60 Gal HF / Central Pneumatic Compressor - Noise Level

dtbingle · Aug 11, 2016

A couple months ago, I purchased the Central Pneumatic 29-gallon Air Compressor item #61489. Unit was fine, no leaks and reasonable sound level, but the output simply wasn't enough after getting a sandblast cabinet and a few other air hogs.

For the price, the 60-gallon HF/CN unit was priced well for being a two-stage 5hp compressor. I returned the 29-gallon and bought the 60-gallon. After installing the 60-gallon, the noise level was mind numbing. I took A-weighted SPL measurements of both compressors using the SPL feature in the AudioTools app for iOS. The results:

29-Gallon HF/CN Air Compressor - item #61489
Price: $359.99 + $108.49 (2-yr warranty) = $468.48

SPL (dBA) @ 1 ft: 89 dB
SPL (dBA) @ 5 ft: 83 dB

60-Gallon HF/CN Air Compressor - item #93274
Price: $799.99 + $169.99 (2-yr warranty) = $969.98

SPL (dBA) @ 1 ft: 96 dB
SPL (dBA) @ 5 ft: 90 dB

Now regardless of the "absolute" accuracy from the iPhone measurement, it does give a relative measurement. The 60-gallon unit is roughly 6 dB louder than the 29-gallon unit. 6 dB in the sound world is considered to be twice as loud. I'm looking for advice on this excessive noise level. Some options:

1) Solberg filter/silencer on the air intake. However, all of the ones I see have a standard threaded pipe connection. Unless I'm missing something, the air intake on the 60-gallon is rectangular. Are there filters/mufflers to connect to this?

2) Compressor enclosure. I'm sure searching will yield a bunch of designs that address the noise along with keeping heat down.

3) Return the 60-gallon HF/CN and buy a Quincy 2V41C60VC which seems to be reviewed and rated as a pretty quiet compressor. However, this would cost: $1299 compressor, $170 extended warranty kit, $160 restocking fee on HF unit. This totals $1629 for the Quincy vs. $969.48 paid for the HF.

**Building a separate enclosure outside of the garage/working area is not an option

dbabicky · Aug 11, 2016

Build a vented breathable enclosure around the compressor. You could put a fan in there to make sure the air circulates. Use cork or Styrofoam as sound deadening.

md21722 · Aug 11, 2016

I have not heard the Quincy 2V41C60VC run in person. It is built on the QT-54 pump which spins at 1,310 RPM. Here is a video

. Most of the folks commenting on how quiet their new oil lubed, belt driven compressor is have just upgraded from oilless so they see an improvement. If you want quieter, look for something that runs 900 RPM or below.

dtbingle · Aug 11, 2016

md21722 said:
I have not heard the Quincy 2V41C60VC run in person. It is built on the QT-54 pump which spins at 1,310 RPM. Here is a video

. Most of the folks commenting on how quiet their new oil lubed, belt driven compressor is have just upgraded from oilless so they see an improvement. If you want quieter, look for something that runs 900 RPM or below.

Fair point! I noticed this is as well, but then saw this link. The review has it listed at 75 dBA, but doesn't give a distance. Also, 75 dBA.....that seems suspiciously too quiet considering the 29-gallon HF I had was reasonable and still clocked 83 - 89 dBA (@ 5 and 1 ft).

BUT, from the two posts so far, it seems like while the Quincy may be "more quiet", it may not be quiet enough to warrant the additional $600-700.

Awaiting more responses!

lewis26 · Aug 11, 2016

I don't see a welder in your pics of your shop, but if you have one, it wouldn't a huge task to build an adapter to go from the odd rectangle inlet to a pair of threaded outlets for solberg silencers.

SMKS · Aug 11, 2016

This is why compressor rooms exist.

Many air compressors are very loud. That's no surprise. With those db levels you really should be wearing ear muffs or other hearing protection.

Just thank your lucky stars you aren't dealing with one of the ultra-noisy direct-drive compressors. I have an air compressor room and it's still annoyingly loud outside the compressor room when my direct-drive oil less compressor is running.

So, get used to wearing ear muffs and/or build an enclosure in the garage for it.

Here are some affordable 3M ear muffs that are good quality and comfortable. I just bought a pair to replace some old ones I had.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017YLTAI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

EDIT - these are only rated up to 95 db, so you may actually want to step up to the next ones they offer.

md21722 · Aug 11, 2016

Go to about 10 minutes in this video.

He has a QT-54. Sounds a lot like the first video I posted. I get a headache from these videos.

My suggestion is to keep what you have, or be prepared to pay a bunch more.

