Looking for QUIET 5HP 60 Gal compressor

[alex71]

I have had to move my shop from a large commercial space into a single bay in my residential garage. Space is at a premium, and I need to keep the noise down. Due to space constraints I would like to go with a 60 gallon tank, but I'm not finding much out there that is advertised as "quiet" with a 60 gal - they all seem to be 80. I want a 2 stage unit.

I have seen some low end quincys with a 60 gal tank, but I have heard mixed reviews on those...

Anyone have any experience here? I don't have time to hunt down and fix up old iron, as much as I would like to. I plan to buy new.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Alex

 

[bob15]

You won't probably find anything "quiet" in the way of compressors. The best bet would be to build something around the compressor and insulate it to help muffle the sound. Changing the intake filter to a Solberg Silencer might also help.

 

[alex71]

quiet is relative, and some piston compressors are louder than other. i guess i can rephrase it this way. looking for a quality 5hp 2 stage 60 gal tank compressor with a quality slow-spinning pump.

stuff like building enclosures, putting the compressor in a shed or plumbing the intake outside are not options.

 

[Pontiac787]

Thanks for posting. I had the same question and almost bought a Bel-Aire 216V but got the impression is was a pretty noisy unit. I think I've resigned myself to jumping up to the next level to get something quieter. Currently my short list is the Champion VRV5-8 and Bel-Aire 318/418.

 

[Nthill93]

What are you using the compressor for? If it’s just air tools you can easily swap out for cordless and rarely need a compressor.

 

[alex71]

compressor will be used for blow gun and pneumatic grinders. no real substitute for air with those tools, unfortunately.

 

[Sumboodie]

Scroll compressor

 

[alex71]

not really seeing scroll offerings out there except eastwood... they have two models. one is under 13CFM, so too small (need around 20) and the other is almost $5k, which blows the budget. Anyone have real world experiences with this technology? manufacturers?

Scroll Air Compressors Horsepower 5334, Horsepower 5332

Get the compressed air you need to run pneumatic tools and shop equipment in a smaller, quieter form by switching to a scroll compressor from Eastwood. Horsepower 5334, Horsepower 5332

www.eastwood.com

 

[Jswain]

You really aren't losing much space with an 80 gallon tank. Unless there is a reason you can't go with one(bench or table in the way etc.) There's no better way to have a quiet compressor then to have it cycle less....

80 gallon 5hp 2stage with a 1750rpm motor is what you want. Add Solberg intake filter if it doesn't already come with one. About as quiet as you will get 20cfm without taking out a loan

 

[theoldwizard1]

California Air Tools sells a 4HP 125 PSI, 10.6 CFM @ 90 PSI, 75db.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Roll your own. Thomas WOB-L by Gardner Denver. Model 2755 claims 7.5 CFM. Max pressure 175 PSI.

 

[Jswain]

Op wants ~20cfm

 

[mike93lx]

California Air Tools sells a 4HP 125 PSI, 10.6 CFM @ 90 PSI, 75db.

I love my CAT and have no intentions of getting rid of it, but that is the wrong tool for this job. Plus the 125psi limit *****.

 

[alex71]

cobbling something with multiple pumps and my own tank doesn't sound that appealing, besides, i have limited room. i can squeeze an 80 gal tank in that spot, so that's likely what I will have to go with. just have to find the slowest pump and motor that I reasonably can.

 

[Hohn]

You really aren't losing much space with an 80 gallon tank. Unless there is a reason you can't go with one(bench or table in the way etc.) There's no better way to have a quiet compressor then to have it cycle less....

80 gallon 5hp 2stage with a 1750rpm motor is what you want. Add Solberg intake filter if it doesn't already come with one. About as quiet as you will get 20cfm without taking out a loan

The larger tank is a double-edged sword though, because while it won't run as often it will have to run longer to refill the tank. There's no way of avoiding duty cycle. If you are using an average of 10cfm (average including time not using air) and you have a 20CFM compressor, it has to run at least 50% of the time. The tank size just changes whether that 50% is the compressor running 5 minutes in a row out of 10 minutes, or whether it runs 20 minutes straight out of 40 minutes.

