Quiet Air Compressor?

[jimainiac]

Are there any medium sized, homeowner type, 120 volt tank mounted air compressors out there that are relatively quiet? The first one I ever had, a long long time ago was quiet. It had a seperate motor and compressor, but it didn't have nearly enough capacity. The one I have now is adequate, but, man, is it noisy! I'd really like to get a quiet one, but for all I know they're all noisy now, and that's something you can't tell 'til you bring it home and plug it in.

 

[kennyd]

What is your price range, and what capacity do you need? What are you running off of it?

Most two stage oil filled compressors are a lot quieter that single stage oil-less units. I think the 120v requirement you posted is going to be the problem though...

 

[cherron]

One of several jobs I have is a PT tool specialist @ Lowes. I frankly don't believe there is a small to normal-sized, general use oil-less 110-120 Volt Compressor made, that falls under the 85-decibal OSHA limitation where hearing protection becomes a requirement. I'm told there are a couple of very small 1 HP compressors, used specifically for small nailers that would qualify, then some of your larger 7.5 HP and up, 220-440 volt "oiler" dual compression-compressors make the cut. But in general, most smaller compressors are made for outdoor use, and not for use within an enclosed area (without hearing protection) where the sound reverberates and really rattles your brain.

Another area of concern - Shop Vacs are finally getting their decibals down to the area where they can be sold as "quiet" (under 85 decibals) vacs.

Chuck Herron

 

[MrJimi]

Like Ken just posted, we have no idea what you call medium AC. I would recommend a 2 piston, 20 gallon tank or larger AC, with oiling and make sure you check the unit's CFM rating to make sure it will meet your needs
That should make your day. And if it's too loud, just put it in another room/building nearby like I did. I can talk over the phone with mine running easy
Jim

 

[BTDT]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...essor-not-building-up-compressor-pics-007.jpg

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...essor-not-building-up-compressor-pics-008.jpg

Here is a pic of my compressor. "I" think it is relatively quiet. I think most businesses with compressors have them outside or in their "own" closet due to them being noisy. Just the nature of the beast. But, some are more noisy than others. Go around to some tire dealers, mechanic shops, and see what they have and listen to them run, you could purchase accordingly.

 

[Lynkage]

Quite air compressors are tough to find. You can build one if you are familiar with how they work. If not the things to look for are:
1) 1750 RPM motor
2) separate over sized compressor

What manufacturers typically do is under size the pump and oversize the motor. Almost always they are 3450 rpm motors. The higher speed of the motor wears the pump faster and we have what we call disposable compressors.

My friend and I built a 1.5 hp 20gal 9cfm compressor and it is very quite (72-74db @ 3ft). We made it from parts that were free -the pressure valve $20 at Grainger.

The box stores will NOT have this kind of compressor.
I have found that Harbor freight has a pretty decent very small compressor that does fit the quite bill. Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

It has the 1750 motor and has a cast iron cylinder which means it will last much longer.

I went to a place called Eaton Compressor for my 5hp 3cylinder 2stage 25cfm @90psi 80gal unit and paid 1500 including freight to Denver. They are very nice people and give a fantastic warranty (5 years on everything).

The reason I say this is when I was shopping for a compressor the same IR was 4300.

With that said any oilless will be loud!

Happy compressor shopping.

 

[Timber]

quiet compressors are th 2 cylinder type. The diagram compressor is the one that is loud and vibrates across the shop

 

[VA_Joe]

And if you are putting it in an attached garage with a master bedroom above it - make sure it is on a timer so it doesn't run in the middle of the night. Don't ask me how I know this. The Mrs. was not amused.

Joe

 

[DieselPower]

The majority of the noise you hear from a compressor comes from the intake. I purchased a couple of compressor intake filter/mufflers a few years back. WOW! What a difference. You can actually hear the electric motor's run now. You can also plumb your air intake to the outside. A shop I once worked at had all their air compressor intakes run to the outside. Quiet as a mouse inside and noisy as all heck outside.

 

[jimainiac]

Thanks for the replies. I don't know what capacity my compressor is, the labels are gone. It's a Craftsman, about 15 years old or so. I don't have air tools, I use it for blowing up tires, and mostly for blowing off parts. I think the tank is about 15-20 gallons, horizotal and on wheels for dragging around. Sounds like what I was afraid of, it's the nature of the beast to be noisy, but I was hoping they had made a major breakthrough in recent years.
If, as you say, they're starting to make shop-vacs quieter, maybe there's hope for the future. Seems like it would be a good selling point, "Hey everybody, we have the quietest air compressor!" Or maybe it's just not a high priority to people.