71goldss · Aug 11, 2016

I have that model Quincy and though I'm happy with it's performance, I've always been unhappy with it's noise level. I've posted on many threads regarding this issue in the past. I ended up building a sound proof closet with an exhaust fan in the ceiling to draw air in from the bottom of the door and pull the air up over the compressor and escape out the ceiling. Works great and I'm very happy with the results.

Unless you go with a slower rpm compressor, you'll be wasting your money switching to this model Quincy to reduce sound level. If memory serves me, the db level on my Quincy was 101 at about a foot away when I first tested it before building the closet. Most of the sound on mine comes from the whine of that baldor motor.

aka Larry · Aug 11, 2016

Very easy to build an adapter plate so you can use a Solberg silencer. You just need a flat plate with an NPT connection that can added by welding a pipe coupling to the plate. If you can't do that, several other GJ members can likely machine you an adapter plate from aluminum. Send Kevin54 a PM and I'll bet he can help you.

dtbingle · Aug 11, 2016

71goldss said:
I have that model Quincy and though I'm happy with it's performance, I've always been unhappy with it's noise level. I've posted on many threads regarding this issue in the past. I ended up building a sound proof closet with an exhaust fan in the ceiling to draw air in from the bottom of the door and pull the air up over the compressor and escape out the ceiling. Works great and I'm very happy with the results.

Unless you go with a slower rpm compressor, you'll be wasting your money switching to this model Quincy to reduce sound level. If memory serves me, the db level on my Quincy was 101 at about a foot away when I first tested it before building the closet. Most of the sound on mine comes from the whine of that baldor motor.

Holy ****, I guess this one isn't too bad then! Time to focus on sound abatement, starting with a pair of solberg filters. PMing Kevin54 now.

CompressorPros.com · Aug 13, 2016

There is a filter adapter that is used for other brands of that same (or similar) unit. I'll try to remember to get the part number on Monday. I believe it has a 1/2" female thread port to screw in a Solberg filter.

danielbuck · Aug 13, 2016

I just went through a few things to quiet down my 60gal compressor (not HF, but they are probably all the same). Good pads under the feet, keep your welding magnets on the tank, and plum the air filter with remotely located mufflers.

I had to make a plate to cover the intake on mine, and then just ran hoses.

Mackie007 · Aug 13, 2016

I changed the motor pulley to a smaller one on my 80 gallon compressor. It lowered the RPM from 1200 to around 800. Its very noticeably quieter, and I know the compressor is going to live much longer. Yes you will lose some CFM, but I doubt you will run into any issues with that. My compressor cycles on at 130 lbs off 160 lbs, before pulley reduction took 1 minute to cycle, after pulley reduction 1 min 15 secs. Well worth the huge noise reduction in my case.

Best regards, Mac

EdT · Aug 13, 2016

I was looking at the HF 60 gallon to better support my sand blaster. I came across a Saylor Beall 5HP 80 gallon at an estate auction and got it for somewhat less than the HF unit. It has WEG honest to god 5 HP motor and the compressor runs at about 800 RPM. It is quiet enough that you can have a normal conversation right next to it when it's running. I was pretty impressed. It will still take the empty 80 gallon tank from empty to 145PSI in about five minutes which is way better than my ancient CH single stage 60 gallon unit. I think a big chunk of the noise is compressor RPM and, in this case, another big chunk is 628# of sound deadening mass. It's a moose. The 'so what" of this relevant to the OP's question is, as noted above, if you can get the pump RPM down, it'll probably be quieter and the motor won't work quite as hard and the compressor will have an easier life too.

dtbingle · Aug 16, 2016

Mackie007 said:
I changed the motor pulley to a smaller one on my 80 gallon compressor. It lowered the RPM from 1200 to around 800. Its very noticeably quieter, and I know the compressor is going to live much longer. Yes you will lose some CFM, but I doubt you will run into any issues with that. My compressor cycles on at 130 lbs off 160 lbs, before pulley reduction took 1 minute to cycle, after pulley reduction 1 min 15 secs. Well worth the huge noise reduction in my case.

Best regards, Mac

It's likely a box would be built before changing pulleys, but just in case, where did you get the smaller motor pulley from?

59 wagon man · Aug 16, 2016

i put mine hf unit outside is a rubbermaid shed quiet ,runs fine put a shutoff valve right next to my workbench ,been that way for 6 yrs now

JohnnyK8 · Aug 16, 2016

I was amazed as how quiet my 60 gallon 2 stage HF compressor was compared to my old 21 gallon. Mine looks different than yours though. Mine has two filters.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

shannonw · Aug 16, 2016

I’ve noticed most of the noise is tank ringing, generally when the pressure builds up.
Mines an 80s 2 stage matco (IR)

When i refreshed it, I put isolators (heavy rubber sheet between the motor and tank thinking it may help noise transfer), running the intake up high made some difference (but i think all it does is change the tone). But the only difference that seems noticeable is a piece of plywood in front of the tank...noticeably different even with the motor exposed.