I do agree that buying an 80gallon low speed compressor (quincy with 50k hr life?) and doing what you can to make it quieter is probably the most economical route. And it's certainly "quiet" compared to some cheap direct drive oil free job from the 90s.

It wouldn't take much to fab up a noise reducing shroud for the pump head that would make it quieter without making it run too hot.

 

[Hohn]

I love my CAT and have no intentions of getting rid of it, but that is the wrong tool for this job. Plus the 125psi limit *****.

You could buy two of the 4hp CATS for under $3k and have 20cfm. They'd take up a lot more space though because of having two separate tanks. The 125psi limit can be mitigated somewhat with low-loss plumbing and such, but even with only 5psi of loss you're stuck with 120 and frankly I think that's really limiting.

Low pressure means your whole system ends up storing less air and has higher transmission losses because more flow must occur to deliver the same air. Ideally, you'd have your compressor and all distribution plumbing running max pressure and only take it down right at the point of use (air hose connection if not able to do right at the tool because of need for filtering/drying/oiling what have you).

To me, the bigger shortcoming with the CATs is that they are only rated for a max of 70% duty cycle and 30-60 minutes continuous running. That's probably adequate for most of us, but it says a lot about the overall durability compared to a 100% duty cycle, run-24/7/365-for-years Quincy or similar. I personally want a compressor my grandkids can inherit from my son. Especially when it's higher performance for the same budget.

Personally I'd get the 80gal Quincy and find a way to make it as quiet as I could. The CATs are nice and quiet, but I'd rather try to find a way to make a sufficient compressor quieter than try to make a quiet compressor sufficiently capable.

 

[TTA89]

I just bought an 80 gallon "Polar Air" Eaton Compressor. It just arrived so I haven't hooked it up yet but I think they have a 60gal model. Just unboxed it and it looks really nice with a big air silencer on it... Quiet, Reliable, Cheap... Pick two, I picked quiet and reliable. Give Eaton a call and see what they have.

 

[alex71]

I looked at those. 80 gal tank only in the "quiet" series. price is OK...

hook it up, record some video and post up here!

 

[Hohn]

Op wants ~20cfm

How can you tell if the ratings are legit or the shady **** they pull like rating the flow on the inlet of the compressor?

 

[Sweetcorn]

EMAX Silent air is really hard to beat.

 

[mike93lx]

You could buy two of the 4hp CATS for under $3k and have 20cfm. They'd take up a lot more space though because of having two separate tanks. The 125psi limit can be mitigated somewhat with low-loss plumbing and such, but even with only 5psi of loss you're stuck with 120 and frankly I think that's really limiting.

Low pressure means your whole system ends up storing less air and has higher transmission losses because more flow must occur to deliver the same air. Ideally, you'd have your compressor and all distribution plumbing running max pressure and only take it down right at the point of use (air hose connection if not able to do right at the tool because of need for filtering/drying/oiling what have you).

To me, the bigger shortcoming with the CATs is that they are only rated for a max of 70% duty cycle and 30-60 minutes continuous running. That's probably adequate for most of us, but it says a lot about the overall durability compared to a 100% duty cycle, run-24/7/365-for-years Quincy or similar. I personally want a compressor my grandkids can inherit from my son. Especially when it's higher performance for the same budget.

Personally I'd get the 80gal Quincy and find a way to make it as quiet as I could. The CATs are nice and quiet, but I'd rather try to find a way to make a sufficient compressor quieter than try to make a quiet compressor sufficiently capable.

My cat is a 4.6 gal aluminum tank model that I use for air nailers and a blow gun. Ultimate longevity is not the concern, but weight and noise certainly are. Right tool for the job, and all that!

 

[alex71]

that may be, but based on experience a 5ph with 2 stage pump does an adequate job running my air tools. Anything less would be too much of a compromise, anything more too big and probably too expensive.

 

[Pontiac787]

I just bought an 80 gallon "Polar Air" Eaton Compressor. It just arrived so I haven't hooked it up yet but I think they have a 60gal model. Just unboxed it and it looks really nice with a big air silencer on it... Quiet, Reliable, Cheap... Pick two, I picked quiet and reliable. Give Eaton a call and see what they have.

