Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Soften Air Compressor Noise

Just got an AC from Santa, just for use around the garage, fill tires, a couple air tools etc. The only problem is that it is LOUD. I've been thinking about building a box to enclose it in or somehow cover it (vented though for cooling and air intake). Maybe insulate the feet... get the drift?

Anyone have any luck with this? It probably won't be moved too often from where it lands.

Oilless compressors tend to be loud. I sold my first one to a neighbor because I couldn't stand the noise. Putting it in a different room and running air line to where you are is probably the only option. Putting it in a box that reduced noise at all would reduce air flow to the extent that it couldn't work or cool properly.

You would likely have an oil less type compressor and really can not do much with dampening the noise.
Any enclosure that would make any difference to the sound would be too restrictive and cause it to overheat.

The best way of making your shop more quiet would be to try to put some distance between you and the compressor.
If not in a cold climate you could mount yours outside and pipe the air into the shop or at the least put it in a corner that is far away from where you are working.


Not sure if this is a possibility but depending where it was purchased, returning it and getting a credit towards an oil filled belt drive unit might be a better long term solution.

Thanks for the info. This is my first one, so I'll keep it for awhile and see how much use it REALLY gets. Next time I'll look for an oiled type. I'll probably get another hose and relocate it....

Come to think of it... out utility room/laundry room is diagonally under the garage. Hope the wife doesn't mind when the thing kicks on. :D

Hope the wife doesn't mind when the thing kicks on. :D

Don't make the cook mad :D ;)

I've only owned the oil filled air pumps but I still like installing them in a seperate room - it does help a lot! I have an 8'x15' tool room next to my shop with my 60 gal comp in it. You can still hear it in the shop with the door closed but it isn't bad ;)

I use the double hot dog Ridgid oiled for jobsites. We have an occasional trade bring their oilless in. We make them put the compressor in the yard and run hoses. So much noise!! Quick recovery time, but the noise is unbearable. Now as far as putting it in the laundry room, your brain will kick in as soon as New Year's wears off.