- 3 outlet kits
- 2 tees
- 3/4in. tubing x 3/4in. male fitting
- 20 mounting clips
- Cutter and deburr tools
I have a 7.5 HP Emax air compressor (7.5 HP 80 Gallon 3PH Horizontal 2 Stage Stationary Air Compressor) and needed plumbing large enough to maintain high CFM flow for my sandblaster and other high flow use tools. All of my rubber hoses for this compressor are 50 foot 1/2-inch Goodyear "yellow" hoses to maintain good CFM flow. I also needed a kit that could withstand the 175 PSI made by my compressor. My industrial quick couple fittings are 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch as needed for the same reasons. This kit maintains high flow with only a 10 PSI pressure drop over 100 feet which, all combined, is just what I wanted.
The difference in this tubing kit and less expensive RapidAir kits:
First, this kit's tubing has a sandwiched metal lining for added strength others don't have this. This also helps the line hold its shape when laid out for installation and use.
Second, this kit's tubing is rated for 175 PSI others aren't rated this high.
Third, this kit's tubing uses HDPE (high-density polyethylene) with the added aluminum other kits use simple nylon tubing.
The tubing:
The 3/4-inch tubing in this kit is two layers of HDPE with about a one millimeter layer of aluminum sandwiched in between. The wall thickness is roughly 1/8-inch thick and the outer layer of the tubing appears seamless, but the aluminum is lapped, about 1/8-inch between the two layers of HDPE, to form its sandwiched tube. This causes a slight uniform ridge on the inner HDPE layer that runs the length of the tubing. This means the O-ring seals will probably need replacing if the assembled joints are ever separated and re-assembled.
HDPE is suitable for even potable product systems as it is non-toxic, releases no harmful emissions, is un-affected by most chemicals, it resists deterioration, and is completely recyclable. About the only thing it isn't good for is temperatures above 248°F or below 148°F. It has a tensile strength of 4550 PSI, but has poor UV resistance. So, it's not for outdoor or applications exposed to sunlight but it's certainly good for pressurized tubing, especially with an added aluminum barrier. It's the same plastic used in plastic milk containers only thicker, and with that aluminum barrier.
The tools required:
The kit includes a cutting tool that makes easy work of cutting the tubing even if it is cutting aluminum also. The cuts turn out nice and smooth using the tool, and surprisingly square with little effort. I lightly beveled the inner surface tubing edges to make sliding my tubing over the O-ring seals easier, and to prevent any accidental gouges to the double O-ring fittings. Beyond the supplied cutting tool you will need a 13/16-inch, 1 1/16-inch, and 1 7/16-inch end wrenches. The fittings hexes are actually metric, but these wrenches will work or any large adjustable Cresent. The hex plugs will also require a 3/8-inch hex wrench. You will also need a tool for the fasteners you supply to secure the pipe hangers and the outlets.
Miscellaneous:
A plastic tee reamer 3/4-inch, 1/2-inch, 3/8-inch is also included. I'm at a loss for why a reamer tee was included, since I have no use it other than the end that bevels the 3/4-inch tubing. It's the only part that looks cheap other than the provided plastic snap-on tubing hangers, but it works. But, it and the hangers do look sturdy and there are enough of the hangers to securely mount the 100 feet of tubing.
Fittings:
The two 3/4-inch tubing connection tees, the 3/4-inch male NPT to 3/4-inch tubing fitting, three 1/2-inch male NPT to 3/4-inch tubing fittings, and the three 3/8-inch ball valves are all nickle plated brass for corrosion resistance. They also give the assembled aluminum outlets a great finished look. Three 1/2-inch NPT brass hex plugs are also provided. I used those on the back of my outlets, but the 1/2-inch rear outlets could also be used for air plumbing.
Outlets:
The three aluminum air outlets are well machined and appear to have aluminum powdercoating to help prevent corrosion on the outer surfaces. The "top" (as noted in the suggested assembly instructions), of the aluminum outlets have 1/2-inch female NPT threaded ports and on the front and rear of the outlets. The "bottom" port on the outlets is 3/8-inch female NPT for the included ball valves. I used 1/2" filter regulators with 1/2 industrial quick connects on the front ports of my outlets. The aluminum outlets are thick sturdy pieces with four 3/16-inch holes drilled for mounting them securely and I trust they will easily support the Ingersoll-Rand P244-610 1/2'' Female NPT Regulators NEW I have purchased to install on them. So far, none of the assembly has a leak at the 175 PSI my compressor provides.
Assembly tip:
Use a small drop of olive oil to lubricate O-rings and the inside of the tubing before pushing the tubing onto the fittings. The lubrication will make installation easier. The olive oil will lubricate the rubber O-rings without causing future deterioration. Try to do the assembly in warm temperatures as HDPE is a hard material.
Note:
The included instructions are of a simple layout without much concern for moisture and contaminates. Due to this, you may want additional plumbing, and to follow a plumbing diagram such as the "Sharpe air piping layout".
A coalescing filter and mechanical automatic drain some 25 feet from my compressor keeps line contamination down before the RapidAir plumbing. The compressor receiver tank also has a timed electric drain. Just looking at the quality of the assembled kit, I'll probably purchase another kit later as my garage area is 70' x 40'. I purchased my 3/4-inch RapidAir kit directly from Amazon seller Northern Tool using my Hotline subscription for a slightly better savings while the kit was offered in the Hotline flyer.
Made in China
Buy RapidAir 3/4in. MaxLine Master Kit, Model# M7500 Now
Fairly easy to work with, Installs quickly took about a day to install two kits in my 50' x 38' shop. Had some line and fittings left over, No leaks, Looks great.
Read Best Reviews of RapidAir 3/4in. MaxLine Master Kit, Model# M7500 Here
This air handling system is easy to install and works very well. Maxline offers another, lighter grade system, but I opted for the Master Kit even though I won't take it to its limits. I simply prefer to have a better grade of product, and this fills the bill! The feature that attracted me was the ease of the install. The instructions are just one page, and the rigid but easily bendable lines made install so easy. A word of caution.....plan your system, including elbows, 't's' and wall clips. I ordered a few extra parts and didn't have one of those moments during the install where I realized I needed an extra part I'd have to wait a week for or spend too much for expedited shipping. Plan your system, where junctions need to be, and where you need outlets. Then, when it all arrives, you're ready to go. I highly recommend this system. Much easier than running metal pipe and cheaper too.
