just picked up a compressor for 75 bucks its an older sears 1.5 gallon and 12 gallon and needs new plumbing and seals on the tubing ill post a pic of it tonight i was just wondering of what kind of tubing i should use? thanks
Most compressors use copper tubing to help get rid of heat. Some have the tubing chromed for looks. Copper tubing will get hard if it vibrates over time and crack but so will steel tubing - it just takes longer.
use clear plastic/rubber tubing, that way you'll be able to see if there is any condensation in the lines....
Ok thats what i was thinking and then running pvc up and then back down to have the filter and regualtor at along with a place to catch water ill post a pic tonight if i remember of how its plumbed know i know theres got to be a better way to set it up
DON"T USE PVC! when it gets cold it will break. If you use plastic pipe use either ABS (the black stuff) or use the gray shcedule 40 plastic pipe. A friend of mine strung PVC pipe all around his shop and a month later it blew out. He replaced it with 1" copper and never had a problem.
Pauls right most compressors use copper. The copper withstands the vibration very well and with compression fittings is faster and more forgiving. Annealed copper (softened) is easy to bend and work with, good practice before moving up to steel.If you use "self aligning" fittings they reduce the fattigue at the connection. Self aligning fittings are the ones with the built in sleeve that projects slightly above the nut.
ok thanks ill look at home depot this weekend and see what i can find hopefully they will have it all or take a trip down to northern tools. here is the pic of what pipes i need to replace and your thoughts of how i should re plumb the lines. i wasnt thinking of reusing the manifold thing thats there connecting them all together and having a quick disconnect right from the tank before the regulator and compressor so i have a connection to run to an extra tank for more air if i need it. im guessing just t-fitting to t-fitting would be the best way right ?
becareful changing that plumbing... somewhere there will be a pressure relief valve ( blow off) in case of over pressure. also you can see from the picture the pressure switch has an unloader (small line 1/4) running from head, that means there will be a check valve somewhere in the output line of the pump. looks like a nice stout old unit with a better set of pictures I might be able to recommmend where to make the changes. PS dont get crazy dialing up the pressure 100 psi is plenty its the volume your looking for and your on the right track when you talk of tying tanks together just besure you dont defeat any pressure relief(blowoff) valves.
Might want to check on bottom of tank to see if a plug there for draining condensate, if so put a drain valve in place of it for easier draining, I drain mine depending on humidity and lenth of use, 74LDO was right dont remove pressure relief valve you will take chance blowing up, might want to see if no rust and holes in bottom of tank caused by not draining water.before putting money in this.
