Bob wrote in reply to my post shown below: Group: rec.woodworking Date: Mon, Dec 22, 2003, 5:17am (EST+5) From: snipped-for-privacy@att.net () I HOPE there's not a safety issue with using sweated copper for air .. . .. I just plumbed my whole shop with it !! !! !! What's the danger ?? ?? ?? Sir Edgar wrote: Brian wrote: Group: rec.woodworking Date: Sun, Dec 21, 2003, 8:00pm (EST+5) From: snipped-for-privacy@visi.com (Brian Elfert) My stationary air compressor has a 1/2" NPT fitting for the output. I will be using copper pipe for my air piping. Should I use 1/2" or 3/4" copper pipe for my main lines? The internal diameter of 1/2" copper pipe seems awful small. (Yes, industry does use copper for air piping.) Brian Elfert
********************************************** Please use soft copper tubing and compression fittings no matter what size you choose. Black iron pipe with threaded fittings is also extensively used but requires a pipe cutter and a stock and die. Do not use hard copper tubing and sweated (soldered) fittings. This suggestion is made for obvious safety reasons. Peace ~ Sir Edgar
****************************************************** Bob ~ Sweated copper piping is used for water piping. If a poorly sweated connection breaks loose there is only inconvenience from the possible water damage that occurs. If a joint fails with a pipe containing compressed air it comes apart with explosive force. You can demonstrate this by removing an air hose under pressure that uses a quick disconnect fitting. Also, most copper tubing is type "M" thin wall type which is made for water service only. There is a type "L" wth a thicker wall. If it were my shop I would redo it using the soft copper tubing and compression fittings. I avoided the expense and trouble of running tubing by installing an industrial type spring return hose reel next to my compressor and 50 ft. of hose. I also have an additional 25 ft. of hose that I can attach to it with a quick disconnect fitting if I need to. I did not mention never to use PVC pipe as I assumed the danger of doing this was well known and I am glad to see that it was covered in other posts. I apologize for the length of this post but I feel that it was warranted from a standpoint of avoiding possible injury to a fellow woodworker.
Peace ~ Sir Edgar =F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8= =F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8