Complexity of air system for enjoyable/efficient build

[diamond]

I built my benches this weekend and will now focus on setting up my pressurized air supply. I have a 60 gal compressor ready to be plumbed and electrical hookup. I've seen instances where entire aircraft were built off a single air line from a portable compressor, all the way up to elaborate multi access points all over the shop. The purpose of this thread is to get an idea for what is really needed to make the build enjoyable with convenient access to air. I'm at a point where I can make it as simple or elaborate as I want. What is reasonable?

[Mike S]

More is better.

I like hose reels on the ceiling.

[RVbySDI]

I like hose reels on the ceiling too but they are pricey. If you have the funds to do it they would be great. However, to answer your question, they are not necessary. Desirable, yes, but not necessary. I used a 60 gallon compressor with just one hose most of the time. Although I did purchase a three-way splitter and used some light weight hoses from Avery later on during the build you can do everything you need with just one hose directly off the tank. The multiple lines can come in handy if you are not building alone or if you wish to leave tools plugged into the line. This would save from swapping out tools all the time.

Either way it will all work out. You just have to decide how involved you wish to get in constructing your workshop or how involved you wish to get in constructing your airplane!

[larrynew]

I started a little fancy http://larrys-airplane.blogspot.com/...d-for-air.html with five drops around the garage but now only seem to use one hose that hangs from the center of the ceiling (from a screw-in hook that used to hold a bike) and comes from the last drop that has a filter and oiler. Seems like the more I build, the less fancy I need or even end up using.

[sbal0906]

I haven't started building yet but I have my workshop set up now. I installed a black pipe along the wall with 2 access points and now that I look at how my workshop is set up, I think one access point will be enough.

One thing I did that I'm pleased with is I put the air compressor in my basement utility room. The back wall of my attached garage shares the wall with the utility room so I was able to run the supply line through a hole in the wall. I live alone so the noise won't bother anyone in the house and I can work in peace.

I'd suggest you start simple but leave yourself room to expand the system if you really need it.

Cheers,

[longranger]

Originally Posted by larrynew

I started a little fancy http://larrys-airplane.blogspot.com/...d-for-air.html with five drops around the garage but now only seem to use one hose that hangs from the center of the ceiling (from a screw-in hook that used to hold a bike) and comes from the last drop that has a filter and oiler. Seems like the more I build, the less fancy I need or even end up using.

My experience was very similar. My first shop (10 x 30 basement with only a 6 ft sheet-rocked overhead) had 5 drops and I found I rarely had a use for more than one. I now use half of a two car garage (that'll have to change for the fuselage) and I just drape a hose down through the open rafters about mid-length on that half of the garage. The hose is off the ground so I'm not always walking (tripping) on it. If I need a little extra reach I use a plastic coiled hose. I keep the compressor reg at about 90psi for the drill and squeezer, and use an in-line reg for the rivet gun and paint sprayer. Not everyone's cup of tea, but it works for me.

http://www.cessna170.org/forums/down...2798&mode=view

[gasman]

I have a hand crank hose reel from HF mounted in a bottom cabinet. When not in use, hose is out of the way. Hang downs were for me, always in the way. More important is pick a good air hose. GoodYear rubber is good. You want the hose to lay flat on the floor. And many of the blue type from HF come with a memory of their packing and will cause you to trip over the loops left behind. And one last thing, when finished with an air tool, disconnect the air line so when you trip or pull the air hose (and you will) you won't drag your best air tool off of the bench.

[fixnflyguy]

I prefer a single good quality hose that can be rolled without being a pain in the &^%$. Anyone who has bought the "bargain" hose knows what I mean. I have the same hose I have used for 30 years, 50' long and find changing tools is easier than fighting 2 or more hoses. I would spend money on a good dryer/moisture seperator and get to building ! I stay away from lubricators to keep the line cleaner inside(if you do any painting), as the tools you use will only need a drop in the fitting every once in a while. If possible, as others have stated, locate your compressor outside,in the basement, or build a box (open top) around it with accoustic foam in it..quiet is better! This is just my preference, but I have made a living doing aircraft re-skinning and heavy modification for 31 years, so I have tried it all ! Get building!!

[MarkW]

I use two hoses. One is 100# for drill and squeezer and the other is a different material and color using the regulator for the rivet gun.
Different hose helps me from confusing the pressures and using 100# on a # 3 rivet. I usually disconnect the tool when done so one 100# hose works fine.

[flytoboat]

I use two drops in a basement shop. One has an oiler inline and the mini plugs from Cleveland for drills, grinders, and anything else that requires oil. The other is for the pneumatic squeezer, paint sprayer, and anything else that doesn't require oil.