What material to use for workshop airlines?

[Deleted]

I'm finally getting my shop set up at my new homestead and wondering what people recommend for the airlines. I used copper at my last shop but that was decades ago and I'm seeing a lot of new possibly better/cheaper options out there.

Rapidair tubing looks nice. Anyone have experience with it?

Also considering air-rated PEX but not sure how well it holds up.

[Ozarks Tom]

You're way too modern for me, I use black iron with a water trap at the compressor. Okay, so I'm still living in the '60s.

[Deleted]

I started with galvanized way back then because I thought it would be better than black pipe, but I was wrong. The inside of galvanized flakes off and plugs stuff up after a while so I switched to copper. I'd do that again but it's expensive and more work. I'm getting lazy.

[Deleted]

Nick and his buddy Colin used PVC to plumb Colin's garage for air.

[Deleted]

I've heard that's a big no-no because it can explode but I'm tempted to use it anyway because it's so cheap and easy to work with and I've never heard of it actually hurting someone.

[Deleted]

Thanks! Great info!

[fixitguy]

I piped mine in 1" black pipe. Maybe I'm old school also.

I've worked industrial maintenance at a few places, everyone was piped in black iron. 

[darren]

I've been in a shop where PVC was used for compressed air. After enough time it will get brittle. When it fails it doesn't produce flying shards. It's just a PITA to replace it all when you know it's reached the end of its life. If you can find the grade of PVC which doesn't get brittle as fast, it will last longer. It's often used for outdoor furniture due to it's higher titanium dioxide content.