I used 1/2 inch galvanized sch 40 pipe, galvanized fittings and brass ball valves.

 

I'm the son and grandson off heating and plumbing folk. I have always done black pipe. Not Big Box store crap, but the good stuff from the supply warehouse

I could never justify the other stuff

 

Black pipe! Mine has been in place since 1995 with not a single issue.

 

Agreed with black pipe or galvanized.

I would personally stick with galvanized valves and fittings, but brass makes me a little nervous.

Remember that pressure ratings on pipe are liquid pressures. Air pressures are a whole different critter because of how they move so freely. Over-rate everything.

 

brass is good for well over 300 psi, galv and black pipe are either 150 or 300 there is a factor of safety on top of that.

 

Probably a stupid question, but using 1/2" black pipe means having the proper tools for cutting the pipe and threads, right?

 

Yes. You can get pipe cut to length and threaded at the big box stores and some hardware stores for an additional charge.

 

I plumbed my garage compressor with copper plumbing pipe from the hardware store. It soldered easily and holds pressure without problem. Not that expensive and easy to work with.

 

Copper pipe is lighter and easier to install than black iron or galvanized pipe , and comes in three types. Type L is identified with blue markings and Type K is identified with green markings; both are strong enough to use. Type M is marked red and is not recommended since it is only rated for 125 PSI; that won't leave much of a margin for error. Copper is smooth inside which means less pressure drop from friction; this matters for long runs of pipe.

 

I have most of the parts from this 1/2" kit that I'm about to use. But I know iron and copper pipe do a much better job at cooling the compressed air. A friend of mine used the 3/4" kit which uses somewhat bendable aluminum pipe.

 

This is what I've been thinking about. I'm older and have an artificial shoulder, so working on installing heavy pipe above my head is problematic. I'm leaning toward the 3/4" pipe.

 

My 2 cents - worked in 2 machine shops. Both of them used pvc pipe. Major compressor compared to most use at home. 1 " pipe - with t's the T side was treaded to screw in air fittings. I worked in 1 shop 15 years and only had pipe break at the fitting cause something feel on it.

 

My understanding is that PVC is a bad choice for air pipe because failure from high pressure is more catastrophic. Instead of cracking and/or leaking it is more likely to just shatter, sending shards everywhere.

 

I used MAXLINE by RapidAir 3/4" in my new shop. Expensive but works perfect, easy to install.

 

I did my air piping in 1/2" galvanized pipe. fittings and pipe are available at home depot.
Not to hard to install but requires 1/2" pipe dies, ratchet handle and a vice.