Garage Construction Project

Compressed Air System Shopping List

12 min read

Compressed Air System - Phased Shopping List

Project: 24’×40’ Garage Compressed Air Distribution System System Type: Rapidair 3/4” Maxline (Flexible Aluminum) Total Estimated Cost: ~$665-1,245 (depending on filtration quality choices)

Price Verification Required

Prices listed are estimates based on typical ranges for these products. Verify current pricing when purchasing as Amazon and retailer prices fluctuate. Links were verified active as of November 2025.

Phase 1: Core Piping System (ORDER FIRST - Priority)

Timeline: Order immediately to start installation Estimated Phase Cost: ~248-338 (Maxline kit purchased at excellent sale price!)

1.1 Main Piping Kit ✅ CRITICAL

  • Rapidair 3/4” Maxline Master Kit (100 ft) ✅ ORDERED Nov 17, 2025
    • Link: https://www.rapidairproducts.com/shop/maxline/3-4-maxline-master-kit
    • Status: ⭐ PURCHASED - Excellent sale price!
    • Typical Price: ~200-300)
    • Actual Cost: $237.98 (including tax and shipping)
    • What’s Included (verify on product page):
      • 100 feet of 3/4” Maxline semi-flexible aluminum pipe
      • Push-to-connect fittings (couplers, tees, elbows, end caps)
      • Quick-connect outlets (typically 4-8)
      • Mounting brackets/clips (typically 20-30)
      • Installation instructions
    • What’s NOT Included:
      • Ball valves, filters, regulators, drip leg components
    • Notes: This is the correct size for your 5HP compressor and 24’×40’ shop

1.1a Loft Riser (Pre-Drywall) ✅ CRITICAL - INSTALL DURING FRAMING

  • Vertical Riser to Loft — MUST INSTALL BEFORE DRYWALL
    • Purpose: Future compressed air access in loft workspace
    • Material: Use Rapidair 3/4” Maxline from kit above
    • Length: ~10-15 ft vertical run through utility chase
    • Components needed from kit:
      • Maxline pipe (vertical section)
      • 1× tee fitting at main floor trunk connection
      • 1× end cap for loft termination
    • Additional components (buy separately):
      • 1× 1/4” ball valve (for drip leg at base of riser)
      • 1× 1/4” petcock drain (for drip leg)
      • 1× 3” close nipple (for drip leg vertical drop)
      • 1× blank wall plate (loft termination)
    • Installation Notes:
      • Route through utility chase adjacent to stairway
      • Install drip leg + ball valve at BASE of riser (prevents moisture traveling upward)
      • Terminate upstairs with capped NPT fitting behind blank wall plate
      • Label both ends clearly: “COMPRESSED AIR - CAPPED FOR FUTURE USE”
    • Estimated Additional Cost: ~$15-25 (ball valve, petcock, nipple, plate)
    • Timing: Must be installed during framing phase (Dec 2-3, 2025) before walls close
    • Reference: Critical Pre-Insulation Requirements; Utilities Planning - Air, Vacuum, and Fume Extraction

1.2 Primary Filtration at Compressor ✅ CRITICAL

  • Milton 1108 - 1/2” NPT Filter & Regulator Duo (Metal Bowl)
    • Link: https://www.amazon.com/Milton-1108-Filter-Regulator-Black/dp/B0BYRZ3Z8S
    • Typical Price: ~$80-120
    • Estimated Cost: ~$95
    • Specifications:
      • 1/2” NPT inlet/outlet
      • Metal bowl (durable, impact-resistant)
      • 40 micron filtration
      • Adjustable regulator 0-160 PSI
      • Manual drain
    • Alternative Option: Northern Tool or Summit Racing may have similar pricing
    • Purpose: Protects entire piping system, removes bulk contaminants, regulates trunk pressure to 120-140 PSI

OR (Alternative if Milton 1108 unavailable):

  • DeVilbiss 130542 or Campbell Hausfeld PA2121
    • Search: “3/4 NPT air filter regulator combo compressor” on Amazon
    • Typical Price: ~$85-130
    • Estimated Cost: ~$105

1.3 Basic Installation Hardware (Hardware Store Run)

  • Teflon Tape / Pipe Thread Sealant

    • Where: Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Amazon
    • Quantity: 2-3 rolls
    • Estimated Cost: ~$5-10
    • Notes: Use on all NPT threaded connections

  • Backing Boards for Outlet Assemblies

    • Where: Home Depot, Lowe’s lumber section
    • Material: 1/2” plywood or pine boards
    • Quantity: Cut into 6× pieces (6”×8” each)
    • Estimated Cost: ~$10-20
    • Notes: Paint to match walls before mounting outlets

