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Offline JR

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #50 on: June 03, 2020, 12:07:46 AM »
I know it wasn't much, bet what the heck.

I still have lots of the old school but am switching once I used them. Greasy hands are no issue and easy plug in. Probably not as durable (like dropping the hose end) being a composite housing but worth the convenience IMHO.
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #51 on: June 03, 2020, 12:28:31 AM »
Copy, may try a couple. The hose reels need the quick disconnects yet.

Going to try and get the new compressor plumbed tomorrow and v belts purchased for it. We had the motor running for a few seconds last night. Still need to wire air pressure switch once the plumbing on that tank is done. Then need to work on storage tank in loft too.

Considering building a copper water separator unit on output of storage tank prior to final line with reels and drop leg pipe for blaster. As it is now both compressors tanks are connected and plumbed to the 120 gal storage in loft. I’ll have a drain on that tank that drops down so I can drain it without having to go up into loft. Then maybe plumb it into copper water separator and have a drain on that as well. The line with reels is angled back towards storage tank currently with outputs for reels and drop leg coming out top of it via street L fittings. 
« Last Edit: June 03, 2020, 12:30:21 AM by stlaser »
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Offline JR

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #52 on: June 03, 2020, 12:36:14 AM »
Just got my last fittings for the new comp and a little bigger pully. Using pretty much the same setup as TRN.

I may source another tank too, but people want WAY to much for them.
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #53 on: June 03, 2020, 04:53:00 PM »


 





Plumbed more of the compressor today, HD didn’t have much in the way of pipe stand off components so I built my own out of the scrap tub after purchasing a cheap ubolt at HD


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« Last Edit: June 03, 2020, 04:54:43 PM by stlaser »
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #54 on: June 03, 2020, 06:00:32 PM »
My buddy John (legit plumber) stopped by and sweated the main pipe in, turned out very nice I think.




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Offline JR

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #55 on: June 03, 2020, 06:27:00 PM »
Looks good, is there a cooler?
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #56 on: June 03, 2020, 07:27:32 PM »
Looks good, is there a cooler?

I believe I posted about that earlier, so the two 60 gallon tanked compressors are plumbed together and dump into a 120 gallon unit in the loft. From that tank it goes out into the feed line for the hose reels and single drop to blaster. So I’m considering making a ladder frame cooler out of some rigid copper pipe. Then place that between 120 gallons tank in loft and feed line. As it is currently w/o that cooler air will travel 100’ before hitting final feed line.
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Offline TexasRedNeck

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #57 on: June 03, 2020, 08:00:07 PM »
Why am I inclined to think that a cooler works better closer to the head where the moisture is in the hotter air?


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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #58 on: June 03, 2020, 08:08:42 PM »
Why am I inclined to think that a cooler works better closer to the head where the moisture is in the hotter air?


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I don’t know, it’s above my pay grade. However, the moisture drops out as it cools. So I’d think it shouldn’t matter as long as it’s cool by the time it gets to my blast cabinet and the moisture has a place to collect prior. My 2 cents

Edit: if someone has experience in this regard I’d love to hear. I do know in our manufacturing facility the chillers were right before going into the cnc machines.
« Last Edit: June 03, 2020, 08:50:02 PM by stlaser »
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Offline Nate

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #59 on: June 03, 2020, 09:33:13 PM »
Shawn, have you talked to eaton and got their thoughts on it?

One would think that an air compressor manufacturer would have some tips and tricks?
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #60 on: June 03, 2020, 09:51:04 PM »
Shawn, have you talked to eaton and got their thoughts on it?

One would think that an air compressor manufacturer would have some tips and tricks?

Nate, good idea and I have not. Right up until Charles brought it up I had not even considered it an issue worth discussing, thanks redneck!

