Well, a typical question if you ask me. At the same time, it’s a really important “How To” question.
Seeing the environment, whether it is your shop, home, or garage you do need a focused, quiet and peaceful surrounding to do your DIY work. People like you and us are always crowded with noise-making tools all day long.
And the one that stands out the most in producing noise is that small compressor which is tucked away in a corner of your shop or home garage.
So, seeing myself as a DIY, woodworking hobbyist, and power tools owner. I thought of sharing some of the useful tips on how to deal with this bud or I should say “how to quiet an air compressor.
Tips on How to Quiet an Air Compressor?
These practical tips are sorted out in a step-by-step follow-up. Some are easy to follow while some require a bit of hard work and expertise. So, let’s start
Use Anti-Vibration Pads
You can slice down the noise of your air compressor by using absorbent material. Including are the anti-vibration pads which usually absorb a fair amount of vibration produced by the compressor.
These usually come in different dimensions of 4 x 4 Inches in smaller sizes. Or you can get a big one with 24 x 36 Inches. The dimensions depend on the type or size of the air compressor you’re using.
Now, these pads are mostly used for stationary air compressors. Since these types are not easy to move around here and there. But, that’s just my opinion you can use it for any compressor you want.
Use Rubber Grommets
These are ringed-shaped structures. Those are fitted between the mounting bracket of the motor and the frame of the air compressor. They usually come in different shapes and sizes depending on the air compressor itself.
Use an Intake Muffler or Silencer
Aside from the rubber grommets, another good option is the intake muffler or silencer. These mufflers do come in different types and from them, welded mufflers are the best.
Now, the question comes about the attachment. So, below is a list of steps you can take:
- Get two air hoses of optimal sizes so they can easily on the intake mouths.
- Attach the 1st end of air hoses to the compressor’s air intake. While the 2nd end goes into the muffler.
- Attach the catchers/clamps/clips on the air intake for gripping. So, the pipes don’t slide down or detach due to the flow of air.
Well, in my opinion as far as I have experienced myself that it does reduce noise up to 4 dB level range. But, it’s a rough estimate… As for you, it might be less or it might be more.
Use a Soundproof Box
This is a kind of DIY job if you’re not up to spending $$ for your compressor. Either you can buy the soundproof box from a compressor shop or you can contact a Woodworking DIY Expert to build you a custom DIY box for your compressor.
But, I say building a soundproof box on your own is more fun and interesting. It’s a proper step-by-step process to follow by using various tools.
- Good quality plywood sheets
- For ventilation, you need an exhaust fan
- For inner walls, you need the soundproof acoustic foams
- Adhesive glue to line up and attach the form with the walls
- Durable, optimum sized screw bolts for attaching the plywood
- An extra drain out valve for draining the compressor from outside
- An external compressor gauge system for pressure checking and maintaining
I think that’s pretty much what you need. As for the stats, the box does slice down the noise to a great extent. But, you must have to do the before and after noise check.
Use a Soundproof Blanket
Well, this is a much cheaper and easy option than the soundproof box. The soundproof blanket also comes in different sizes, designs and there are some with a universal fit.
These blankets usually cut down noise up to 5 dB. They are extremely convenient and easy to install with a hook and loop system.
Lubricate Your Compressor Properly
Always lube your air compressor parts properly thoroughly, regularly with a scheduled time. Because the lubrication prevents the friction problem and allows the compressor parts to run and work smoothly.
Whereas on the other hand, if proper lubrication is not done. Its bearings will start becoming dry and produce heat and the parts will collide with each other to cause you a whole heap of trouble.
Some of them are as below:
- The Noise level Increases
- The compressor has to work doubly hard
- The compressor takes a long time to cool down
- And, the life span of the compressor is also shortened
- Compressor parts collide with each other causing internal damage
Maintain the Distance
Always, make sure to keep your distance from the air compressor. Because the noise level significantly drops as you move away from the source.
I suggest you should move or stack your air compressor away from your working place according to its size, not in a close shack but, in an open space. So, the sound has a wide room to fade away quickly.
Finally, Get a Quiet Air Compressor
Well, the last thing only comes when the condition of your compressor is worse. So, I advise you to get a quiet air compressor for your work. Remember, the compressors are divided based on the noise range they have.
Here is a small list to make your work easy. And I’ll be going from high to low:
- High Noise Level – 80 dB to 90 dB and More
- Moderate Noise Level – 65 dB to 70, 75 dB
- Quieter Operation – 50 dB to 65 dB Range
Conclusion
What I say in the end is that these tips are pretty much tested again and again and are suited for every compressor. Every compressor type has its own noise range as above you have seen and apply these tips will obviously get you different results.
So, just get to the practical part and apply these tips to get good results. Plus, if you have thoughts bustling on your mind let us know at meet everything. And if your compressor is old and worn out. Then, do get a new one.