Air tool supply

[Tigercubrider]

we have a small compressor and a few hoses strung across the ceiling
It seems to be as cheap to buy a bigger compressor/tank as a new bigger reservoir /receiver

I still there an advantage in running pipe other than rubber hose ?

If you have a big receiver , presumably you still have to drain off the water now and again?

 

[Burnerman]

Its a good move to use metal pipe rather than long lengths of hose.....less air volume drop when the tools are being used! Presumably there are connectors available to convert back down to 1/4 BSP somewhere or other. You'll need a flexible connection to the mobile compressor though to help with vibration.
The receiver should be drained from time to time too.
Having had a few rubber pipes burst (one nearly took my head off) I now use reinforced plastic tubing.
John

 

[Tigercubrider]

Thanks

 

[Burnerman]

Most welcome.....there are plastic pipe systems available, complete with bends, swivels, couplings etc. I've no experience of them though.
I think this would be the route I'd be taking if I was redoing my system.
John

 

[Roger928]

I used blue water pipe for my air line around the work shop.
Works fine.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

The blue air pipe used is often the John Guest brand - sold by lots of people in the UK. The plus over using water pipe is that it has a complete range of air compatible fittings including adaptors to BSP and NPI fittings (as used in metal air pipework systems) so allowing you to use almost anything that is available.

As to having to drain your compressor receiver, it is good practice to drain off at the end of every session as this reduces corrosion inside the tank (it's often the welds which rust out) and increases its' life.