I guess my thinking was it is a “closed system”. The copper pipe is a great heat sink material, keeping it away from the heat source would seem like a good idea with the added benefit I only need one instead of two as the two compressors are across shop from each other. Putting it after the storage tank allows me to run one. Only downside is it’s up high in a shop (heat rises) however it would be located near a ceiling fan for air movement in the summer and winter months.
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Offline TexasRedNeck

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Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #61 on: June 03, 2020, 09:56:12 PM »
I’m not saying you’re wrong. Just instinct.  Yes, as it cools going through the piping it should condense out some.  Since you have multiple compressors it might make more sense to have one after the final joining. Maybe even a water intercooler. Copper coil in a drum of cold water.

On longer days when you needed to change out the water, you could have a toilet style fill valve and float with a manual drain valve.  Every several hours just open the drain and then close it and the fill valve would take care of the rest.

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« Last Edit: June 03, 2020, 10:44:41 PM by TexasRedNeck »
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #62 on: June 03, 2020, 10:55:55 PM »
Charles, I like that idea. No water in my shop though  :sad: if it gives me too much issue I’ll pony up some funds for a legit commercial setup to remove the moisture.
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Offline JR

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #63 on: June 03, 2020, 11:33:31 PM »
From the coolers I have seen in person and the vids on youtube, closer to the compressor is better. That is were the hot-wet air is doing its thing. I like the tubes on the wall with the long runs. For my volume I am going with what Charles has. I get lots of water from my system now, need to cut it down.

That beautiful tube you have running from your head to your tank is a great place for it. Run a few cooling tubes up your walls, you will neglect the water tub.

I have heard the HF cooler does a good job for under $400. Not cheap but think what you have in that now and what you want it to do.   
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #64 on: June 03, 2020, 11:39:37 PM »
I want to be able to move that compressor a little to clean etc which is why it has flex electrical lines (Most likely not shown) and will have flex hose to connect air line to tube system on wall.

We’ll see how much water ends up in the final tube run to the reels. Then adjust from there.....
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Offline Sammconn

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #65 on: June 06, 2020, 10:54:57 PM »
So I’ll chime in on the water thing.
The hydro plants I work in have miles of air line literally.
The coolers are all at the compressors.
The coolers all allow water to the tanks.
Critical air goes through an air dryer.
Service air just goes everywhere.
Part of the design of the piping is water drops, just a nipple off of a low point to collect condensate.
A globe valve and a plug to allow draining.
Our big air receivers, have auto blow downs on them.
Every so often (varies on 100, 600, 1000 pound air system) the auto valve opens and allows the water to blow out of the bottom of the receiver.
I wouldn’t sweat it too much, and just add a water trap nipple or drop to each tank.
Check them at some interval and see how much you actually have.
I just don't want to wind up missing a digit or limb.  I can sometimes get in a hurry to get results.
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #66 on: June 07, 2020, 07:16:54 AM »
So I’ll chime in on the water thing.
The hydro plants I work in have miles of air line literally.
The coolers are all at the compressors.
The coolers all allow water to the tanks.
Critical air goes through an air dryer.
Service air just goes everywhere.
Part of the design of the piping is water drops, just a nipple off of a low point to collect condensate.
A globe valve and a plug to allow draining.
Our big air receivers, have auto blow downs on them.
Every so often (varies on 100, 600, 1000 pound air system) the auto valve opens and allows the water to blow out of the bottom of the receiver.
I wouldn’t sweat it too much, and just add a water trap nipple or drop to each tank.
Check them at some interval and see how much you actually have.


Thanks for chiming in, yeah will have several points to drain water throughout system. Seriously considering building a water trap from copper prior to final run with three automatic auto drains at bottom of it as well. Prior to that setup I would have at least three places to trap water and drain off manually couple times a week etc.
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Offline Bigdave_185

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #67 on: June 07, 2020, 08:28:38 AM »
We ran 3/4 pex lines all over the cabinet shop, lines on the floor gave us the most water but like said before we had valves and drip lines or a T in the pipe that you could just bump the valve to drain.  Worked well and the spray booth never had an issue


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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #68 on: June 07, 2020, 08:32:30 AM »
 :likebutton:
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Offline JR

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #69 on: June 07, 2020, 01:20:13 PM »
Water can be a pain using tools, but you need the dry air for the blasting and painting.

