Quiet Air Compressor

[Gary R.]

Kind of off topic but may apply to others here. I plan on setting up my home shop and will need a good quality air compressor for a blast cabinet. Probably 5 hp 2 stage around 15 cfm 240vac 1 phase BUT I need a quiet one. I don't need to spend $5k plus for a screw machine either, not for 10 hours a week use.

I realize asking about a quiet compressor is like asking how high is up but does anyone here have one that won't drive you out of the garage or annoy the neighbors?

Thanks

Gary

[Tom L.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

If the structure hasn't been built consider putting a basement under the garage. In the scope of things it is inexpensive storage space and I have my noisemaker down there. Just a line up into the garage, never hear it. A beautiful thing : )

[Peter M.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

Gary,
There was a advertisement in Hemmings recently that I thought was interesting.
The description was, Champion 2-stage four piston V pump, low 575RPM, 25.8 CFM, 80 gallon tank. 15 HP pump slowed down to 7.5 HP, quiet, heavy duty, slow turning. The ad stated single phase as well as other specifications.
Pacific Air Compressors
I have not had any experience with them.
Kind regards

[Gary R.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

The garage is built and on slab. I thought about breaking it down and putting the pump and motor in the loft but there's not a lot of room there and the heat would build up fast. Servicing it wouldn't be easy and I'm not getting any younger. So that kind of rules that out.

Peter that Champion sounds interesting, more then I need but I wonder if they make a similar smaller one. The hard thing is trying to gauge the noise level. It could vary from one garage to another. Champion has a good name that I am aware of.

[Gary J.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

Sounds like this is going to be on the inside correct? Mine is on the inside and I tolerate the noise. I am planning on moving it outside. I am going to pour a slab, then build a lean-to. Mine air compressor is a Champion.

[Gary R.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

Hi Gary
Yes. inside. I thought about doing that too but have limited access behind the garage with a fence about 4' away. I like the looks of some of the Champions I have seen online.

[Gary J.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

Maybe you could go to a Champion dealer to see if they have one in service so you can hear the noise level. Mine has served me well. Just make sure to get one big enough to handle the cfm's of he glass bead cabinet.

[John D.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

Gary, I can fully understand your concern on a quiet air compressor. Last year I bought a small Kobalt 8 gal 1/8 HP one. Its' soooo noisy I have to first put on my ear protectors before I turn it on.
My old Sears 5HP Air compressor developed a hole in the tank. My fault for not draining it all the time. I took it to get welded up hopefully as thata compressor was fairly quiet. John

[Stephen L.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

How about building an enclosure with insulation in it, in the area where you have the compressor. The insulation does wonders muffling the noise.

[Gary R.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

Yes I thought about that too but space is going to be tight between a lathe, Bridgeport, surface grinder, press, wash tank, blast cabinet, etc plus 2 vettes. I was looking on youtube at the Emax compressors but it's hard to gauge noise watching them. I have a couple of months to decide as I still have more items to move in and it will be getting cold here next month.

We just got in a new IR 30hp screw that is supposed to be in the 65-67 db range. We are down sizing from two 50hp IR screws and those scream.

[Jim D.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

Gary, There are several displays of compressors at SEMA and I remember one has a unit that you can hardly hear. I'll check them out and get back to you. One issue with putting them outside the shop in an unheated area is that if you live where it gets somewhat cool, they will produce more water than you can imagine. I'll send you a PM when I get back from Vegas.

[Gary R.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

Thanks Jim. In CT it gets cold. A few weeks ago on the Sunday morning car shows I had on I caught part of a story of a quiet Atlas Copo compressor. It was probably a screw and most likely in the 8-$10k range. I would rather buy another C3 for that and work on it.

[Joe R.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

Hi Gary,

You might try the Quincy QT-5. It's made in the USA and is supposedly pretty quiet. Here's some info:

https://www.google.com/search?q=quincy+qt-5&oq=quincy+qt-5&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i67k1j0l9.16376.19260.0.20637.24.15.0.0.0.0.134.1495.8j7.15.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..13.11.1079...33i21k1j0i22i30k1j0i22i10i30k1.0.8fFj6WTGCp8

I am also on GarageJournal.com thanks to Terry Mc. Thanks Terry! They have a pretty extensive air compressor thread that I subscribe to. I can post up a link if you like. I wouldn't recommend putting it outside, it won't last very long. If you put it in a box inside the garage, please make sure it gets plenty of ventilation.

Joe

[Gary R.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

Thanks Joe.
I am also on GJ and asked the question there as well. So far it seems like the Emax 5 hp leads in being quiet. It would be nice to really hear one. They run about $400-$500 more then the QT-5 but if it's really that quiet I would be interested in one. I don't know the difference between the Emax and Polar compressors, same guy is selling them in the same showroom on youtube?

[John D.]

Re: Quiet Air Compressor

How about building an enclosure with insulation in it, in the area where you have the compressor. The insulation does wonders muffling the noise.

Stephen. The air compressor is right next to my workbench. Actually under a workbench next to the one I use the most. I have at least 6 workbenches. Just used the air compressor to get some air in it. With my ear protectors on.
It's not long for this world though as I just have to get another 1st class compressor as I use the air tool a dozen times a day. John