Why not use PVC?
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
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From: The Big, Oregon
Why not use PVC?
Here's why:
Came into the shop to find this the other day. This line was up above the filter rack, never been bumped since I have been there, yet it just blew out. The force embedded a chunk of the PVC in the ceiling, peeled the paper off the drywall for about 1' square, and also kicked the pipe hard enough it shattered the elbow on the other end. I found pieces of that on the other side of the shop.
The first thing I asked when I interviewed at this shop was how many air line failures they had had.
Came into the shop to find this the other day. This line was up above the filter rack, never been bumped since I have been there, yet it just blew out. The force embedded a chunk of the PVC in the ceiling, peeled the paper off the drywall for about 1' square, and also kicked the pipe hard enough it shattered the elbow on the other end. I found pieces of that on the other side of the shop.
The first thing I asked when I interviewed at this shop was how many air line failures they had had.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 673
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From: Maryland
Thanks for sharing Jared; good thing no one was hurt! I have read a few threads on the use of PVC for compressed air and the bottom line is just don't do it. I did my shop in copper 15 years ago and aside from modifications to the system, I have not had to touch any of it since installation.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 963
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From: wichita kansas
I know of a couple of guys that have PVC air lines without problems, but I've always been too concerned about these kinds of prolems to use it. Would only take one time to cause far more damage than what the trouble would be to use copper or pipe.
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From: Albuquerque
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: PHOENIX
Why not?
When it blows it would be like winning the lotto.
Johnny Cochran here I come.
Just make sure they are up to date on their insurance.
I got cut in a machine shop I worked at 12 years ago and had to get a tetanus shot at the urgent care. About a year later I got calls and letters from a collection agency because my employer didn't have workers compensation insurance and I was expected to pay the bill. The dirtbag I was working for was taking money out of my paycheck for workmans comp but was not using it to pay for the insurance.
When it blows it would be like winning the lotto.
Johnny Cochran here I come.
Just make sure they are up to date on their insurance.
I got cut in a machine shop I worked at 12 years ago and had to get a tetanus shot at the urgent care. About a year later I got calls and letters from a collection agency because my employer didn't have workers compensation insurance and I was expected to pay the bill. The dirtbag I was working for was taking money out of my paycheck for workmans comp but was not using it to pay for the insurance.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Received Eastwood email highlighting this setup. Kinda niffty, did not find any reviews, imagine manufacturer would have conducted series of test before introducing on the market. Did not find any spec's on recommended max psi., any members familiar with this system and am I missing something? Don't know, flex hose and press fittings, not sure I could get comfortable around it. 
Eastwood Co. - 100' Garage Air LineKit w/ 12 Wall Mount Clamps
Eastwood Co. - 100' Garage Air LineKit w/ 12 Wall Mount Clamps
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
There is a review...at the bottom under the "customer reviews" tab
I don't see why not, almost all air tools use hoses.
This one isn't being dragged around on concrete and having jacks and creepers roll over it.
Though $*** seems kind of steep for 100' of hose and 11 fittings
I don't see why not, almost all air tools use hoses.
This one isn't being dragged around on concrete and having jacks and creepers roll over it.
Though $*** seems kind of steep for 100' of hose and 11 fittings
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Review is kinda vague: "I think I got ripped off." certainly leaves it open to interpretation. 
Do have a point, and as yu noted, it does seem expensive. Definately would have to give some thought about modifying the 'press on' fittings.
Do have a point, and as yu noted, it does seem expensive. Definately would have to give some thought about modifying the 'press on' fittings.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
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From: The Big, Oregon
You could do that for half the price from a truck shop. Volvos use those fittings throughout the truck, and they do hold up decently well. The only downside is that once they start to leak, you have to replace them. Also, hose prep is important. The hose end that goes into the fitting has to be absolutely square and clean. I cut the tubing with a very sharp pair of single-blade gardening shears and it seems to work. A razor knife will just deform the tubing.
I did a little checking online, and came across this:
http://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19880520.html
Here's the referenced article:
http://www.plasticpipe.org/pdf/recom...ressed_gas.pdf
Page 2 of this PDF has big red letters that say NOT FOR USE WITH COMPRESSED AIR:
http://www.pep-plastic.com/manufactu...0201990199.pdf
BTW, the tubing that came apart was schedule 40, manufactured by Spears, a local company here.
I did a little checking online, and came across this:
http://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19880520.html
Here's the referenced article:
http://www.plasticpipe.org/pdf/recom...ressed_gas.pdf
Page 2 of this PDF has big red letters that say NOT FOR USE WITH COMPRESSED AIR:
http://www.pep-plastic.com/manufactu...0201990199.pdf
BTW, the tubing that came apart was schedule 40, manufactured by Spears, a local company here.
New User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Sunny SoCal
I used PVC
Maybe I'm lucky. I plumbed my compresser in the garage with schedule 40 PVC about 30 years ago, so far no problems. Granted it only puts out 120 pounds but it is the best investment, tool wise, I ever made. Maybe pvc was better quality 30 years ago? 