I vote enclosure or wear ear protection.

dtbingle · Aug 17, 2016

JohnnyK8 said:
I was amazed as how quiet my 60 gallon 2 stage HF compressor was compared to my old 21 gallon. Mine looks different than yours though. Mine has two filters.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Hmm is it the HF U.S. General version or the Central Pneumatic one? Mine is the Central Pneumatic one.

aka Larry · Aug 17, 2016

Did you contact Kevin54 about making you an adapter plate?

Gamble · Aug 17, 2016

Do those intakes hold any pressure? I have the same compressor (29 gallon) and don't like how loud it is.
I wanted to do the intake as well.

I guess I could cut a square with 2 bolt holes and weld it up and weld a bung to hold the intake filter but does that have an O ring where the box fits against the head?

JohnnyK8 · Aug 17, 2016

dtbingle said:
Hmm is it the HF U.S. General version or the Central Pneumatic one? Mine is the Central Pneumatic one.

Central Pneumatic - 3 filters I misspoke

Bought it a couple months ago.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

dtbingle · Aug 18, 2016

aka Larry said:
Did you contact Kevin54 about making you an adapter plate?

Yes I did! Quick turnaround time....he got it done and shipped out in basically a day haha. His work was perfect, however, the dimensions I gave him are causing issues not thought of initially. The two 1/2" NPT holes in the adapter plate were too close together (one for each solberg filter). The straight pipe ******* fit fine, however, the OD of pipe couplings to angle to filters upwards are too large to be screwed on. In order to make it work, two things had to be done:

1) use a dremel and shave down the outside of the 45deg pipe coupling
2) have one short pipe ****** and the other extend farther out before attaching the 45deg coupling (ie. 1 one long and 1 short pipe ******)

I'll post pics once it's all together.

Gamble said:
Do those intakes hold any pressure? I have the same compressor (29 gallon) and don't like how loud it is.
I wanted to do the intake as well.

I guess I could cut a square with 2 bolt holes and weld it up and weld a bung to hold the intake filter but does that have an O ring where the box fits against the head?

I don't think it holds any pressure.

No rubber O ring or anything fancy. I'll take a picture later of the back of the stock air filter, but it's just a plastic lip built into the intake housing that runs around the perimeter of the rectangular opening on the pump. Tightening the bolt just presses the plastic lip against the compressor intake. No fancy sealing gaskets.

JohnnyK8 said:
Central Pneumatic - 3 filters I misspoke

Bought it a couple months ago.

Haven't seen that model haha. What item # is it? Mine is the #93274. Also, what do the pump, motor, and tank say for manufacturing location? The compressor I have is pump in Italy, motor in Ohio, and don't remember tank.

Pump

Motor

Tank

Gamble · Aug 18, 2016

Lets see what kevin made you and how well will it work with the filters? I will probably take one too!

aka Larry · Aug 18, 2016

dtbingle said:
Yes I did! Quick turnaround time....he got it done and shipped out in basically a day haha. His work was perfect..

Cool. Glad to hear he could help you out. He's fabricated a few things for me and he does great work.

So with the adapter and Solbergs in place, much more quiet eh? They sure made a big difference on my compressor.

CompressorPros.com · Aug 18, 2016

Atlas Copco has that adapter, part number 1312100377, sells for $23.89

I believe the existing bolts would work, but those are 1312100082 $3.23 ea

Since this is just an intake and not under pressure, there is no gasket, but you could always cut one with gasket material if you wanted one

Gamble · Aug 18, 2016

CompressorPros.com said:
Atlas Copco has that adapter, part number 1312100377, sells for $23.89

I believe the existing bolts would work, but those are 1312100082 $3.23 ea

Since this is just an intake and not under pressure, there is no gasket, but you could always cut one with gasket material if you wanted one

Be nice if there was an actual pic so you can see what you are buying

CompressorPros.com · Aug 18, 2016

Gamble said:
Be nice if there was an actual pic so you can see what you are buying

Trying to get one. Not a big mover as far as a spare part, they use a bunch in production

dtbingle · Aug 18, 2016

aka Larry said:
Cool. Glad to hear he could help you out. He's fabricated a few things for me and he does great work.

