# Shop Air - Copper versus Black Pipe **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [December 3, 2012, 8:59am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557 "2012-12-03T08:59:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![LUKE\_L](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/luke_l/32/7462_2.png) [@LUKE\_L](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LUKE_L)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 8:59am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/1 "2012-12-03T08:59:52Z")
I have seen both. When it is done right I can’t see a benefit to Copper over Black Pipe or vice versa. What are the Pros and Cons for both Copper and Iron Pipe? _Copper Pros_ Looks “clean” Mmmmm Copper _Copper Cons_ Needs to be soldered (Fuck Shark Fittings) $$$ _Iron Pipe Pros_ Cheap as FUCK Easy to put together. Even a Dope can do it (Get it?). _Iron Pipe Cons_ Custom lengths need to be tapped Can get “Brittle” * * * I have heard TONs of old school car guy say “Every shop I have ever worked in had Black Pipe.” The new kids on the block generation say “Go with Copper.” Discuss… ---
**Author:** ![ProgRocker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/progrocker/32/5434_2.png) [@ProgRocker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ProgRocker)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:05am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/2 "2012-12-03T09:05:17Z")
Maybe I’m wrong but you shouldn’t need copper unless you A) want to spend money or B) will be using the air in any part of your body. ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:07am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/3 "2012-12-03T09:07:03Z")
It’s probably quicker to solder copper than it is to cut and thread black pipe. A lot more expensive though. I would do the black pipe, because I am cheap. ---
**Author:** ![LUKE\_L](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/luke_l/32/7462_2.png) [@LUKE\_L](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LUKE_L)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:08am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/4 "2012-12-03T09:08:16Z")
> [@ProgRocker](#): > > Maybe I’m wrong but you shouldn’t need copper unless you A) want to spend money or B) will be using the air in any part of your body. Agreed. > [@boardjnky4](#): > > It’s probably quicker to solder copper than it is to cut and thread black pipe. A lot more expensive though. I would do the black pipe, because I am cheap. I would say lay it out so you don’t have to cut it…no? * * * Keep em coming! ---
**Author:** ![bracketracer](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bracketracer/32/15592_2.png) [@bracketracer](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bracketracer)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:09am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/5 "2012-12-03T09:09:36Z")
I had to run all new pipe in my shop back in 07, and just did pre-cut, pre-threaded lengths of black pipe. Easy stuff, and relatively inexpensive. ---
**Author:** ![LZ1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@LZ1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LZ1)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:12am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/6 "2012-12-03T09:12:16Z")
If you go with copper make sure you never associate this post with the location of the shop. Don’t need some crackheads taking all your pipes. ---
**Author:** ![juicedz4](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/juicedz4/32/5051_2.png) [@juicedz4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/juicedz4)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:18am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/7 "2012-12-03T09:18:49Z")
What about something like this? [http://www.rapidairproducts.com/maxline\_masterkits.asp](http://www.rapidairproducts.com/maxline_masterkits.asp) ![http://www.rapidairproducts.com/images/maxair/masterkit.jpg](http://www.rapidairproducts.com/images/maxair/masterkit.jpg) Been thinking about this for the barn project. Dan ---
**Author:** ![Freek](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/freek/32/7357_2.png) [@Freek](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Freek)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:22am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/8 "2012-12-03T09:22:24Z")
> [@juicedz4](#): > > What about something like this? [http://www.rapidairproducts.com/maxline\_masterkits.asp](http://www.rapidairproducts.com/maxline_masterkits.asp) > > Been thinking about this for the barn project. > > Dan I have this for my garage. Hell, even PVC take a ton of pressure as long as it’s in an area that takes no damage. ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/9 "2012-12-03T09:27:38Z")
PVC, not listed, but that is what I would use. ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:31am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/10 "2012-12-03T09:31:53Z")
> [@LUKE\_L](#): > > Agreed. > > I would say lay it out so you don’t have to cut it…no? > > * * * > > Keep em coming! yep, that’s the best bet. plan it correctly and there’s minimal cutting. How far are you running it? You could always just tack up a long hose. ---
**Author:** ![ProgRocker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/progrocker/32/5434_2.png) [@ProgRocker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ProgRocker)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:38am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/11 "2012-12-03T09:38:00Z")
I have a manual pipe threader if you want to use it. ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:38am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/12 "2012-12-03T09:38:56Z")
