Thread: pneumatic manifold questions

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I want to run a few props off my compressor.
I want to make sure I understand things.

If I set the regulator on my compressor to 100psi goin into the manifold. I will get the 100 psi needed for the ghost bust blaster.
but the other two need to be at different psi so I would add a regulator with push on fittings to each prop after the manifold.

whats the difference between the push on fittings and the big brass fittings on my main air line?
I can just remove the push on fitting on the manifold intake and replace with the female counterpart to whats on my main air line from the compressor, right?

You are correct. you have to add another regulator for the lower pressure items. You can do this in series or in parallel. If you plumb it in series the second regulator can only be set to as high as the original one. If you plumb it in parallel it can be set to as high as your pressure tank is.

"whats the difference between the push on fittings and the big brass fittings on my main air line?"
I don't understand your question... have you got a picture?

the main air line resembles a garden hose. at the end of the hose is the large brass quick connect fitting like for power tools.

but the manifold and the small push on fitting for the intake.
I though it would be easiest to just remove the push on fitting and put the larger brass fitting. I wanted to make sure that was safe . since I dont know the difference and uses of these two different fittings.

Your better off using the larger brass fittings. Safer locking.

I just read that the push on fittings are good for soft metal and plastic. There is good info on the McMaster web site

I need a manifold - where did you get yours?

At work we use the "push loc " fittings for valve to cylinder connections. The Quick connects are used for main air supply to a machine. The Quick connects are the preferred way but if you have to buy lots or have space constraints the "push locs" are cheaper.

Typical Quick disconnect



Typical push loc tube fittings



Typical push loc hose fittings. these push into the hose and have to be cut off.

I have a wholesale account with Grainger.

I was ordering from frightprops.com

These guys are cheap and has good push in fittings

http://www.poweraire.com/fittings-in...-c-21_573.html

Harbor Frieght has cheap quick disconnects. A package of 5 will run you $10. They come in 4 ways:

Male threaded outside coupler
Male threaded inside (push into coupler)
Female threaded outside coupler
Female threaded inside (push into coupler)

You will buy alot of these...just be careful stick with one kind because they are not interchangable. Ex. Hi-flo/automotive/universal

I run 3/8 hose until I reach the solenoid then the 1/4 tubing takes over. Put regulators on all your props before the solenoid.

I got a 5-way manifold from Fright Props. Last year I used the push-on fittings that came with it and ran 1/4" plastic tubes. This year, I've just changed them all out to have quick disconnects and run 3/8 lines to the props. Right at each of the props is a regulator. That way I can set the needed air pressure for that prop. Did this from the advice of my rant thread. Working great so far.

A couple of things about the manifold from Fright Props: At each end of the manifold it has 1/4" openings. That way you can hook up the 3/8" line that uses 1/4 fittings. Most hoses you can get at Home Depot are configured this way. The other 1/4" opening is plugged. But, this year I am hooking up 6 props to a 5-port manifold. Luckily I had the extra port The other 5 ports are fitted for 1/8 fittings. So, you'll have to order 1/8 threads quick connects so you can then use the couplers: http://www.frightprops.com/pneumatic...e-threads.html

I think their manifolds are configured this way because they think you are using the manifold at your prop for several cylinders...not the way we are using it.