Buying 1st Compressor

[thejimmy]

I have a TIG welding setup in the garage and want to add compressed air to my tool capability. I think I've decided on the Eagle Silent Series 2.5-HP 20-Gallon air compressor. Don't intend to use it for air tools, maybe a little, all my tools are electric, but want to be able to clean/blow off parts etc.

I know I can add a dryer to the line, is anything else needed to get dry air?

 

[Citation]

Seems like way over kill for what you are looking to do.

I suspect that is the same 2hp pump that California Air Tools used on their 2hp models. The CAT compressors are less expensive for the same pump though they come with smaller tanks.
The 1hp CAT models are quiet popular. Many around here love the 5510, 5.5 gallon, 1hp. Those are about $160 off sale. They are weak for air tools but fine for the blow gun and airing tires. They are also a lot cheaper.

One final thing, I wouldn't trust that company's specs. They are clearly willing to use deceptive methods to get better numbers. Take their noise level claim. If this is the same 2hp pump as CAT and others use them it's about 70db at 1m. Note they rated at 25ft or about 8m. Sound levels drop 6db each time you double the distance. At 25ft the distance was doubled 3 times so the 70db pump is now just 52db. This is a quiet pump but no more than the 2hp CAT and about 10db louder than the 1hp CATs.

If you are just being air on parts a simple particle filter is more than enough.

 

[thejimmy]

Thanks Citation, I'll take a look at the other models

 

[Mhyde52]

If it were me, I'd buy a less expensive compressor from HF or one of the home improvement stores, on sale. When or if you need to upgrade at some point, spend some real money for a shop air compressor later. You don't need much to blow off parts, or run a small air tool on rare occasions.