Buzz
A network of compressed air lines is incredibly valuable for those who use air tools in a workshop. Instead of maneuvering a lengthy air hose around obstacles to deliver compressed air to tools in different areas of your workshop, you can strategically install multiple hose connections wherever needed most. Here's a comprehensive article packed with practical tips and tricks for establishing a compressed air system in your workshop.
Procedure
What Type of Pipes Are Suitable for Running Compressed Air Lines in a Workshop?
Opt for copper pipes for hard-piped air lines. Copper stands out as the preferred choice for metal air pipes due to its resistance to rust and ease of manipulation. Copper pipes are readily available at hardware stores or home improvement centers.
- Note that using copper pipes for air lines requires proficiency in sweating and soldering joints to connect pipe lengths.
- While steel or aluminum pipes are alternatives, they pose challenges as they require threading for connection and are less practical than copper, being susceptible to rust in moist conditions.
Opt for semi-flexible rubber tubing for flexible air lines. Ensure the tubing is suitable for high pressure and purchase it from a home improvement center or hardware store.
- Flexible tubing allows for easier adjustments to the air line layout in the future.
- Rubber tubing is simpler to connect compared to copper pipes, especially if you're unfamiliar with soldering copper joints.
Is PEX Suitable for Shop Air Lines?
Avoid using PEX or PVC tubing for compressed air. These materials are not designed for high pressure and may rupture if used for shop air lines.
- PEX and PVC tubing are specifically intended for water lines.
What Size Pipe Should I Use for My Air Compressor?
The size depends on your compressor's CFM and the air line length. Measure your compressor's CFM with a flow meter and the total length of your air lines with a tape measure. Refer to online tables for air compressor pipe sizing, matching your compressor's CFM and line length to determine the appropriate pipe size.
- CFM, or cubic feet per minute, indicates the compressor's air-moving capacity per minute.
- Search online for “air compressor pipe size table” to find suitable sizing tables.
- For example, with an 80 CFM compressor and 50 ft (15 m) of air lines, a 1.25 in (3.2 cm) pipe would be necessary.
- Choosing the correct pipe size minimizes PSI drop, ensuring consistent air pressure from compressor to usage point.
What's the Best Location for My Air Compressor?
Opt for an area with adequate airflow around the compressor. Ensure the compressor has access to fresh air for optimal performance, avoiding congested spaces. Cleaner air improves efficiency, so steer clear of dusty or particle-laden environments.
- Preferably, choose a ventilated space for superior air circulation.
- Factor in the proximity of air lines and shop layout; avoid obstructive or inaccessible locations for the compressor.
Place the compressor in a separate area to minimize noise. Consider a closet, cubicle, or adjacent room, routing air lines to the shop. This reduces disruptive noise and keeps the compressor out of the way.
- Ensure easy access to the compressor if opting for this setup. Also, assess the additional air line length required based on its location.
How to Set Up Compressed Air Piping?
Secure air lines to the wall using plumbing clamps. Install plumbing clamps along the walls at regular intervals, positioning them high where air lines are to be run. Insert the lines into the clamps and tighten screws to secure them in place.
- For copper pipe installations, use stand-off brackets with plumbing clamps to maintain a distance of about 4 in (10 cm) from the wall, providing ample workspace.
Position hose connection stations strategically for convenient access to compressed air. Install wall-mounted, quick-connect air hose connectors in desired locations throughout your shop. Connect air lines to these connectors for easy use.
- For instance, allocate stations based on tool usage areas such as compressed air nail gun or paint gun stations.
- Remember, you can always expand your air line network later, so focus on essential locations initially.
- Quick-connect air hose connectors feature built-in air valves, facilitating swift tool connection to the air lines.
Integrate shut-off valves between hose connection stations. Utilize high-pressure shut-off valves to control air supply within sections of the lines. Install a valve between pipe or tubing sections where necessary.
- Ensure a shut-off valve is also installed above the main air hose connection linked to the compressor.
- Shut-off valves feature rectangular levers for easy 90-degree rotation to open or close the line.
How to Join Two Air Hoses Together?
Utilize T-connectors and elbow connectors in your air line setup. Insert T-connectors to branch air lines and elbows for directional bends. Connect separate air lines to both sides of the connectors for installation.
- For example, in a scenario with multiple hose connection stations along one wall, run a main air line along the top with T-connectors above each station.
- Alternatively, for a single hose connection station, run the main air line along the top with an elbow directing downwards towards the station.
- Use copper T-connectors and elbows for copper pipe, and air hose push fittings for flexible rubber tubing.
Link your compressor to the air lines using a short, flexible air hose. Connect one end of the hose to the hose connection station in the air line and the other end to the air compressor. Opting for a short flexible hose allows for easy disconnection and relocation of the compressor if needed.
- This setup facilitates quick disconnection of the air compressor and drainage of moisture.
- Install a pass-through filter between the hose end and the air line start to trap water and contaminants, ensuring clean air flow.
