Okay, here's the deal:
I have problems with the PVC for a number of reasons:
- I use impact guns quite a bit and the guns cause vibration in the PVC and weaken the joints.
- The constant plugging and unplugging of hoses from the quick-release couplers also weakens the joints
- In cold weather the PVC becomes very brittle and has cracked in numerous places with even the slightest blow.
- Even properly installed it doesn't handle pressures over 60 PSI well. I don't know why, but my impact gun simply can't get enough air on the PVC line for extended use.
- PVC expands and contracts oddly...the air coming through is cold vs. the warm outside air means failed glue joints.
- You can't trust it enough to leave under pressure except while in use. This means extra time and power having to fill the tank if shut offs weren't installed at the compressor. (my system only has shut-offs at the end couplers so I can get maximum pressure to the guns. I use a portable filter/ dryer, and regulator at the coupler instead of the tank. That way I can use tools requiring different PSI requirements without regulating the entire system)
I would seriously look into thick walled copper. It's very inexpensive, fittings are readily available, and it won't have any of the problems of PVC. I ripped out my PVC line this summer and now have all copper. I couldn't be happier with it.
My one big mistake in designing my system is that I didn't create zones at the compressor and am strongly considering it now. I've found that couplers tend to leak enough to cycle the compressor once a day even when not in use. A zone system would allow a full shutdown to one, two, or all zones when not in use, or if needed. This puts all the valves in one place instead of running around the shop for 10 minutes trying to remember where they all are and make sure they're all off. It also would save money on the number of valves you'd have to buy.
Keep in mind what I said about the PVC...there was more than on time I almost had a heart attack because a line let loose while I was working. Sounds like a bomb going off when you're not expecting it, and it lets shards go all over the place! |