Long as you get the dry air where you need it, don't fill the tanks and drain, you should be good.

I have an auto drain on mine now and adding a cooler. The less I have to think about it the better.
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #70 on: June 12, 2020, 05:01:44 PM »
Not much has been going on with this as I’ve been busy. SWHobie 16 sent me a care package which I was able to open today. Flex hose and clamps to plumb all the tanks into the hard lines. Big shout out to Seth! Thank you!

Also wired up the pressure sensor on new compressor. It turns on just need to install belts and pressure guage to see if it shuts off.




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Offline JR

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #71 on: June 14, 2020, 01:20:54 PM »
Like to see those. Been looking at SS lines on amazon/ebay to do the same.
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #72 on: July 28, 2020, 05:25:45 PM »






So after 3 trips to HD for plumbing parts I completed the total shop air setup. Worth noting to always check ALL of the ports on the air storage tank before placing it in a corner. Do not assume all ports have plugs in them or are tight. With both compressors running (62 cfm total output) it took 5 mins to crest 100 psi in the 240+ gallon system and just over 8 mins to shut off just over 150 psi

Super stoked and yes it’s a bit loud in the shop with them both running. The 10hp is far quieter than my older 5hp for what it’s worth.


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Offline JR

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #73 on: July 28, 2020, 05:31:43 PM »
Could always build a box around the comp. I understand the intakes can gen lots of noise, might check.

I see 1 hose clamp off the valve, is that an issue for the size line?
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #74 on: July 28, 2020, 06:10:57 PM »
JR, it’s a hose barb 1” male into valve and 1” into red hose

Shop air lines were 1” the port coming off compressor head and tank were 3/4” so had to add a reduced bushing and 3/4” valves are less than 1”
« Last Edit: July 28, 2020, 06:12:41 PM by stlaser »
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Offline JR

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #75 on: July 28, 2020, 06:18:42 PM »
With all that other "hardware" I was surprised to see a clamp is all. Guess as long as the rating is OK, all is good and your system.
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #76 on: July 28, 2020, 06:53:37 PM »
Actually there are 6 clamps in the system (two at each tank). The hose is rated for a lot more than 150 psi, clamps aren’t going anywhere.
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Offline TexasRedNeck

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #77 on: July 28, 2020, 07:23:09 PM »
Nice!  Well done.

And I’m amazed at some of those hose barb connections. Easily 300psi


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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #78 on: July 28, 2020, 09:51:16 PM »
Nice!  Well done.

And I’m amazed at some of those hose barb connections. Easily 300psi


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Thank you, I wanted the t bolt type clamps but supplier was out of those and these are rated high enough so no big deal.
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Offline KensAuto

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #79 on: July 28, 2020, 10:26:24 PM »
That's a heck of a system you have there. I'm trying not to be jealous.
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #80 on: July 28, 2020, 11:13:00 PM »
That's a heck of a system you have there. I'm trying not to be jealous.

Thank you, it was nice being able to plug into the drop airlines now instead of that hose laying all over the floor. Need to finish permanently wiring in the 4 post and other than some paint and wall shelving it’s done for awhile. Need to give the blast cabinet some love then.
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Offline stlaser

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #81 on: May 08, 2021, 08:51:47 PM »






So I did a thing, small shops and equipment on rollers helps tremendously. So from some scrap angle and a set of USA casters I built a cart for my blast cabinet.

The cabinet will get loaded on this and wheeled to my buddies shop. He needs this more than I and needs my cfm of air and storage to run said cabinet. So he’s volunteered to get the older commercial blast cabinet up and ship shape.


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Offline JR

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Re: Additional shop air considerations
« Reply #82 on: May 08, 2021, 11:06:17 PM »
I should do that to a couple more things.

I have so many parts/stuff in milk buckets and all those are on HF dollies. Saves lots of work.
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