Where do you get your compressed air Flex hoses?

[jousley]

Afternoon,
I just picked up a my air compressor and designing the layout for the copper piping. There are 3 sections where the copper will need a flex hose. From the compressor to the pipe, when the pipe passes through the shed wall into the garage, and where I have to sneak it behind some cabinets - one 12" and 2 18".

I read online that you should get Stainless Steel braided air lines... but Amazon has one seller and they are way expensive. $50-75 per line? and I don't see SS 'air lines' at HD/Lowes.
Is a SS compressed air line, the same as the equivalent gas line that you would find at your local home store?

Or should I just use regular air hose? idk, looking for insight.

Thanks,
J

[djreiswig]

I have used premade hydraulic hoses in the past. They are way over rated for the pressure you will be running, so no worry of splitting. They're also readily available in different lengths and fittings. If you want to be able to split your plumbing later, use JiC swivel fittings. Or you can use NPT and install a union fitting.

[adbuch]

Is a SS compressed air line, the same as the equivalent gas line that you would find at your local home store?

Or should I just use regular air hose?

Thanks,
J

I would not recommend gas flex lines like the ones used on hot water heaters and other appliances for your application. In general these are rated for a maximum pressure of 80 psi, which is much lower than the approx. 150 - 175 psi you may have coming from your compressor. I have my air compressor air outlet connected to the rigid copper piping by a 3/4" stainless steel flex hose with a union fitting. See photos below.

I run 3/4" rigid copper throughout the shop. It reduces down to 1/2" ID pipe in the machine shop and to the refrigerated dryer, then 3/8" rubber hose from the dryer to the plasma cutter. Perhaps tell us your plan: how long is your air piping/hose run from the compressor to your plasma cutter, etc.

David

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20230617_215933_resized.jpg

[jousley]

My total run is about 40’… but I decided to do some snaking up and down w valves to drain… so that would make it 75’. Im just trying to make sure air is condensed. Is that too long/short?
So hydraulic hoses huh? Recommendation on where to get? Amazon i assume. Ill check it out.
J

[jousley]

Also… where should i look for not too expensive regulators?
Thanks
J

[djreiswig]

I get them from here, but they're local to me. I'm sure you can find one on Amazon.
https://www.surpluscenter.com/Hydraulic ... ssemblies/

[djreiswig]

I got my regulators from harbor freight.

[jousley]

Hf ones are not junk? Any in particular?
J

[SegoMan DeSigns]

I get them from here, but they're local to me.

You lucky dawg.. It's only 2 days by ground for me.. I love how they break out everything it makes it easy to find parts..

[djreiswig]

Hf ones are not junk? Any in particular?
J

Haven't bought any recently, but I don't recall them having a very big selection. I just got whatever was cheap in the correct size.

[plasmanewbie]

I have always used standard air hose for connections like what you are describing. Super cheap and has never let me down. Metal hose is required from the pump to the tank due to the heat but after that I have never needed anything fancy.

[jousley]

Another question here. What do you recommend I use for the flex hose, air coupler sizes, to reduce air restriction?
I am using 3/4" copper which branches to 1/2" - if that helps with an answer.

I've seen folk buy special air couplers which are supposed to have larger ID than others... Should I use 3/8", 1/2" or what do you recommend?

Thanks ,

J

[adbuch]

I use standard air couplers purchased from Grainger. Harbor Freight sells the same thing of similar quality. I wouldn't worry about "air restriction".
Yes - I also use 3/4" copper around the main shop and spray booth, which branches down to 1/2" for the machine shop and garage.

David

hf air couplers.jpg

[djreiswig]

I don't care for the cheap couplers. I use Milton ones.

[adbuch]

I don't care for the cheap couplers. I use Milton ones.

I use both the high dollar Granger Speedaire and the HF version. Both perform well for me. I also use many of the Grizzly tools even though some thumb their noses at them. Some are made in Taiwan (the better ones) and others made in China. In some cases it is ok to get more "bang for the buck". These days - most of this stuff is manufactured "off shore" - regardless of branding.

David

[abmetal]

I used to use nothing but Milton quick couplers and then started getting cheap so I started buying HF couplers and in recent years the HF couplers leak from day one so I'm back to buying Milton.

Allen

[Joe Jones]

An air coupling that leaks is one of my pet peeves.

Joe