break & shatter. Hit it with a hammer. It will shatter like glass. Now picture those shards flying at you when that 80 psi line fails.
Urban myth? I've seen the results when PVC fails.
Copper or black steel is what we use.