Santa brought me a 60 Gallon Air Compressor that I would like to run a few lines in my garage while I am off the next week or so. I have a 3/4" outlet off the air compressor and my goal I think is to run 3/4" Copper Pipe Type L. Ill have 1 hose reel ceiling mounted in my shop side of the garage and I would like to run 2 separate drops to opposite corners of the garage for easy air access.

I need some help with Air Dryers, FRL's, design ideas and other items like that as this will be my first pipe in step up from my 10 gallon tank which I just put a hose directly to it.

Why copper and not Pex? Should be way cheaper and easier to install.

Ammo NYC guy (Larry) did a video on a garage upgrade a few years ago where he installed an air compressor and purification system. I don't know if you want to go that route, but it might give you some ideas. Compressor stuff starts at about 11:40.

The floor he put in flaked up 3 weeks later!

Copper is great if you need to cool/dry the air down (for spraying paint) and don't want to invest in a cooler. Just run that pipe 40-60 feet around the edges of your garage and it'll cool the air and drop condensate before it exits the end.

Install your horizontal runs angled slightly so that any condensate that forms in the line will run one direction (I like to run mine away from the compressor). I ran mine angled down toward the last drop. Anytime you make a drop to supply air you should use a T angled up so that condensate doesn't go into your drop...like this (line on right is for drop, line on left is the drain with a ball valve:



Anytime you want a drop not at the end (like to install a hose reel in the middle of the garage ceiling just install a T in the line...always angle the T upward so you don't pick up the condensate out of the horizontal line.

I soldered all my connections in place...just use one of those welding cloths or similar fireproof cloth behind the joint so you don't burn down your house lol.

My pipe has been installed over 10 years and hasn't had any problems.

I use a Sharpe 6720 filter/regulator for my main drop.

I plumbed my new shop with this. Works great.

https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200484023_200484023

Also I put this on my compressor to manage moisture. I wired it in to one leg of my compressor so when it kicks on it will drain it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015IY9VJI?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Go to a hydraulic shop and have them build you an 18" -24" air hose to run from the tank to the copper tubing to isolate the compressor vibrations from the rest of the system.

lb3 said:

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Go to a hydraulic shop and have them build you an 18" -24" air hose to run from the tank to the copper tubing to isolate the compressor vibrations from the rest of the system.

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I was able to pick one up online for $40 with full 3/4" port openings. It arrived yesterday.

Thank you all for your input so far.

If you can swing it, it's really nice not having an air compressor that big in the garage. I've got a shed right next to my garage and I plumbed it in through an isolation valve and wired it in on a dedicated breaker. It holds air pretty well - if I need to air up a tire, or dust something off, there's plenty in reserve. I also installed a 240V LED bulb to remind me when that circuit is live so I know that the air compressor is on.

I personally prefer the copper, and especially like how it looks. I've got a hose reel plumbed in close to the garage doors, and probably 10 drops around the work benches and in a few spots around the garage. I've really enjoyed having that set up and use air frequently.

Also, IMHO, 3/4" copper isn't necessary. I'm not sure you'll see enough pressure loss to warrant the cost over 1/2" copper. It might be worth it to price out the two.

BenTheGoodAg said:

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Also, IMHO, 3/4" copper isn't necessary. I'm not sure you'll see enough pressure loss to warrant the cost over 1/2" copper. It might be worth it to price out the two.

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This is what I am struggling with the most. The port leaving my air compressor is 3/4" and the manual says to not reduce the pipe there. Just trying to figure out where I want to reduce it. It's substantially cheaper doing all 1/2" especially the fittings.

My reducer is downstream of a 3' 3/4" flex hose. I'm not sure why the manual would call for that, but I wouldn't worry about reducing it in general. All your fittings eventually reduce to 1/4" anyway, right? Use a good pipe dope on your threaded connections.

I have a wall mounted regulator. I think I have 3/4" around the garage and half inch on all the drops. But it's all overkill unless you're running a sand blasting box at the end of the line. Basically nothing else has a continuous duty cycle and volume needs except maybe some die grinders.

I've got thousands in my system and only air tires anymore. Battery powered impacts, etc took over most of my need for air and my vehicle restoration project is currently on hold so no blasting or using air sanders, etc.

Agree, unless you are running sand blasters or other air tools alot, I don't see the need for so many drops. I bought a nice Reelcraft hose reel off marketplace and reaches whereever I want with in my garage. In my 30x50 shop, I only have 2 drops with reels on both. The air is used for my lift and tires mostly as most of my stuff has moved to battery tools.