Phase 1 Subtotal: ~248-338 ✅

Why Order Phase 1 First:

  • ✅ Maxline kit ORDERED - Secured excellent $237.98 sale price (Nov 17, 2025)
  • Primary filter/regulator needed for initial testing (still to order)
  • Can begin trunk line installation while waiting for outlet components

Phase 2: Outlet Fittings & Basic Filtration (ORDER WITHIN 1 WEEK)

Timeline: Order with Phase 1 or within 1 week Estimated Phase Cost: ~$160-310

2.1 Ball Valves for Isolation (6-8 needed)

Option A: Individual Purchase

Option B: Multi-Pack (if available)

Recommendation: Buy 8 valves (6 for current drops + 2 spares for future expansion)

2.2 Petcock Drain Valves for Drip Legs (6 needed)

Option A: 3-Pack (Recommended - Buy 2 packs)

Option B: Individual/Different Pack

2.3 Pipe Nipples & Tees for Drip Legs (Hardware Store)

  • 1/4” NPT Brass Pipe Nipples (Assorted Lengths)

    • Where: Home Depot, Lowe’s plumbing section
    • Quantity:
      • 6× 3” close nipples (for drip leg vertical drops)
      • 6× 1-2” nipples (for filter connections)
      • 6× various short nipples (for connections)
    • Estimated Cost: ~36-54
    • Notes: Buy brass, not steel (won’t rust)

  • 1/4” NPT Brass Tee Fittings

    • Where: Home Depot, Lowe’s plumbing section
    • Quantity: 6 (one per drip leg)
    • Estimated Cost: ~18-30
    • Notes: Used to create drip leg branch before quick-connect

2.4 Point-of-Use Particulate Filters (6 needed)

Option A: Individual Filters

  • Milton 1106-8 or Equivalent 1/4” NPT Particulate Filter
    • Search Link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=milton+air+filter+1/4+npt
    • Alternative: Search “1/4 NPT air line filter 5 micron”
    • Quantity: 6 filters
    • Typical Price: ~$15-25 each
    • Estimated Cost: ~$90-150 (for 6)
    • Specifications:
      • 1/4” NPT threads
      • 5-10 micron filtration
      • Metal or polycarbonate bowl with drain
      • Replaceable element

Budget Alternative:

  • Generic 1/4” NPT Air Line Filters (6-pack if available)
    • Typical Price: ~$60-90 for pack
    • Estimated Cost: ~$75

Phase 2 Subtotal: ~$160-310

Why Order Phase 2 Early:

  • Can install outlets immediately after trunk line is run
  • Ball valves and drip components needed for proper system function
  • Point-of-use filters protect tools from day one

Phase 3: Paint Station Filtration (ORDER BEFORE FIRST PAINT PROJECT)

Timeline: Can wait until ready to do HVLP painting Estimated Phase Cost: ~$150-420

3.1 Three-Stage Paint Station Filter System

Budget Option (~$150-230):

  • Stage 1: Particulate Filter (5 micron)

    • Product: Generic 1/4” NPT 5-micron filter
    • Search: “1/4 NPT air filter 5 micron metal bowl”
    • Estimated Cost: ~$15-25

  • Stage 2: Coalescing Filter (0.01 micron)

    • Product: Generic coalescing filter
    • Search: “1/4 NPT coalescing filter air compressor paint”
    • Estimated Cost: ~$40-60

  • Stage 3: Desiccant Dryer

    • Product: Generic desiccant air dryer with color indicator
    • Search: “1/4 NPT desiccant air dryer blue to pink”
    • Estimated Cost: ~$50-80

  • Stage 4: Pressure Regulator with Gauge

    • Product: Milton 1177 or equivalent miniature regulator
    • Search: “1/4 NPT air pressure regulator gauge 0-160 psi”
    • Estimated Cost: ~$30-40

  • Mounting Hardware

    • Material: 12”×18” plywood or aluminum backing plate
    • Hardware: Pipe nipples, reducing bushings as needed
    • Estimated Cost: ~$15-25

Budget System Total: ~$150-230

Professional Option (~$290-420):

  • Complete 3-Stage Professional System

OR:

  • Stage 1: DeVilbiss 130543 Particulate Filter

    • Search: “DeVilbiss 130543 air filter”
    • Estimated Cost: ~$40-60

  • Stage 2: DeVilbiss 130544 Coalescing Filter

    • Search: “DeVilbiss 130544 coalescing filter”
    • Estimated Cost: ~$80-100
    • Replacement Elements: ~$20-40/year

