Domain Tools

Hi.

I am setting up an all purpose wood and metal workshop to start my cabinetry and furniture business. For sandblasting and operating Pneumatic tools I want to invest in a decent compressed air setup.

Per the answers community’s advice, I already have purchased an 80 gallon air tank and a 5 HP heavy duty compressor pump / motor.

I have a general idea of the setup for the shop, but I need some specifics on materials and equipment.

I intend a 50 foot minimum line distance from compressor to the sandblaster, with drops every 10 – 15 feet to collect condensed water and sludge.

I am considering installing an air condenser, but they are a little expensive for this start-up venture. Can I build something adequate from scratch? I’m envisioning a coiled series of pipe installed just after the compressor, embedded in cold water or cold air flow from a fan, with a drop at the end for water collection. Would that work as well as a $2000 condenser?

Also, what pipe should I use. PVC is out, I’ve read enough horror stories in the forums. I am torn between steel and copper. Steel is easier for me to assemble (my soldering skills are rather lacking), however, copper seems to be a better choice due to rust resistance. Also, which would be cheaper over all in materials cost?

regardless of metal, what SIZE pipes should I use? I’ve heard of some guys using 2 inch (?!) for the overhead main pipe, and dropping 3/4 inch down to the release valves and tools. Can I use the same diameter pipe for the whole system, or is it like HVAC where it needs to get bigger the closer you are to the source?

Where should I locate cutoff valves, regulators, bleeders, water filters, and pressure gauges?

Appreciate your advice.

JB

I used the grey PVC, forget which schedule it is, works fine for me, probably over 100 feet in total, never a leak.

3 Responses

1. Mickyd Says:
   March 2nd, 2010 at 8:54 am

   Spirax Sarco give free design advice and know what they are talking about.
   References :

2. Bub Says:
   March 2nd, 2010 at 9:25 am

   I used the grey PVC, forget which schedule it is, works fine for me, probably over 100 feet in total, never a leak.
   References :

3. Ron G Says:
   March 2nd, 2010 at 10:15 am

   It seems like you need to start simple and go from there. I would forget the condenser unless you are planning on exotic paint jobs. The sandblasting and air tooling will be just fine with draining the compressor air tank every evening. The piping is better in copper but for the cost of steel in your area you must make the choice. Unless you are planning on the need to expand your compressor for lots of multiple tools being used at the same time a one inch line will work just fine. Locate the valves near the compressor and convenient to the work. The regulator can be a single one until the shop expands with more work. Relax, this is not that hard.
   References :

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