All Replies on Looking for a Quiet Compressor - Suggestions?

Build a cabinet/shed outside of your regular shop and insulate it from noise. Then pipe the air in.

-- HorizontalMike -- "Woodpeckers understand..."

There is a small Makita unit (MAC something model number, I’m mobile right now, sorry) that is touted as one of the quietest compressors available. It’s about $250 last I checked so not cheap but if you’re after quiet and portable and small this may be it. A quick look on amazon I’m sure will yield the results I’m talking about.

-- Matt, Illinois, http://www.reintroducing.com

I have the Makita MAC2400 and it is the quietest compressor out there. It’s an oiled compressor. The oil-less ones are so noisy I had to put mine outside the garage when I wanted to use it. I can run the Makita next to my work bench and cary on a conversation with out the discomfort of noise. I bought mine through Home Depot and I got the veterans discount and tax free since I had it delivered to the store across the river.
Unless your trying to run a spray gun constantly this is a great unit. I can run 2 nail guns with it and it works great.

-- www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

I run a 33gal compressor and it rarely runs because of its capacity. Something to consider…

-- HorizontalMike -- "Woodpeckers understand..."

Thx guys. Mike if I had somewhere I could properly put my compressor outside my shop I would gladly go that route. then I would get a larger compressor. Unfortunately, I can’t really do that. Not until I get a proper shop built in the backyard.

I just checked the MAC2400 and I see it’s rated 79db. HomeDepot.ca has a California Air Tools compressor (1hp 3 gal) rated 60 dB! Maybe I’ll do a bit of research on that one as well. Never heard of them before but I’m sure Google can help out :-)

Not true that oilless are loud I own a thomas and it is whisper quiet it will run a framing gun although you won’t be firing a dozen nails without it cycling. Works great for finish work . Light weight and starts in the cold without kicking the breaker like the oil filled ones.

-- nelson woodcrafters

The makita compressors are about as quiet as you’ll find. Their motors run at half the speed of most compressors, but have large pistons/bores to compensate. I almost bought a makita, but decided to go with a Senco instead.
FWIW, I upgraded to the (oil-lube) Senco from an oil less, 3 gal pancake compressor. The Senco is noticeably less noisy, and at 4.3 gal it doesn’t have to recharge as often. The more powerful motor also fills and recharges faster too.
Bottom line is that most any oil-lube model will be quieter than an oil less unit.

Here is another option. Rolairs generally get good reviews and this one is also listed as 60 dB.

-- Art

I have a Rolair JC10. Extremely quiet, worth every penny.

-- Optimists are usually disappointed. Pessimists are either right or pleasantly surprised. I tend to be a disappointed pessimist.

The DeWalt 55146 is supposed to be good and quiet,(78 dba).
4.5 gallon 200 psi max,5.2 cfm @ 90psi,1.6 HP, portable.
Available at HD for around 350 dollars.

They also have a 1.1 Hp. Model w/4 gallon tank. Probably quieter than the 55146

Not as quiet as the Rolaire. This Dewalt has been
on the market since at least 2008 , so there are quieter compressors.
Depends on your needs I suppose.

Dewalt Air Compressor

I haven’t tried one but if I was looking for a new portable
compressor I would seriously look at the Rolair line.

If your compressor isn’t cutting out, it must either blow
the safety valve or you have a compressor leak
or you have an air line leak. The air has to go somewhere.

If you are looking for something around the size of your current unit that is quiet this is your best bet. They do have some larger sizes also.

Link

I have a rolair jc10; you can carry a conversation right next to it.

Just make sure you don’t forget about the other specs that matter.
I’m sure there is a trade-off somewhere between being
quiet and yet robust enough to tackle the jobs you want
to use it for.

Another vote for the Makita MAC2400. By far the quietest compressor I’ve ever owned.

-- John, BC, Canada

Rolair JC-10 small but mighty and only 60db running.

-- Improvidus, Apto quod Victum-- Improvise, Adapt, Overcome

Have you opened yours up to check it yet? Might just be the pressure switch. Perhaps the points are stuck? That’s an easy fix with a small file

-- Perform A Random Act Of Kindness Today ... Pay It Forward

Rolair JC10…it’s a trim compressor, light, sturdy, and super quiet…the customer service is top notch if needed too. You can have a normal convo while standing next to it.

Another one for the Rolair JC-10. It is seriously only a little louder than an old refrigerator and a little quieter than my window air-conditioner.