I did this a couple of years ago, and went with the black pipe option.
I don't have a pipe threading machine either- but the local Home Depot
has so many different pre-threaded lengths that I was able to just
piece it together.
If you decide to go this route, I found that it was best to assemble
things in separate small units, and use union connectors to put them
together when you're ready.
Hope this helps-
-Larry
On 12/22/06, eric@megageek.com <eric@megageek.com> wrote:
>
> Bill,
> I'm still looking into this for my shop, but what I found is that the black
> pipe is suck a cheaper, safer solution that the others don't make sense.
>
> Even if you rent a threading machine, the cost is much cheaper. Air lines
> are not something that you need to take down and put up all the time, so
> 'quick fittings' are not really needed. They just add to the cost. Plus,
> each type is propiretary, so if the manufacture goes out of business in 5
> years, and you need to fix a branch or add a leg, you might be up the
> creek.
>
> My neighbor is a steam engine nut. Every time I talk to him, he has some
> great ideas with black pipe, (Like running a LARGE diameter pipe for the
> main leg and teeing off that.) The large pipe will act like a mini tank
> and help the compressor work more effectively over a longer run. (I have
> over 200' of lines to run in my plan.) Alot of these "speciality" air
> lines don't offer large diameter pipes (or do so at such a great cost.)
>
> Plus, black pipe fails the nicest. A slow leak is way better then a larger
> "pop" and no pressure.
>
> Just my $.0206 worth (with state sales tax)
>
> Inch
>
> "We all know we're dying, And there's no sign of a parachute."
> Tori Amos
>
>
>
> -----shop-talk-owner@autox.team.net wrote: -----
>
> To: "Shop-Talk Mailing List" <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
> From: "Bill Gilroy" <wmgilroy@gmail.com>
> Sent by: shop-talk-owner@autox.team.net
> Date: 12/22/2006 03:20
> Subject: Air line piping
> I know this has been beaten to death on this list but what the heck. I
> need
> to run air lines in my new garage. I figure I have several choices:
>
> 1) Black iron pipe.
> 2) Copper lines
> 3) PVC lines
> 4) Some type of AL pipes that are sold for this purpose with quick
> connects. I don't remember the name.
>
> #1 is out since I don't have a pipe threader and don't intend to buy one.
> I have used #2 before and it worked fine. I am leaning towards #3 since it
> looks easiest. Anyone one have any opinions or ideas? Am I missing any
> other choices? I am looking for something that will work and is somewhat
> simple to install.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill Gilroy
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