Anyone use this?Any issues?

http://www.rapidairproducts.com/store/shopexd.asp?id=37

 

It's a cool idea and very affordable......however, the size lines and fittings seems too small for me.

 

I've had it in my garage for a couple years. Far cheaper and easier to install than copper or iron pipe. The tubing doesn't like to uncoil very well so it's an exercise in patience to get it to lay straight on a wall/ceiling. I had to put one of their hose mounts every 20" or so to keep it from wandering.

 

I'm about to pull the trigger and buy the 3/8 kit they sell. My garage is only 23x23 so I should be good. Anything I should be aware of before purchasing? I think I'm gonna plumb all the lines inside the walls for a clean finish.

 

Would it be that much more money to do it in pvc pipe?

 

It would probably be cheaper with schedule 80 pvc but that doesn't really leave a professional finish that I'm after. I've also blown apart pvc systems before. Glue breaks down over time and you'd definitely want a soft line running from the compressor to your hard lines.

 

I'm ready PVC will explode and could injure someone,So that's not a good idea.

 

The pressure rating on the pvc is well above what pressure should be in the lines. I've seen many shops plumbed this way.

 

Pex piping is another option i'm looking into.

 

Just because people do it doesn't make it right. If you ever seen what happens when PVC comes apart due to excessive pressure you'd understand why its a bad idea.It shatters and has many little sharp objects coming out at speed.Think like a pipe bomb. Also that pressure rating is at 73-75 degrees, check the pipe out, its printed right on it. Pressure rating drops rapidly as temps go up. Copper, black/galv iron pipe or the correct rated poly tubing is the way to go.

 

Understood.

 

Another option is aluminum tubing with fittings made for compressed air lines.They are similar to a shark bite fitting, price is between copper and iron pipe.
I have to do about 40 feet of tubing when i am setting my shop up in the coming weeks and i'm going copper pipe with brazed connections, not the cheapest but i know it'll look **** and last forever.

 

I think i'm just going to go with pex pipe and shark bite quick connect fittings.I should be able to get everything i need from my local homedepot.

 

Whats a good water separator? I'm having a rust issue at the quick disconnects due to the humidity in Houston.

 

Speedaire, Norgren, Ingersoll, and Wilkerson are good

 

DeVilbiss QC3 Filter and Dryer 130525

I just got it in yesterday.The rest of my stuff should be in this week.

 

Do it once. Do it right. Copper

 

the rapidair stuff is really nice, just be sure to put mount every 16''-24'' it dosnt like to uncoil and lay straight. good thing is if you move, it can be reused fairly easily

 

Just saw this thread again and since I just started doing my air lines I thought I'd share. I have about 100 bucks wrapped into the fittings, pipe and hangers. Its all 3/4" Type L copper pipe, I got 40 feet of it. I built 4 manifolds with three 1/4" male adapters to add my quick disconnects. I brazed the manifolds up and am working on getting the pipe up. I have to say while not as fast as the rapid air system, it looks a million times better and cost was very reasonable. JMHO.
on the water issue, because i'm cheap and don't want to spend for a refrigerated air drier, I am going to add a heat exchanger between my compressor and tank and piping in drip legs to keep it dry. I also have two water separators, one simply collects water for draining the other is a desiccant based one. Both are speedaire but anyone should be good.It should be plenty dry now.

 

pics please