  • Stage 3: DeVilbiss 130509 Desiccant Dryer

    • Search: “DeVilbiss 130509 desiccant dryer”
    • Estimated Cost: ~$100-150
    • Replacement Cartridges: ~$15-30 every 6-12 months

  • Stage 4: DeVilbiss HAV-501 Regulator

    • Search: “DeVilbiss HAV-501 pressure regulator”
    • Estimated Cost: ~$50-80

Professional System Total: ~$290-420

Alternative: Complete Kit Options

Phase 3 Subtotal: ~$150-420 (depending on budget vs. professional choice)

Why Phase 3 Can Wait:

  • Not needed for general air tools (impacts, blow guns, tire inflation)
  • Only critical when doing HVLP painting or finishing work
  • Gives time to validate system operation with basic filtration
  • Can upgrade incrementally if budget is tight

Phase 4: Optional Accessories & Upgrades (AS NEEDED)

Timeline: Add as budget allows or when specific needs arise Estimated Phase Cost: ~$75-200+

4.1 Additional Quick-Connects (If kit doesn’t include enough)

  • Milton or ARO 1/4” NPT Industrial Quick-Connects
    • Search: “Milton quick connect 1/4 NPT coupler set”
    • Quantity: 2-4 additional sets (coupler + plug)
    • Estimated Cost: ~16-60

4.2 Hose Reels (Ceiling or Wall-Mount)

  • Retractable Air Hose Reel (50 ft, 3/8” hose)

    • Search: “retractable air hose reel 50 ft ceiling mount”
    • For: Bay 2 (lift bay) ceiling-mounted between columns
    • Typical Price: ~$80-150
    • Estimated Cost: ~$115
    • Notes: Get auto-retract with swivel mount

  • Manual Air Hose Reel (Wall or Post Mount)

    • Search: “air hose reel wall mount 50 ft”
    • For: Optional for workbench area
    • Typical Price: ~$30-60
    • Estimated Cost: ~$45

4.3 Additional Regulators for Specific Outlets

  • Inline Regulators for Tire Inflation / Blow Gun Outlets
    • Product: Milton 1177 miniature regulator with gauge
    • Quantity: 1-2 (for outlets that benefit from specific pressure)
    • Estimated Cost: ~$30-40 each

4.4 Weatherproof Outlet Box for Exterior

  • Weatherproof Outlet Box with Cover

    • Where: Home Depot electrical section
    • For: Exterior quick-connect (driveway use)
    • Estimated Cost: ~$15-25

  • UV-Rated Quick-Connect

    • Search: “outdoor quick connect air fitting UV resistant”
    • Estimated Cost: ~$10-20

4.5 Reducer Fittings (If mixing 3/4” trunk with 1/2” drops)

  • 3/4” Maxline to 1/2” Maxline Reducers
    • Where: Rapidair website or Amazon
    • Search: “Rapidair reducer 3/4 to 1/2”
    • Quantity: 6 (if using 1/2” for drop lines)
    • Estimated Cost: ~30-60
    • Notes: Only needed if you want smaller diameter drops from 3/4” trunk

4.6 Pressure Gauges for Monitoring

  • 1/4” NPT Pressure Gauges (0-160 PSI)
    • Where: Amazon, Home Depot, Harbor Freight
    • Quantity: 2-4 (for monitoring trunk pressure and outlet pressure)
    • Estimated Cost: ~10-48

4.7 Labels and Identification

  • Label Maker or Pre-Made Labels
    • For: Identifying each outlet (pressure, use, bay location)
    • Estimated Cost: ~$15-30
    • Example Labels:
      • “Bay 1 - Impact Tools - Full Pressure 120 PSI”
      • “Bay 3 - Paint Station - 3-Stage Filtered - 10-30 PSI”

Phase 4 Subtotal: ~$75-200+ (varies widely based on accessories chosen)

Complete System Cost Summary

PhaseDescriptionEstimated Cost
Phase 1Core piping system (Maxline kit + primary filter)~$248-338 ✅ (Maxline kit ordered)
Phase 2Outlet fittings & basic filtration~$160-310
Phase 3Paint station 3-stage filtration~$150-420
Phase 4Optional accessories & upgrades~$75-200
TOTALComplete professional compressed air system~$633-1,268 (updated with actual Maxline cost)

Budget Tiers

Budget Build (~$633-868) ✅ Recommended Path

  • Phase 1: Maxline kit ✅ **ORDERED 80-100) = ~$318-338
  • Phase 2: Basic fittings and filters (~$160-250)
  • Phase 3: Budget paint filtration (~$150-200)
  • Phase 4: Minimal accessories (~$75-100)
  • **Total: ~665-950, now more affordable!)

