Noise Insulation for shop compressor?

dragoneggs · Aug 24, 2020

Doofy said:
Informative write-up. My silencers should be here later this week so I will be experimenting to get the decibel numbers down. I am glad my intake is tapped for pipe behind that ridiculous plastic box. At least yours has something that actually resembles an air filter.

Yeah adding a muffler on mine looks to be a challenge. If anyone has any bright ideas I'm all ears.

downsizingnow48 · Aug 24, 2020

Hard to know if it is worthwhile, maybe the existing setup is attenuating the sound pretty well. You could test the db with and without.

But it could be done simply I think. Make a replacement top plate of 1/4" aluminum, drilled to take one or two of the standard air cleaner/mufflers. Screw on with existing screws. Then block off the existing opening with whatever is handy and set in with some adhesive. Might be worth an hour or two to do that.

Doofy · Aug 24, 2020

dragoneggs said:
Yeah adding a muffler on mine looks to be a challenge. If anyone has any bright ideas I'm all ears.

It does look challenging. It appears like the reed valves are right there with no pipe fittings to use. Interesting. I will know if the silencers are worth messing with later in the week.

ruffdog · Aug 24, 2020

Polar Air runs a bigger pump at a slower speed and has a huge silencer box that the intake lines are plumbed to.

Polar Air by Eaton Compressor Whisper 1 Silent air Compressor - YouTube

dragoneggs · Aug 24, 2020

Or I could just settle on this...

Amazon.com: California Air Tools 6

DCADC Ultra Quiet, Ultra Dry Oil-Free 4. Hp: Home Improvement

Is 75dB worth it?

ruffdog · Aug 24, 2020

dragoneggs said:
Is 75dB worth it?

When you drop from 90dB to 75dB, the noise level drops 5x............that is a huge difference.

pmsmechanic · Aug 24, 2020

ruffdog said:
When you drop from 90dB to 75dB, the noise level drops 5x............that is a huge difference.

I agree that's a huge difference, but at $3,520.09..... The question was "Is it worth it?" I say no.

dragoneggs · Aug 24, 2020

ruffdog said:
When you drop from 90dB to 75dB, the noise level drops 5x............that is a huge difference.

I get the log scale for dB and that is a huge drop, but honestly I don't have a clue what 5x means in terms of audible sound. Need to hear it side by side.

pmsmechanic said:
I agree that's a huge difference, but at $3,520.09..... The question was "Is it worth it?" I say no.

Worth it... nope. Got other tools I 'need' first. Time to get on with the design of the outhouse for the compressor. Doghouse is covered... that is my shop. Recently plumbed for a sink and small fridge, just need a foldable cot. :laughing:

Doofy · Aug 24, 2020

75dB is about as loud as a toilet flushing or a vacuum cleaner. That level will not damage your hearing. Usually, anything above 85 dB could possibly cause problems with extended exposure. I will get my compressor down to 75-80dB for hopefully less than $30.