[zimaad]

What do you all use to connect the tank to your air line setup? I currently have a 3/8" flexible line to a regulator/filter. I'm starting to plumb in hard air lines to some various spots in my workshop that are 1/2" pipe. What should I use to connect to the 1/2" pipe? Is it ok to come straigt out of the tank w/ the hard lines....I would think that vibration wouldn't be a good thing! I can't find 1/2" flexible lines. Any ideas are appreciated!

Thanks - Drew

[matt167]

Originally Posted by zimaad

What do you all use to connect the tank to your air line setup? I currently have a 3/8" flexible line to a regulator/filter. I'm starting to plumb in hard air lines to some various spots in my workshop that are 1/2" pipe. What should I use to connect to the 1/2" pipe? Is it ok to come straigt out of the tank w/ the hard lines....I would think that vibration wouldn't be a good thing! I can't find 1/2" flexible lines. Any ideas are appreciated!

Thanks - Drew

I have a short length of 3/8" reinforced fuel line, connecting the compressor to the hard lines., but I only run 120 PSI. runs thru a quick connect and a lot of water condenses right there in the hose, works pretty good. cool thing is, it expands just a little, increasing flow and volume

[zimaad]

I wasn't sure if it was the norm to put a smaller size flexible line(3/8") connecting to larger size piping. I would think it may restrict air flow a little. Do they not make 1/2" flexible lines??

[matt167]

Originally Posted by zimaad

I wasn't sure if it was the norm to put a smaller size flexible line(3/8") connecting to larger size piping. I would think it may restrict air flow a little. Do they not make 1/2" flexible lines??

yes they do. I only used 3/8" because the fittings on the compressor are 1/4", I went 1 size up.

[Kampr]

I used a 3/4" hydraulic line I bought from Tractor Supply and it works just fine. I think somebody here recommended them so I tried it.

Danny

[oldred]

Kampr is right you just can't beat hydraulic hose it's flexible, is rated for many times more pressure than it will will ever see on a compressor, easy to find with pipe threaded ends, available in any length and size, will outlast your compressor and is fairly inexpensive as long as you just get the standard pressure ratings.

Make sure the hose is at least as big as the line and one size larger would be even better. Also when you get this all set up be sure and move that regulator/filter away from the tank as far as you can since it will do little to remove the water from the lines if it is near the tank.

[zimaad]

thanks..I'll give the hydraulic line a shot! I sure do spend lots of time building a garage....wish I could use the stuff more!!!

[cab]

As others have stated I ordered a pre-made short hydraulic hose along with two extra SWIVEL fittings (these are key) from Northern tool - mine was 3/4" since I am using 3/4" copper pipe. Worked like a champ.

[gator412]

Yup hydraulic hose here also.

[58Chev]

Originally Posted by oldred

Kampr is right you just can't beat hydraulic hose it's flexible, is rated for many times more pressure than it will will ever see on a compressor, easy to find with pipe threaded ends, available in any length and size, will outlast your compressor and is fairly inexpensive as long as you just get the standard pressure ratings.

Funny thing, I went to a hydrolic shop to get a hose made up and they refused. Telling me that the inside of the hose will over time show dry rot. Wether this is true or not I havent a clue.

I ended up getting one made at a local Auklands Granger supplier.

[oldred]

I can show you some that have been in use for nearly thirty years. I suppose most anything will fail after enough time but a new hydraulic hose will easily outlast most compressors.

[ChevelleSS_LS6]

it's rubber! of course after 30 years it'll dry rot. Look at old tires, especially ones exposed to the elements. Replace the hydraulic hose every 15 years or so and you'll be safe from "internal dry rot" .

I think it'd start on the outside first from UV rays, dirt, and crud like that.
-Matt

[SteveU]

I use an 8' long piece of 1" rubber hose that I had made up at a place that also makes hydraulic hoses for 35.00. I will ask what the same size hydraulic hose would cost one of these times. This is more flexible than hydraulic but in the 1" size it's still not very flexible.

[Kampr]

I bought my hydraulic hose at Tractor Supply and while I don't remember what I gave for it I don't think it was anywhere close to $35.00. You might try somebody that has them already made up. It might be cheaper.

You need something flexible coming out of a compressor. Anything Flexible would probably deteriorate over time. I'm not saying the hydraulic hose is the best because I don't know but I bet it would be hard to find anything better.

Danny

[jor]

Here's some photos of mine. I had it made up at a Hose and Rubber place. It cost me $25 and the components are:
* 3/4" hose
* MPT fitting
* MPT swivel fitting
jor