Posted by Tim Offutt on May 07, 1999 at 10:11:18:
In Reply to: Shop Question posted by Kevin on May 07, 1999 at 09:29:45:
Knowing full well that I'm going to get pummeled for this response here goes. I have had PVC schedule 80 3/4" air lines in use for about 12 years now. I used the proper primer and glue, prepped the connections correctly. I securely fastened the lines and the couplers to the wall. I also used a flexible line, a hydraulic hose, to isolate the PVC lines from the compressor vibration. To this day I have never had a leak, break or other problem. I run the line pressure at 125 psi, I have an automatic drain water trap which removes all water and I oil at the end of the line where the hoses plug in. I have no dirt or water problems. Use bigger pipe than you would think you might need, cfm drops over distance just like current over a small extension cord. If you are going to be running air tools you need cfm, the smallest die grinder will use 15-20 cfm. I used 3/8" quick disconnects, not the usual 1/4", the hole in the end of the 1/4" is only about 3/16". It doesn't matter how big the hose or pipe is everything is restricted by this small orifice. Last, if I understand your post correctly you are planning on putting the lines inside the wall. I would recommend against this. In the future you may want to add an outlet or a branch line. If they're in the wall this would be difficult. You are correct on avoiding steel lines, I would use either stainless or copper if you do not use PVC.