So with the adapter and Solbergs in place, much more quiet eh? They sure made a big difference on my compressor.

Not sure yet. Getting some hardware to finish up the oil drain extension and mounting the solberg filters to the plate. I'll post a before/after sound comparison.

CompressorPros.com said:
Atlas Copco has that adapter, part number 1312100377, sells for $23.89

I believe the existing bolts would work, but those are 1312100082 $3.23 ea

Agreed, a picture would be nice. This says a 1/2" NPT outlet. Only one? The 1/2" solbergs I have are rated at 12 cfm and compressor is rated at a bit more, so there's 2x 1/2" NPT holes in the plate Kevin made for me. Also, that part says chicago pneumatic, not CENTRAL pneumatic. Are they the same port?

dtbingle · Aug 18, 2016

The aluminum adapter plate is what Kevin made. Haven't tested it yet for noise comparison though.

1/2" NPT all around

Had to use a dremel to grind down the closest points in order to have room to screw the fittings in

Backside

Back of stock filter (showing no gasket, just plastic lip)

Gamble · Aug 18, 2016

So 2 filters is quieter ?
Why not have one inket and Y it an inch out so they aren't that right to work with ?

2oolhound · Aug 18, 2016

I have a 60gal 5hp compressor which was quite loud. When I stood near it it occurred to me it was the fan shroud that was vibrating and making a lot of the noise so I rubber mounted it and added some braces to make it more rigid. It easily cut the sound by 50%. I was amazed.

Another thing I've noticed is the noise level after it has run under heavy use for a while and the oil is hot. It gets louder with a more raspy sound. This is where the intake filters would make a difference. I'm just using standard compressor oil but I'm wondering if a better, thicker fixed viscosity oil would help.

JohnnyK8 · Aug 18, 2016

Looking impressive!!!

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JohnnyK8 · Aug 18, 2016

Motor Mexico
Tank is USA

Not sure about pump. I have been told N.Carolina

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dtbingle · Aug 18, 2016

Gamble said:
So 2 filters is quieter ?
Why not have one inket and Y it an inch out so they aren't that right to work with ?

Haven't tested yet. Trying to find the correct size for an oil drain extension.

aka Larry · Aug 19, 2016

Gamble said:
So 2 filters is quieter ?

I can't say for sure in the case if the OP since my 60 gallon is a different brand/model, but in my case the answer was No. I started with one and was impressed so I assembled a manifold with a tee and a pair of 90 degree elbows and gave it try. Using a dB app on my phone as a measurement device, it was exactly the same with one Solberg silencer or two.

The OP, I would add a gasket, even if you just use cork or even RTV. Unless both surfaces are perfectly flat, it won't seal.

dtbingle · Aug 23, 2016

aka Larry said:
I can't say for sure in the case if the OP since my 60 gallon is a different brand/model, but in my case the answer was No. I started with one and was impressed so I assembled a manifold with a tee and a pair of 90 degree elbows and gave it try. Using a dB app on my phone as a measurement device, it was exactly the same with one Solberg silencer or two.

The OP, I would add a gasket, even if you just use cork or even RTV. Unless both surfaces are perfectly flat, it won't seal.

Finally got around to testing. Like Larry commented, this made no difference on this style HF Central Pneumatic compressor (see pic for reference).

Stock filter
87 dB @ 7'
94 dB @ 1'

With adapter plate and 2x Solberg filters
86.6 dB @ 7'
92 dB @ 1'

Biggest difference is 2 dB when right in front. 3 dB is typically considered the minimum change that is noticeable to the ear. AKA the sound level is the same. The tone also didn't change very much either. I will probably go back to stock filter.

Three things left to do:
1) Belt cage rattles
2) Build an enclosure
3) Sacrifice a little performance for a pulley to slow down RPM at the pump

JohnnyK81 · Aug 23, 2016

Guess I'm too late but the adapter plate is available for about $9. I bought one last month. Is just an abac/imc pump, used by Belair.

Gamble · Aug 23, 2016

What if you take a hose and run that air filter up in the attic. Will that help any?

Not really worth it for 1-2db.

Saw a video of a guy on youtube who put a few big magnets on his tank. Said it helped, but I found no other information about it at all.

dtbingle · Aug 23, 2016

JohnnyK81 said:
Guess I'm too late but the adapter plate is available for about $9. I bought one last month. Is just an abac/imc pump, used by Belair.

A little too late, but it's okay! Didn't address noise level at all anyway haha.

For reference:
Parts Diagram
Oil drain tube
Filter Adapter Plate

60 Gal HF / Central Pneumatic Compressor - Noise Level

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