I've got a 33 gallon Craftsman air compressor with a 6 HP single cylinder oilless motor that is very noisy. I'd like to add a small "closet" to the shelving I'm planning to build to put the compressor in to reduce some of the noise. I've searched around for soundproofing/abatement ideas but still unsure of the best approach with having to keep it in the garage - I don'thave a separate room I can put it in... I'm leaning toward framing in the closet with two layers of drywall with green glue between them. Any suggestions? What have you guys found that works? To make it even more critical - the wall where I want to build the shelves is shared with the house. On the other side is my wife's craft room and the kitchen...
Air Compressor Closet
- Thread starter ncaddy87
- Start date
ford33
Well-known member
There is plenty of information on the internet about sound reduction in residential construction. Check out how to reduce sound transmission between apartment walls. Just applying a couple layers of drywall may help but there are better noise reduction construction techniques available. I placed my compressor outside in a small open enclosure near the garage and ran pipe into the garage. It helped reduce the noise but I can still hear it run. If you put it into a "closet" just make sure you have adequate ventilation. The compressor needs a source of air to compress and also for cooling. If you put it in a small room and close the door you will may not have sufficient air flow for cooling and compression.
Good luck.
Good luck.
scottjvincent
Member
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2014
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- 5
This is what I did ...put it outside under a lean too ...
Scott V.
Scott V.
finn
Well-known member
I built a closet in the corner of the garage for mine. I didn't insulate, but I would recommend that you do. Even without the insulation, the closet really cuts down the noise (mine is an old IR 2 stage with a 240 volt 5 hp motor and an aluminum pump).
I left a gap (~1+ inches) under the door but it still gets warm in there after extended use, i.e. sandblast cabinet. You may need an outside air inlet and vent . Most of the noise seems to come from that gap. The door is 36" and opens out so I can remove and replace the compressor with a new Quincy when or If the time comes. My ceiling is 12' 6" high, so I built a "second story" that I access with a ladder.
Also, my compressor is old and I'm watching for blowby / oil mist as I use the closet to store my shop cloths and some supplies.
The corner closet seems to actually increase my working room as there is better utilization of space now, and visually at least, "clutter" is reduced.
I left a gap (~1+ inches) under the door but it still gets warm in there after extended use, i.e. sandblast cabinet. You may need an outside air inlet and vent . Most of the noise seems to come from that gap. The door is 36" and opens out so I can remove and replace the compressor with a new Quincy when or If the time comes. My ceiling is 12' 6" high, so I built a "second story" that I access with a ladder.
Also, my compressor is old and I'm watching for blowby / oil mist as I use the closet to store my shop cloths and some supplies.
The corner closet seems to actually increase my working room as there is better utilization of space now, and visually at least, "clutter" is reduced.
BlackSheepSpeedShop
Well-known member
I built a closet with insulation and special sound deadening drywall. I love it and would do it again for sure. I will try and post some pics later today.
shooting4life
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- Joined
- Nov 19, 2012
- Messages
- 334
If you want to reduce noise I would get a oiled air compressor first.
I put my air compressor in a plywood closet. It is not sealed or anything, I think the compressor getting air is more important that reducing the sound further. It still makes a good amount of noise, but I can carry on a conversation in the two car garage if it is running. Also, it keeps it hidden from view if my garage door is open, it is important to keep things that indicate items of value in the garage out of sight. No one is going to steal the compressor, but if they see a 60 gallon compressor, it would be safe to assume that I have other valuable tools. This is the same reason I built a cabinet around my safe.
I put my air compressor in a plywood closet. It is not sealed or anything, I think the compressor getting air is more important that reducing the sound further. It still makes a good amount of noise, but I can carry on a conversation in the two car garage if it is running. Also, it keeps it hidden from view if my garage door is open, it is important to keep things that indicate items of value in the garage out of sight. No one is going to steal the compressor, but if they see a 60 gallon compressor, it would be safe to assume that I have other valuable tools. This is the same reason I built a cabinet around my safe.
Thanks for all the feedback guys! This is a big help.
I do plan to put in a few different styles of ventilation including an air vent to allow air into the closet to be compressed, an exhaust vent to push the hot air out at the top, and then even a small hinged door at the bottom to open for days of heavy use.
I also like the idea of an oilless compressor. I'm actually kicking myself because my dad had a 60 gallon oilless compressor that was almost silent. It ran on 220 and he sold it last year when he moved for almost nothing. He offered it to me, but I didn't have room for it at the time and I don't have 220. Definitely regretting that decision. He sold it for way cheap too... It needed a couple small repairs, but other than that, it was in great shape.
I do plan to put in a few different styles of ventilation including an air vent to allow air into the closet to be compressed, an exhaust vent to push the hot air out at the top, and then even a small hinged door at the bottom to open for days of heavy use.
I also like the idea of an oilless compressor. I'm actually kicking myself because my dad had a 60 gallon oilless compressor that was almost silent. It ran on 220 and he sold it last year when he moved for almost nothing. He offered it to me, but I didn't have room for it at the time and I don't have 220. Definitely regretting that decision. He sold it for way cheap too... It needed a couple small repairs, but other than that, it was in great shape.