Go | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
| Three Generations of Service  |
I want to run an air line in my basement, but I don't want the (noisy) compressor down there. The idea is to run a line to an external chuck and charge the system from the compressor in my garage. I know PEX tubing is rated for air, and I'd really love to use shark bite fittings for the ends. They are not specifically rated for air or gases, but this would be regulated to a max of 50 psig, more likely 25. It's for airbrushing and a mist-coolant system for my lathe and mill. Anybody tried this? Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent. | ||
|
| Member |
I think pex is only rated for 100psi. I would use something like this https://www.amazon.com/Rapidai...ords=Garage+air+line | |||
|
| Three Generations of Service |
I would too if I had the cash. PEX is rated for 180 psi @ 20°C (68°F) It's the shark bites I'm concerned about. Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent. | |||
|
| Member |
Sorry I’m thinking worst case with hot water- not cool air. You have a piece with shark bites to test with? I have some I could send you or even test for you. | |||
|
| Three Generations of Service |
I don't, but it's not a major investment. In retrospect, I'm probably better off just buying a length of pre-made air hose and plumbing the ends as needed. Likely cheaper too. Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent. | |||
|
| Eating elephants one bite at a time  |
The cost of shark bite fittings vs pex fittings and a single hand pinch crimp tool might be similar if many fittings are needed. I could ship you the crimp tool if you return it when done. Tool I have. | |||
|
Certified All Positions |
You could run PVC without issue, many shops I've worked in have used it. It'll cut down on condensation issues. I don't think pex/sharkbite would be a problem for air pressure, given the limits of a typical non-industrial compressor. Arc. ______________________________ "Like a bitter weed, I'm a bad seed"- Johnny Cash "I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel." - Pee Wee Herman Rode hard, put away wet. RIP JHM "You're a junkyard dog." - Lupe Flores. RIP | |||
|
| Three Generations of Service |
Heck, that's cheap enough. If I need more than a couple of fittings, it'll pay for itself. Think I'll cruise on up to Deep Homo tomorrow and price things out. Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent. | |||
|
| Three Generations of Service |
Thanks, that's very reassuring. Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent. | |||
|
| As Extraordinary as Everyone Else  |
Arc would you suggest Schedule 80 or do you think the regular Schedule 40 will do the trick? ------------------ Eddie Our Founding Fathers were men who understood that the right thing is not necessarily the written thing. -kkina | |||
|
| Certified All Positions |
Arc. ______________________________ "Like a bitter weed, I'm a bad seed"- Johnny Cash "I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel." - Pee Wee Herman Rode hard, put away wet. RIP JHM "You're a junkyard dog." - Lupe Flores. RIP | |||
|
Member |
Sharkbites are too expensive. Pickup some regular air line hose and a few fittings. | |||
|
| Eating elephants one bite at a time |
That's why I have it. Tool plus fittings was better than hassle and downtime of RV. | |||
|
Member |
What diameter of pipe, for schedule 40 1/2" is around 600psi and 3/4" is 480psi. | |||
|
| Too soon old, too late smart |
We used schedule 80 PVC with industrial screw compressors around the plant we placed pipe, regulators, moisture traps and oilers in the building purlins about head high to shield the PVC. It doesn’t like being knocked around by forklifts and such. We never had a problem or accident. In fact, I use PVC for the trunk lines in my shop. | |||
|
Member |
PHP: I did the very same thing and have operated it without issue for 25 years. I ran 3/4 inch Schedule 40 PVC. At my compressor in the garage, I have a short air hose connecting the compressors regulator to the PVC line. PVC line has a T in it with one short run on the garage wall and the other long run down to the basement. That way I have air in the garage and the basement simultaneously. At the end of the PVC run in the basement, I have another regulator that I can use to run at the compressors regulated level (high) or I can crank it down to use the air brush. Only cautionary note is, I generally don't just crank open the valve on the compressor and instantly charge the PVC lines. Instead, I just open it slowly to fill the line. Probably just paranoia but my fear has been blowing up the PVC or a connector so slow open is the rule for me anyway. Place your clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark. “If in winning a race, you lose the respect of your fellow competitors, then you have won nothing” - Paul Elvstrom "The Great Dane" 1928 - 2016 | |||
|
Member |
Pex is a good way to go. It's your home shop and you can do what you want, but OSHA considers it a hazard and does not allow PVC for compressed air ( LINK ). I know it is done all the time, but When PVC ruptures the shards can fly. -Scott -NRA Pistol Instructor -NRA Shotgun Instructor -NRA Range Safety Officer -NRA Metallic cartridge & Shotgun Reloading Instructor -MA Certified Firearms Instructor | |||
|
| Member |
Helped a friend run Pex out to his detached garage about 4 years ago, from his compressor in a storage room. All we used was Pex and Sharkbite fittings. He keeps his regulator at 120 psi and has had no problems so far. Pex was much easier to deal with that PVC and seems more durable. | |||
|
| Three Generations of Service |
  After considering pressures and volumes required and pricing everything out, I decided to go with 3/8 polyethylene tubing and plastic PEX fittings. 100 feet of tubing, all the fittings, clamps to tack the tubing to the beams, and two water separators - enough to do two drops in the basement, one by the machines, one in the hobby room for the airbrush - came to just under $100. I did decide to add an additional regulator to the drop in the hobby room as I may need to adjust pressures for the airbrush and it'll save running up to the mudroom every time. Need to get some pieces-parts for that. I fabbed up a bulkhead fitting over the basement door so I can put the compressor out in the mudroom and still keep the basement door closed for the heat in the winter. Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent. | |||
|
| Powered by Social Strata |
 | Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |
|
© SIGforum 2024