Hi, i have been diving deep into the archives of this forum as i research for air line setups. I just acquired an 80 gallon 7.5hp CH compressor and want to set it up properly
The first time. I plan to run 3/4” copper pipe as far as i can in my system. I’m having trouble locating a 3/4” flexible lead in line to go from the compressor to the copper hardline i’ll Build for the wall. I purchased a 3/4” flexible hydraulic hose that rated for psi well beyond the compressor’s output. The issue is that once i screw the hydraulic line into the compressor, there is no swivel joint to then connect it to the threaded hardline i’m going to mount on the wall. I’m going to return the hose i currently have and find something else.

Can anyone recommend a 3/4” lead in hose that can work? Also, am i overthinking the system and can i get away with a smaller diameter flex hose to plumb into the 3/4” copper line? Thanks.

3/4" line is overkill in a non-commercial workshop situation. It's also much more expensive and requires more compressor resource to maintain pressure.

Plan your layout so that you don't have inordinately long runs and use 1/2". Pay attention to use of high flow fittings so you don't create bottlenecks and consider a cooling array between compressor and tank, rather than after the tank. this may require a hard connection but a high temperature, high pressure hose will absorb any vibration. Mount your compressor so that access to the drain on the tank is easy.

Djsmith1996 wrote:Hi, i have been diving deep into the archives of this forum as i research for air line setups. I just acquired an 80 gallon 7.5hp CH compressor and want to set it up properly
The first time. I plan to run 3/4” copper pipe as far as i can in my system. I’m having trouble locating a 3/4” flexible lead in line to go from the compressor to the copper hardline i’ll Build for the wall. I purchased a 3/4” flexible hydraulic hose that rated for psi well beyond the compressor’s output. The issue is that once i screw the hydraulic line into the compressor, there is no swivel joint to then connect it to the threaded hardline i’m going to mount on the wall. I’m going to return the hose i currently have and find something else.

Can anyone recommend a 3/4” lead in hose that can work? Also, am i overthinking the system and can i get away with a smaller diameter flex hose to plumb into the 3/4” copper line? Thanks.

Rapid Air has all sizes of lead in hose, it is also available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Rapidair-F0215-Compressor-Jumper-3-Feet/dp/B00KS6B9D8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34XFDT2UVS7TI&keywords=rapidair+hose&qid=1550534554&s=gateway&sprefix=rapidair+hose%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1

For the "swivel joint" use a 3/4" brass or copper union https://www.amazon.com/Brass-Fitting-Union-Class-Female/dp/B003OYJH1M/ref=sr_1_3?crid=33MMN9QEFYWH1&keywords=3%2F4+brass+union&qid=1550534685&s=gateway&sprefix=3%2F4+brass+union%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-3

If you haven't already purchased your copper piping, check out Rapid Air's products, it is a pretty nice system. I used the 1" to plumb two workshops/garage at my place to one compressor.

Thanks for the links. Ive considered the rapidaire system and have honestly gone back and forth between this system and copper. I’m currently back leaning toward copper but was just looking at rapidaire again a few days ago.

Djsmith1996 wrote:Hi, i have been diving deep into the archives of this forum as i research for air line setups. I just acquired an 80 gallon 7.5hp CH compressor and want to set it up properly
The first time. I plan to run 3/4” copper pipe as far as i can in my system. I’m having trouble locating a 3/4” flexible lead in line to go from the compressor to the copper hardline i’ll Build for the wall. I purchased a 3/4” flexible hydraulic hose that rated for psi well beyond the compressor’s output. The issue is that once i screw the hydraulic line into the compressor, there is no swivel joint to then connect it to the threaded hardline i’m going to mount on the wall. I’m going to return the hose i currently have and find something else.

Can anyone recommend a 3/4” lead in hose that can work? Also, am i overthinking the system and can i get away with a smaller diameter flex hose to plumb into the 3/4” copper line? Thanks.

The Welding supply House I use Makes Hoses up special order I had them Make mine that had the swivel ends on both ends cost me about $20-$30 bucks.

I use 1 inch Black Pipe throughout my entire system and have never had a Problem.

Doright wrote:

Djsmith1996 wrote:Hi, i have been diving deep into the archives of this forum as i research for air line setups. I just acquired an 80 gallon 7.5hp CH compressor and want to set it up properly
The first time. I plan to run 3/4” copper pipe as far as i can in my system. I’m having trouble locating a 3/4” flexible lead in line to go from the compressor to the copper hardline i’ll Build for the wall. I purchased a 3/4” flexible hydraulic hose that rated for psi well beyond the compressor’s output. The issue is that once i screw the hydraulic line into the compressor, there is no swivel joint to then connect it to the threaded hardline i’m going to mount on the wall. I’m going to return the hose i currently have and find something else.

Can anyone recommend a 3/4” lead in hose that can work? Also, am i overthinking the system and can i get away with a smaller diameter flex hose to plumb into the 3/4” copper line? Thanks.

The Welding supply House I use Makes Hoses up special order I had them Make mine that had the swivel ends on both ends cost me about $20-$30 bucks.

I use 1 inch Black Pipe throughout my entire system and have never had a Problem.

black pipe will rust, it is the absolute worst stuff you could run air through.

id go with aluminum pipe like OldFatBald has suggested

That's what good air filters are for plus I have a pretty good Moisture trap system going after my Compressors before all the pipe goes through the shop.
Been running the stuff for over 15 years now, absolutely zero issues.

Doright wrote:That's what good air filters are for plus I have a pretty good Moisture trap system going after my Compressors before all the pipe goes through the shop.
Been running the stuff for over 15 years now, absolutely zero issues.

i grew up using black pipe in the garage, very low end shops as well, but i also believe that with the way things have evolved in the paint industry and all the options out there advising to use black pipe is bad advice. and i guess if you want to spend money replacing good filters then use black pipe, but my advise would be to spend a little extra money on the air line and less maintenance costs replacing filters.

Yep, growing up....black pipe was the only thing being used around my home town. Really, I'd say between copper and the Rapid Air systems that would be the best bang for the buck. How you lay out your home system will also go a lot to determining just how much moisture/filtration you might need.

I am not suggesting any one use it, But at same time I'm just saying I am using it and I really haven't had any problems at least non so far knock on wood.
Seriously and I havn't had any clogged or dirty filters either.

I do have a Fairly efficient water separator system after my Compressors and before my plumbing so maybe I'm just lucky?