Compressor enclosure vs lean

[Jwbfx4]

About to order a 2 stage 60 gallon Quincy compressor for my shop. Been planning on putting it outside to free up space. Originally I thought I would do an enclosure and put a door on it. Installing vents and a fan as well. It does concern me of working on it or doing maintenance. On a rural road today I passed quite a few metal buildings with just a small lean off the side with the compressor under it.

Questions:

1. Anyone do just a lean? Are you able to keep the elements off of it?

2. Going to pour a small slab...is a 4’ x 4’ big enough? I just need room for the compressor, no other storage.

I thought maybe doing a lean and enclosing one side and the front. That would give me ventilation plus get me out of buying a door. Any thoughts or concerns?

I know there is a lot in this subject but it seems it’s more about venting and keeping heat down. I did not find what I was looking for while searching. Thanks.

 

[plinker]

A lean with removable sides for access would be ideal, (all four sides up here due to snow). Screen wire at the top of the side panels would aid air movement. Keeping the sunlight/rain off would be of concern.

Currently my compressor sits on a roughly 3'x3' metal frame with plywood top, 60gal CH/Husky. 4'x4' should work fine but it would not hurt to double check the dimensions on the Quincy.

 

[Jwbfx4]

Didn’t really think about removable sides. May try to figure out something with that.

Kept searching around and did find this picture on here of someone’s set up. Not sure if they left it like that or not. This would be a little easier.

 

[The Cobbler]

personally I would enclose it (with ventilation) . Keep wandering eyes , the elements, and other things from getting to it

 

[rsanter]

It depends on where you live and how much sound you want to reduce.
If you are in the country and don’t care about the sound then a lean to cover with perhaps one side to shade prevailing sun

If you are closer to a neighbor I would enclose it

 

[why worry]

Put mine in the well house which is attached to the shop.

 

[PoorOwner]

I think you have enough space to slowly drag it out to do maintenance.. should that be necessary.
just don't use the floor anchors that is a stud protruding from the concrete, that was hard to set the compressor on, took 3 guys.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Originally I thought I would do an enclosure and put a door on it. Installing vents and a fan as well. It does concern me of working on it or doing maintenance. On a rural road today I passed quite a few metal buildings with just a small lean off the side with the compressor under it.


I know there is a lot in this subject but it seems it’s more about venting and keeping heat down. I did not find what I was looking for while searching. Thanks.

Well, you really don't need the door or the slab. Screw sheetmetal over the front "door" opening. Slab is cheap and easier than digging for metal stilts. I would pour. Sheetmetal isn't airtight. Forget the fan and vents.

Metal can be noisy. I plan on cement, block, rock, or cord wood wall just to cut down on noise.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I think you have enough space to slowly drag it out to do maintenance.. should that be necessary.
just don't use the floor anchors that is a stud protruding from the concrete, that was hard to set the compressor on, took 3 guys.

Floor anchors can split your tank. Don't bolt it down solidly.

 

[rattle_snake]

I built a 3 sided, 3'x3' 'enclosure' with the missing side towards the building. This keeps it dry but allow ventilation. One of the 3 side is a door to access the drain, valves, etc for maintenance.
I see about +5 to +10 temp rise in it compare to ambient, in full sun.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6802538&postcount=469

 

[PoorOwner]

Floor anchors can split your tank. Don't bolt it down solidly.

Mine has vibration isolators it is a large rubber bushing with a washer on top, the compressor sits on top getting a cushioning effect but at the same time don't walk off.

 

[Falcon67]

Mine is in a closet, I put it on a skid with isolators under the fee and the skidt. Easy to slide out of the closet. Minimal venting - it doesn't run enough to require any venting.

 

[JohnnieMo]

I made a compressor closet in my garage. It is insulated on 4 sides but vented out the top into the attic cold zone. It has never been an issue in the hot or cold.... granted we don't get that hot here in Calgary.

I can tell you that not hearing that air compressor is refreshing. If I have the radio on, I don't know its running.

I made a video on it here:

I don't think you need a floor, but I think insulating the enclosure is a good idea. Add a fan if you are concerned about the summer.

 

[Jwbfx4]

Thanks for all the reply’s and ideas. Got busy with a job that came in and hadn’t gotten a chance to get back.

Luckily no neighbors close so outside noise is not an issue. Definitely going to use some of these ideas and come up with something that will Work for me.

 

[BPJOOP93]

I put mine in the garden shed. No problems and it’s quiet in my shop

 

[atch]

my "next door neighbor" has a commercial cabinet shop at his place. His shop is about 300 - 400 feet from my house. I never hear his compressors. That's right; 2 BIG compressors. They are outside, although under a roof. It would be too complicated for my feeble brain to explain how it is set up, but the compressors are on a "porch" that's open on two sides, but rain/snow can't get to them. Oh, yeah, this porch-like affair faces away from my house. These two compressors have been trouble free and in constant use the entire 17 years I've lived here and some unknown time period before that.