Hot Air
Build a do-everything manifold to control, dry, route, and use
compressed air.
Gather the Necessary Parts
A brand-new compressor might impress your mother-in-law, but when you’re
ready to hit the big time, build this manifold system to get clean, dry air where
you need it.

List of Materials

Most of the material you need for the Quick and Dirty Air Compressor Manifold can be purchased at a well-stocked hardware store.

[A] Compressor outlet Even small “pancake” compressors will operate a nail gun or small air tools, but don’t expect to spray paint or repair a big rig. The size of the air outlet will vary by compressor size and output, so adapt it to 2".

[B] Flexible hook-up hose Compressors tend to jiggle around, so use a flexible hose to connect to your hard line manifold. Don’t use a regular air hose! Use a special compressor connection hose that is rated at 200psi working pressure/ 800psi burst pressure.

[C] Ball valve In addition to turning off the air from the compressor, an inline 2" valve can be used as a manifold drain valve. A simple manifold won’t accumulate much moisture, but when running longer lines, it’s a good idea to have a drain at the lowest point.

[D] Galvanized steel lines Why use 2" galvanized steel pipe for air lines? PVC is a poor choice as it can shatter under pressure. Copper is ideal if you are not daunted by higher costs, increased labor, and great difficulty to make changes. I would use copper exclusively if I were a quadzillionaire with a plumber on staff. The pipe should have a slight decline down toward the drain valve to make sure moisture doesn’t get trapped in the line.

[E] Regulator/moisture trap/filter Moisture is an unavoidable and damaging byproduct of compressing air. An all-in-one trap/regulator/ filter is cheap insurance to protect air tools from wet, dirty air pumped out at potentially damaging pressure.

[F] T-connector Use a 2" galvanized steel T wherever you want a drop.

[G] 2" male to ¼" female connector Maybe you will get lucky and find a 2" T connector with a ¼" outlet, but I had to adapt 2" to ¼".

[H] ¼" brass nipple Rather than a galvanized nipple, use a brass nipple with a hex in the center so you can use a wrench to get a tighter fit.

[I] 3-way air connector What kind of a savage doesn’t love a brass 3-way air connector? Tidy and professional, it is an absolute delight.

[J] Combo coupler The bad news is there are three different “standard” compressor plugs — Industrial Interchange, Automotive Standard, and ARO Speed. The good news is Amflo makes a combo coupler that works with all three.

[K] 2" elbow Use to get around corners.

[L] Drop hose The ubiquitous yellow drop hose is found in every self-respecting auto shop in the world. I wouldn’t dream of rebuilding a carburetor without one.