I have a large 2-stage stationary compressor in my shop. I just used 1/2" PVC to pipe air all around my shop. You can save a lot of $$ not using black-pipe or copper. PVC holds 175 lb with ease.
I have also used this PVC set-up on large commercial jobs. We put the compressor on the ground floor (or in the L.L. for security & noise) and run a vertical 1” PVC riser up to each floor. On each floor we ‘T’ off ½” PVC horizontally runs the width of the building. As the building goes higher, we just cut off the end cap and add to the riser. Usually the easiest place to run the riser is through the elevator shaft. With this set-up, all the trades have air at a few central locations on each level. PVC is cheap. At the end of the job, we just remove the quick disconnects and abandon the PVC.
- Rich