Garage Advise Question 2

[enio45]

Same garage as above - - I want to put the compressor in the storage room out of sight of the garage main area. I was thinking of running steel pipe and dropping some connectors throughout the garage and maybe one in the ceiling for a retractable air hose mechanism. What type and size pipe would you all recommend to use? When you do this, where do you place the water evaporator or what should i put on the system to have clean and dry compressed air. Finally - any recommended size compressor? Ill be doing the basic garage work, have a bead blaster cabinet and some painting. Appreciate any recommendations.

[Canuck]

Use 1/2 inch copper pipe. It is easy to install yourself and the fittings are plentyfull for all applications. Place your water trap as close to your final outlet as possible. You will probably need more than one trap particularly near your painting outlet.Place your outlets so that the nearest one is no more than 8-10 feet away so that you want experience too much vulume drop through the hose>
Also allow for a valve at the bottom of the air tank for easy draining of air and water.
Go for a dual stage compressor with as much HP as you can afford. It will need 220 volts or 208 if it is multi phase power.Get a big tank or an extra tank because a blast cabinet really draws a lot of air. I haver a 9 HP Campbell hausfield commercial compressor in my shop with an 80 gallon tank and it is constantly running when I am using the blast cabinet

[mockingbird812]

Ed,

Will get you specs on my Champion compressor system. I went with a pretty big system so that the compressor is not laboring. Bead blasting is a huge draw on this system. I used 3/4" copper pipe with approx 8 drops (can't have too many) including an overhead retractable 50' hose, and one outside (this is a good one). I have a water evaporator by my compressor and several valves at the low points in the system. Out here in the desert, I have had very little water issues. It is a good idea, if possible, to separate the area (room is best) where you will be doing grotty work, i.e. bead blasting, grinding, drilling, etc.

I am no expert Ed. I knocked on a lot of doors and asked to see folk's garages. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[enio45]

Sam - can i stop by this weekend?? I'll finally be home a few days and would love to see the shop !

[mockingbird812]

You bet Ed! Shop opens at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. Looking forward to it. Just call for directions. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Canuck]

More info on compressors.

http://reviews.ebay.com/Air-compressors-electric-for-home-shops-A-primer_W0QQugidZ10000000002309894

[enio45]

Thanks for the tips guys - ill go read the compressor guide....canuck - did you solder the copper pipes connections - just like reg house plumbing approach??

[mockingbird812]

Sweat the pipes just like H2O is running thru them. As mentioned my primary lines are 3/4" and my drops are 1/2".

[lbnaz]

Hello, Ed I'm a union pipefitter. Run the header in 3/4" and the drops in 1/2" type L copper. Sweat the joints using Silvabrite lead free solder. Don't forget to clean the pipe and fitting prior to applying flux. Then solder it as you would a water pipe joint. Secure it good on the wall with strut and cush clamps and you'll never have a problem. I'm in Tucson if you want to check mine out. It will hold all the pressure you will be putting in it. Call me if you need imfo or help. Larry.

[enio45]

excellent larry - thanks a million for the advise