Compressor piping or hose Question

[wawajake]

I figure all you folks with welders probably also have a garage compressor so I put my question here.
I recently upgraded my little 2 gallon oiless compressor to an 11 gallon one because I was given a bunch of compressor hand tools (impact wrench, air ratchet, chipper , nail gun) at Christmas. Now I already had a brad nailgun and had already installed a 50 foot compressor hose reel on the wall beside my electrical panel, with the actual compressor on a shelf below the hose reel . This reel lets me reach all over the garage and even outside. ..........but this new 11 gallon is vertical floor mount so when it is on floor it is short getting to the reel inlet by less than 24 inches...........so I actually just need a 24 inch long hose or a 24 inch long piece of pipe. For now I am using the 25 foot coil type plastic hose piping that came with the old 2 gallon compressor, But it is in the way a bit and I imagine I am wasting compressor pressure with the extra 25 feet.
I checked CTC and TSC store for short hoses, but 25 ft is shortest. What other options do I have to join the reel 1/4 inch npt to the compressor 1/4 inch npt........(right now it has quick connects at one end, I could do that at both if I found a short piece of hose supplier. But what if I just used a half inch piece of household copper tubing I have lots of leftovers of and solder a couple of 1/4 inch npt female adapter to it. Will copper handle 150 psi ? or is it better to find a piece of hose?
I hate to permanently lift the compressor up 24 inches because it is nice to have on floor and safely on its wheels.

thoughts ?

 

[kennyd]

Copper is great for air use, just stay away form PVC! But for your situation, I would get a hydraulic hose made up, it will handle the pressure and is readily available with the NPT fittings you need. A "rigid" connection from the compressor to the wall or hose real is not a good idea because of the vibration anyway.

 

[Shield Arc]

If I'm understanding your question correctly. Why not go to the hardware store, and buy some hose barbs, and hose clamps? Cut a short section of air hose. That's what I did at the after cooler for my shop air.

 

[Big Barn]

Here's what I did 35 years ago. Hydraulic hose with barbed, swivel pipe thread fittings clamped with Punch Lock tool. Still trouble free....







Terry

 

[wawajake]

So far all the descriptions describe making up hoses with tools I do not have , or solutions that would cost more than a 25 foot hose. But thanks so far...........maybe the Napa store can order me a short hose for under $20. I will check

 

[Mace Canute]

If there are any industrial hose outfits around (like Eriks for example) they could set you up with what you need. I know for a fact the guys at the local Eriks here could and would.

 

[Big Barn]

If there are any industrial hose outfits around (like Eriks for example) they could set you up with what you need. I know for a fact the guys at the local Eriks here could and would.

Also. Princess Auto. They also have short premade whip hoses but are probably only 1/4".
Terry

 

[CNC Dan]

So far all the descriptions describe making up hoses with tools I do not have , or solutions that would cost more than a 25 foot hose. But thanks so far...........maybe the Napa store can order me a short hose for under $20. I will check

Many NAPA stores can make up hoses. Ask around, not all locations offer that service.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

I use the heavy duty braided clear hose and barbed fittings.

 

[Big Barn]

I use the heavy duty braided clear hose and barbed fittings. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/welding/416041-compressor-piping-hose-question-image-jpg"/>

Haha. Good choice Dave. I was just using some this afternoon. Here's a photo with a 'miscalculated' piece. Terry