Compressor Noise Levels

[Rob Meixner]

My current air compressor is a Dewalt nail gun NL type compressor. I just measured the dB level with a phone app and it runs at 74 dB on the cement floor of my shop. It is fairly large. I am thinking of buying a smaller model 1P 1060s or P from California Air that claims 56 dB. Will this be a real improvement? I can't tell as I am deaf, but others I live with hope it will be. Thanks...Rob

[bildio]

Here's a review I posted on Amazon back in 2018. I think the 1060S will be an improvement over what you have now. Although I was disappointed with the noise level, it has a "dull" sound which makes it less offensive. If it wasn't described as ultra-quiet, I may have been more accepting of its noise level.

"I purchased the California Air Tools 2010A to replace a SilentAire SuperSilent 20A compressor. The 20A is a very nice, quiet compressor, but I was concerned about introducing oil into the air hose even though it has a couple of in-line filters. The noise level of the 2010A surprised me, i.e., it is much louder than I expected. Aside from the noise level, I'm satisfied with it. Anyway, I subsequently purchased a California Air Tools 1P1060S to see if it met my noise level expectations. Although, it is quieter than the 2010A, I still consider it too noisy.
I took some measurements using a sound meter app on my cell phone. Measurements were taken with the phone three feet away from the compressor. I think California Air Tools takes measurements at a greater distance, but I don't know what distance they use.
- 20A spec is 30 dB. I measured 33 dB
- 1P1060S spec is 56 dB. I measured 61 dB
- 2010A spec is 60 dB. I measured 70 dB
- Sears Craftsman 1.5 hp measured 71 dB"

[Rob Meixner]

Sounds like we live with it nd ise the money to order some additional templates from Steve. Thanks...Rob

[-Daniel-]

I use a SilAir 50/24 and that compressor is around 40db. Compared to other compressors it is very quiet. If it runs it is possible to talk to each other without much effort. Persons in a room next to you should not be bothered by the sound it makes. My airgraver is louder than the running compressor, thats for sure.

In my homeoffice workshop i have a SilAir 20A and that compressor is just a silent swirling sound as long as it runs. Not much more than the noise a running fridge does. And it delivers enough preassure to work with the airgraver.

[chujybear]

I run a jun air and a panther (they are the same guy). More or less the sound of a fridge

[MoldyJim]

I bought one of the Two gallon Fortress brand compressors from Harbor Freight, Yeah, I know...
Anyway it is pretty damn quiet. Very comfortable noise level.
Even in a small upstairs room it isn't audible downstairs.

On sale it was $139 I believe. Hopefully it will last for a while. They supposedly have a good reputation.

While it isn't big enough to run a rotary tool, for a Classic it works great.

[Rob Meixner]

Now that I have all the leaks closed, my compressor doesn't come on very often. Still the same noise level, just no as frequently. Down the road I will buy an engraving comressor because I need the one I currently use for other purposes and it is big for the bench that I have built.

[jldj]

Hulk makes quiet compressors. Their not as expensive as most of the super quiet compressors averaging between 3 and 4 hundred. One of theirs runs at 37db with the average being 40db. I have a small one in my store and it's pretty quiet.