need a quiet air compressor recommendation

[laser3kw]

I am in need of a small, quiet air compressor as a support for my mill. The use would be to actuate the power draw bar (2 second burst while changing tool) and possibly for a air nozzle to evacuate chips (low volume, switched on/off with spindle). Can't / don't want to use big compressor or run air line across shop.
The key is quiet first off, size can be adjusted. Has anyone used similar to this :
quiet air compressor (link)
This is just an example. There are others like this available used, locally.
thanks

 

[gizardlizard]

California Air

 

[acer66]

What gizardlizard said, the first time I heard or more listened to one I could not believe how quiet it was.

 

[GeoBruin]

Harbor freight has their Fortress line of quiet compressors available in 1, 2, 10, and 25 gallons. They're all a pretty good value in the segment.

California Air tools has similarly sized models that make slightly more air for a given size and are about $100 - $200 more expensive depending on the model. They also offer more options in terms of tank sizes/configurations, tank material, and engine HP throughout their line.

CAT also has a new Continuous line but the models are limited, they're very expensive, and they're not as quiet. For the use case you're describing, I would go with the conventional models.

Otherwise, just about every big box store brand (Husky, Kobalt, etc) has come out with an ultra quiet model using similar technology which you may be able to find for cheaper or on sale.

Note, these are all oilless models which is going to be the easiest and most economical way to do what you're looking to do.

70 decibles in my experience is pretty damn quiet in a shop environment and anything less than that is just icing on the cake. There's always someone who pops into these threads to point out that there are quieter options available but they're waaay more expensive and typically have lower output.

Good luck.

 

[General Geoff]

There's always someone who pops into these threads to point out that there are quieter options available but they're waaay more expensive and typically have lower output.

Well there is one really quiet and relatively inexpensive option with lower output but you ain't gonna like it

 

[GeoBruin]

Well there is one really quiet and relatively inexpensive option with lower output but you ain't gonna like it

I appreciate the spirit of the joke but you happened to grab a photo of a Silca Superpista Ultimate pump which has an msrp of nearly $500. Nearly every compressor mentioned above can be had for that much or less.

 

[kbeefy]

I'm happy with my california air. My friends are shocked at how quiet it is.

 

[General Geoff]

I appreciate the spirit of the joke but you happened to grab a photo of a Silca Superpista Ultimate pump which has an msrp of nearly $500. Nearly every compressor mentioned above can be had for that much or less.

So, just like you said! Waaaay more expensive and with lower output!

 

[Sumboodie]

Old fridge compressor will be maybe 30-40db.
And nearly free.

 

[gizardlizard]

Forgot to mention….there is another that is very quiet. Check into the Eagle Air silent series. They are awesome as well. I have one at work when I need portable air.

 

[jonesg]

my compressor is almost silent unless you stand near it, its in the basement of the house, pex style airline runs under the garden and drops down from the garage ceiling in 3 locations. Its a 240v HF 21 gal and deafening if nearby.

Wife was wondering what "that Noise" is, I say its our fancy hybrid water heater that runs on air and gives free hot water.

 

[GeoBruin]

Forgot to mention….there is another that is very quiet. Check into the Eagle Air silent series. They are awesome as well. I have one at work when I need portable air.

And I forgot to mention, user @Hatsuwr put together a great comparison spreadsheet here.

 

[Citation]

I have a CAT 5510A. It's quiet but I'm not overly impressed with the build quality outside of the pump itself. I purchased a Goodyear 8gallon quiet compressor from Walmart last summer. They are something like $180 and have performance similar to my CAT compressor. At current prices I would pick it over the low end CAT models. I do like that my CAT has an aluminum tank. It's light and no rust issues.