Rapid Air System

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barracudadave67

barracudadave67

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Who here has, or has used the "Rapidair" distribution system in your gararge, or shop where you work on your car(s).

I'm thinking of installing their 1/2 inch system in my gararge/ shop. At present I have regular air hose running up in the rafters, and down, at a few places in the gararge.
I just recently put in a big new compressor, and am contemplating a piping system, to compliment the new compressor.

Their are two types of systems. One has metal type compression fittings, and the other has plastic push in fittings. The metal one is more expencive. Both are for sale on Amazon.com at good prices. They are both made by the same company.

barracudadave67
 
I used the system with the plastic push-in fittings and it was horrible! I got everything all cut, trimmed, layed out and first time I pressurized the system the "push-in" fittings started blowing out. Plus, even applying heat, I couldn't get the "curl" out of the hose from it being coiled up in the box. Supposedly, their new product is supposed to be easier to work with, but I wouldn't waste my time and money again! I had the same idea you did with wanting to compliment a new compressor, but it didn't work out for me. I now have regular air hose run throughout the garage with "T" fittings and whatnot. There's definitely a pressure drop at the point of use, but it's been working ok for a few years now.
 
I also just finished a new air compressor install. And when researching what I wanted to do for plumbing, I read a lot of negative reviews about those style set-ups always leaking. I ended up going with 1/2 black iron pipe.
 
Thanks for the replies.
I went ahead and ordered the Rapidair, Maxair system, with 3/4 inch I D tubing. This one does not have plastic fittings. It is PVC/aluminum/PVC, tubeing, with nickle plated brass compression fittings.
I read lots of reviews of this system, and 99.9% were good. The biggest complaint was trying to straighten the tubing out, from the roll, to string it. I will not be installing it soon, as the weather here is still in winter mode. I ordered it form Northern Tool, they had the best price
@ $159.99 on sale. It is back ordered a few weeks. I also ordered a couple extra fittings. I will pick it up at the local store, and save on shipping charges.
Maybe when I install it, I can get some pics, and show what I do to get it up, and running. Stay tuned.

barracudadave67
 
Interesting kit. Since you went with 3/4 inch hard line what are you planning on using for your flex lines and air tool connectors?
 
When I plumbed my garage, I used 1/2 inch copper tubing (I'll admit I got a deal of a lifetime "free"); put in low point drains and in horizontal runs the connections came off the top side of the run to minimize condensation at point of use. Seems to work well.
 
I tossed around many different options before finally deciding on the tried & true 1/2" black pipe with low point drains. I have an 80 gallon 2-stage compressor connected to a refrigerated drier & filters....so on....I run a CNC plasma as well as a sandblaster & air tools (not all at once) and the 1/2' has supplied more than enough air for my needs.
 
barracudadave67 said:
Thanks for the replies.
I went ahead and ordered the Rapidair, Maxair system, with 3/4 inch I D tubing. This one does not have plastic fittings. It is PVC/aluminum/PVC, tubeing, with nickle plated brass compression fittings.
I read lots of reviews of this system, and 99.9% were good. The biggest complaint was trying to straighten the tubing out, from the roll, to string it. I will not be installing it soon, as the weather here is still in winter mode. I ordered it form Northern Tool, they had the best price
@ $159.99 on sale. It is back ordered a few weeks. I also ordered a couple extra fittings. I will pick it up at the local store, and save on shipping charges.
Maybe when I install it, I can get some pics, and show what I do to get it up, and running. Stay tuned.

barracudadave67
Click to expand...


I have used the 3/4 system many times, great product! I wouldn't try the 1/2" for the fitting style, and I wouldn't use the 1" for the fact that the tubing is in foot-long sections(wtf?). If you have a fitting blow out, just check the straightness(true right angle) of your cut and make sure to tighten well.
 
I don't see any reason to use anything BUT black pipe or copper. No, LMAO, I don't have a home shop, but I've helped plumb at least two in earlier years. Even if you cannot thread black pipe, the Lowe's here does so.

Slope!!! the pipe!! Just like a sewer system!!
 
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