Mid-Grade Build (~$818-1,118)

  • Phase 1: Maxline kit ✅ **ORDERED 90-120) = ~$328-358
  • Phase 2: Complete fittings with name-brand filters (~$200-280)
  • Phase 3: Mixed quality paint filtration (~$200-300)
  • Phase 4: Selected accessories (hose reel, extra regulators) (~$150-200)
  • **Total: ~850-1,200)

Professional Build (~$1,008-1,368)

  • Phase 1: Maxline kit ✅ **ORDERED 100-120) = ~$338-358
  • Phase 2: Premium fittings and filters (~$240-310)
  • Phase 3: Professional-grade paint filtration (~$290-420)
  • Phase 4: Full accessories (reels, regulators, weatherproof) (~$200-300)
  • **Total: ~1,050-1,450)

Procurement Strategy

Order Timing:

Immediate (This Week):

  • ✅ Phase 1: Rapidair 3/4” Maxline Master Kit (while on sale!)
  • ✅ Phase 1: Milton 1108 Primary Filter/Regulator
  • ✅ Basic installation hardware (Teflon tape, backing boards)

Within 1-2 Weeks:

  • ✅ Phase 2: Ball valves, petcock drains, pipe nipples
  • ✅ Phase 2: Point-of-use particulate filters

Before First Paint Project:

  • ✅ Phase 3: 3-stage paint station filtration system

As Needed:

  • Phase 4 accessories based on usage patterns and budget

Shopping Shortcuts

Amazon Shopping List (Add to Cart)

  1. Milton 1108 Filter/Regulator
  2. Beduan 1/4” Ball Valves (8×)
  3. SUNROAD Petcock Drains 3-Pack (2 packs)
  4. Point-of-use filters (6×)
  5. 3-stage paint filtration system (when ready)

Hardware Store Run (Home Depot / Lowe’s)

  1. Teflon tape (2-3 rolls)
  2. Backing board material (plywood)
  3. 1/4” NPT brass pipe nipples (assorted, ~18 total)
  4. 1/4” NPT brass tee fittings (6×)
  5. Misc. adapters and fittings as needed

Rapidair Direct

  1. 3/4” Maxline Master Kit (PRIMARY PURCHASE)
  2. Additional fittings if kit doesn’t include enough
  3. Reducer fittings (if using mixed sizing)

Verification Checklist Before Ordering

Rapidair Kit Contents (Verify on product page):

  • Confirms 100 feet of 3/4” Maxline pipe
  • Includes at least 6 tee fittings (or buy extras)
  • Includes at least 6 quick-connects (or buy extras)
  • Includes mounting brackets/clips
  • Verify current sale price
  • Check shipping cost and timeline

Filtration Compatibility:

  • Primary filter/regulator has correct NPT size for compressor
  • Point-of-use filters are 1/4” NPT (match quick-connects and outlets)
  • Paint station components are compatible thread sizes
  • All components rated for compressed air service (not just water)

Quantities Match Your Layout:

  • Ball valves: 6 for drops + 1-2 spares = 7-8 total
  • Petcock drains: 6 for drip legs
  • Point-of-use filters: 6 (one per drop)
  • Pipe nipples: ~18 total (drip legs + filter connections)
  • Tee fittings: 6 for drip leg branches

Alternative Suppliers

If Amazon prices are high or products unavailable:

Industrial Suppliers:

Tool Stores:

Automotive Paint Suppliers:

  • TCP Global - Paint filtration specialists
  • Eastwood - Automotive finishing equipment
  • TP Tools - Professional paint booth supplies

Price Tracking Tips

  1. Amazon Price History:

    • Use CamelCamelCamel or Keepa browser extensions to track price drops
    • Set alerts for target prices on expensive items (primary filter, paint filtration)

  2. Sale Timing:

    • Black Friday / Cyber Monday (November)
    • Amazon Prime Day (July)
    • End-of-year clearance (December-January)

  3. Bundle Opportunities:

    • Check if Rapidair offers package deals (piping + fittration)
    • Look for multi-packs on ball valves, petcocks, filters

  4. Used/Open Box:

    • Amazon Warehouse Deals (filters, regulators)
    • eBay for Milton and DeVilbiss professional components
    • Do NOT buy used desiccant filters (may be saturated)

Notes

  • Prices are estimates - Always verify current pricing before purchase
  • Links verified active as of November 2025 - may change over time
  • Shipping costs not included - factor into budget
  • Sales tax varies by location
  • Consider freight shipping for Maxline kit if heavy

Last Updated: November 17, 2025 Project: Garage Compressed Air System Installation Reference: Air and Battery Tool Strategy

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