I was also going to say why not use PVC? you can buy a bunch of long pieces and some bags of elbows and tees and cut/glue your setup together quick and easy. just don’t smash into the pipes with something that would break them lol ---
**Author:** ![Spam16v](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/spam16v/32/5287_2.png) [@Spam16v](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Spam16v)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:48am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/13 "2012-12-03T09:48:50Z")
Don’t even think about PVC, garage journal forums has a pile of documented explosions and injuries. If you argue pvc shop air you are banned and thread blackholed for trolling b/c it’s debated so much. ---
**Author:** ![juicedz4](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/juicedz4/32/5051_2.png) [@juicedz4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/juicedz4)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:52am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/14 "2012-12-03T09:52:45Z")
> [@Spam16v](#): > > Don’t even think about PVC, garage journal forums has a pile of documented explosions and injuries. If you argue pvc shop air you are banned and thread blackholed for trolling b/c it’s debated so much. This. ---
**Author:** ![95dime](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/95dime/32/7514_2.png) [@95dime](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/95dime)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:59am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/15 "2012-12-03T09:59:55Z")
nothing wrong with plastic pipe, however i would not use pvc. use the correct materials if you go that route. i think copper would be easier since you dont have to cut and thread, have you thought about using press fit instead of solder? my neighbor has black pipe in his garage, has an 80 gallon compressor in the rafters with outlets along the walls and up front between the two doors inside. its been that way for around 10-12 years now. ---
**Author:** ![1sik\_bmw](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/1sik_bmw/32/7341_2.png) [@1sik\_bmw](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/1sik_bmw)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 10:07am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/16 "2012-12-03T10:07:22Z")
Your an idiot if you even think of using PVC. If you wanna get fancy we sell Airnet piping… [http://www.airnet-system.com/us/](http://www.airnet-system.com/us/) ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 10:15am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/17 "2012-12-03T10:15:41Z")
ugh, PVC is good only if the pressure of the air inside them does not exceed 60 psi. But is the budget. ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 10:21am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/18 "2012-12-03T10:21:21Z")
With as good as you are with a soldering iron I’m surprised you listed sweating copper as a con. During my bathroom remodel I taught myself how to solder copper joints and it’s hard to find a material that’s easier or faster to work with. It’s the same thing as electrical just on a larger scale. Mapp torch instead of iron, big roll of solder instead of small. The key is still having clean joints, flux, and enough heat that the solder wicks into the joint. With my little spinny pipe cutter I can bang out a complicated custom run of copper faster and with fewer joints than anything you’re going to do with pre-threaded black pipe, and I’m hardly an expert. My extensive copper soldering training came from about 10 minutes of youtube vids. ---
**Author:** ![juicedz4](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/juicedz4/32/5051_2.png) [@juicedz4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/juicedz4)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 10:21am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/19 "2012-12-03T10:21:50Z")
> [@Anonymity](#): > > ugh, PVC is good only if the pressure of the air inside them does not exceed 60 psi. But is the budget. What good is 60psi? I have mine set to like 120 ---
**Author:** ![LUKE\_L](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/luke_l/32/7462_2.png) [@LUKE\_L](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LUKE_L)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 10:22am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557/20 "2012-12-03T10:22:42Z")
> [@juicedz4](#): > > What about something like this? [http://www.rapidairproducts.com/maxline\_masterkits.asp](http://www.rapidairproducts.com/maxline_masterkits.asp) Systems like these seem to be for people that don’t want to mess with soldering/tapping pipe. It is much easier to put together but the price list show $16 for a 90° elbow…No thanks. > [@Anonymity](#): > > PVC, not listed, but that is what I would use. Be careful. Most people think of the 1 inch white PVC you use for drain pipe. This is HIGHLY dangerous on anything over 15 PSI. If you want Plastic tubing you need to use Polyester Braided PVC Tubing. We use this stuff at work. Braided PVC Tubing = $2.00/ft Copper Pipe = $1.80/ft Black Pipe = $1.00/ft This is for 3/4" Diameter just for cost comparison. I would not run 3/4" piping. > [@boardjnky4](#): > > yep, that’s the best bet. plan it correctly and there’s minimal cutting. How far are you running it? You could always just tack up a long hose. The longest stretch would be 25 ft. this allows me to have a connection right at the door. I can run a hose from there and reach the end of my driveway. > [@ProgRocker](#): > > I have a manual pipe threader if you want to use it. Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. This will be a spring project. [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/shop-air-copper-versus-black-pipe/227557.md?page=2)