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DavidR8's shop shenanigans

Shop air lines almost done. Used 3/4" PEX for all reducing to 1/2" at the outlets because 3/4"-1/2" NPT-3/4" fittings are not available locally.
Three drops: 1 for the CNC mill and lathe, one for the CNC router and one for the plasma cutter. I'll probably make manifolds for each drop.
Also need to sort out air dryer for the plasma cutter.
 
I built my air dryer out of copper tubing. It's been pretty effective. I ran a braided steel hose from the compressor to the inlet. Same stuff we use on big trucks.

IMG_3999.jpeg


I lucked out getting it. One of my suppliers was sitting on this 5/8" for over a year. I paid less then their cost. Inventory that doesn't move, ultimately costs you money. I got a break on the fittings as well, it was part of the deal to take the pipe off their hands.
Using compression style wasn't ideal, but it got it assembled
That was almost 4 years ago though, copper hasn't gotten any better price wise...so this post may be for naught
 
KeeponDragon said:
I built my air dryer out of copper tubing. It's been pretty effective. I ran a braided steel hose from the compressor to the inlet. Same stuff we use on big trucks.

View attachment 62799

I lucked out getting it. One of my suppliers was sitting on this 5/8" for over a year. I paid less then their cost. Inventory that doesn't move, ultimately costs you money. I got a break on the fittings as well, it was part of the deal to take the pipe off their hands.
Using compression style wasn't ideal, but it got it assembled
That was almost 4 years ago though, copper hasn't gotten any better price wise...so this post may be for naught
Click to expand...
I installed a 16-pass cooler between the compressor head and the tank which eliminates almost all the water; when I drain the tank nothing comes out. But I’d still like a bead dryer or something before the plasma cutter.
 
Airlines are in.
One last connection at the tank and we are good to go!
This has been so long in coming that I’m quite excited that it’s done.
Three drops like this. Just need to figure out the air tool etc connection now.
image.jpg
 
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Tom O said:
That’s what the soapy water in the spray bottle is for.
Click to expand...
Yup. That’s a post-lunch task. Super happy with the setup. The 60 gallon compressor is outside in an insulated lean-to along with the 2hp dust collector. Outside, the compressor is about 55db on my phone meter. I can hear them both inside the shop but the sound is conversation level. I do need to rig up a light so I don’t forget to turn off the compressor.
 
David said:
Yup. That’s a post-lunch task. Super happy with the setup. The 60 gallon compressor is outside in an insulated lean-to along with the 2hp dust collector. Outside, the compressor is about 55db on my phone meter. I can hear them both inside the shop but the sound is conversation level. I do need to rig up a light so I don’t forget to turn off the compressor.
Click to expand...
You can program a small ESP8266 and a photo cell to detect the light and switch a relay to disable the compressor when the lights are off....

Just sayin....
 
jcdammeyer said:
You can program a small ESP8266 and a photo cell to detect the light and switch a relay to disable the compressor when the lights are off....

Just sayin....
Click to expand...
Wheres the fun in that? Doesn't everybody like to be woken up in the middle of the night when the compressor starts screaming and everything else is whisper quiet? Even my little quiet Metabo got me the other night as I left it plugged in and it vibrated my drill index right off the shelf below and onto the floor. Ejected the entire # index up to #12. Fun times with a mic ensued.....
 
I like the large airline fittings, P? I'd have to go look

One of the tool truck guys said you can wreck air tools by not giving them enough air, I do not know if that's true

I made a couple adapters and for small tools that don't need extra air I can still run them

But now everyone is going cordless, too
 
Chicken lights said:
I like the large airline fittings, P? I'd have to go look

One of the tool truck guys said you can wreck air tools by not giving them enough air, I do not know if that's true

I made a couple adapters and for small tools that don't need extra air I can still run them

But now everyone is going cordless, too
Click to expand...
It's 3/4" all the way to the quick connect where it reduces to 1/2". Should be plenty for my needs as the only air tools I own are a die grinder, an impact gun and a air ratchet. None of which see any kind of use. The air is primarily for air blast and coolant on the CNC mill and CNC router.
 
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