Can you tell us the COO of the pump and motor? The info on the Eaton website is inconclusive.

 

[Rinspeed]

I just bought an 80 gallon "Polar Air" Eaton Compressor. It just arrived so I haven't hooked it up yet but I think they have a 60gal model. Just unboxed it and it looks really nice with a big air silencer on it... Quiet, Reliable, Cheap... Pick two, I picked quiet and reliable. Give Eaton a call and see what they have.

Nice looking unit, congrats.

 

[LeeG]

I have a 30 gallon tank with a RolAir K30 pump and a 5hp motor. It isn't whisper quiet, but it is way quieter than many I have used. The stats on the pump are 16.01cmf @ 175PSI. If I upgraded to a 7.5hp motor, it would do 23.63 @ 175PSI.

I believe mine was originally a custom built unit from RolAir.

 

[redmondjp]

You really aren't losing much space with an 80 gallon tank. Unless there is a reason you can't go with one(bench or table in the way etc.) There's no better way to have a quiet compressor then to have it cycle less....

80 gallon 5hp 2stage with a 1750rpm motor is what you want. Add Solberg intake filter if it doesn't already come with one. About as quiet as you will get 20cfm without taking out a loan

You're on the right track here, but the motor speed isn't what is of concern (agree on having a four-pole motor as better), it's the pump speed. Many of the consumer-grade units run the pump between 800-1100 rpm which is really screaming. When it comes to objectionable noise, in general the rule is the higher the pump speed, the louder/more bothersome it is.

Now, my personal bucket-list compressor is a Quincy 370 or 390 spinning at minimum speed (400rpm). You feel it more than you hear it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

not really seeing scroll offerings out there except Eastwood... they have two models. one is under 13CFM, so too small (need around 20) and the other is almost $5k,

You are on a unicorn hunt. You will NEVER get a "quiet" compressor that can deliver 20 CFM !

 

[redmondjp]

You are on a unicorn hunt. You will NEVER get a "quiet" compressor that can deliver 20 CFM !

Sure you can! You just need a 10HP motor to run it, low and slow. Quincy 350 or a 370 pump will do the trick. You can even buy a 10HP single-phase motor, but you may reset your neighbors' VCR clocks when you start it!

 

[Jswain]

You're on the right track here, but the motor speed isn't what is of concern (agree on having a four-pole motor as better), it's the pump speed. Many of the consumer-grade units run the pump between 800-1100 rpm which is really screaming. When it comes to objectionable noise, in general the rule is the higher the pump speed, the louder/more bothersome it is.

Now, my personal bucket-list compressor is a Quincy 370 or 390 spinning at minimum speed (400rpm). You feel it more than you hear it.

Right but typically when shopping for a quality (true)5hp 2stage 80 gallon compressor with a 1750rpm motor the slow pump speed is a given. Should be true with all but the cheapest hardware store models

You are on a unicorn hunt. You will NEVER get a "quiet" compressor that can deliver 20 CFM !

I guess that's all in what people call quiet. Plug in a cheap 3450rpm consumer compressor and then plug in a large quality unit with a 1750rpm motor and a decent air intake filter and it's pretty damn quiet in comparison.

A baffled intake box like on the compressor posted above would make it damn quiet

 

[Jswain]

How can you tell if the ratings are legit or the shady **** they pull like rating the flow on the inlet of the compressor?

I think most quality compressors the ratings are pretty accurate as it is basically a measurement of displacement×rpm×efficiency

Most real 5hp compressors are getting you 17-21cfm

 

[dr_clyde]

You're describing a screw compressor with everything except your budget...

My pressure lubed Quincy 325 was the quietest piston compressor I've ever been around. 5 HP, not sure of CFM but I never really wanted for air using it.

Tank size is negotiable, you can buy receiver tanks and compressors separate ya know. Just buy the pump and motor combo you want then plunk it down on whatever receiver you find that suits your needs.

FWIW, my Atlas Copco GX7FF delivers 36CFM @ 120 psi all day long, and it is quiet enough that we can eat lunch next to it and have a conversation while it is running. But that may be more than you want $$ wise...

 

[Citation]

A lot of your compressor noise contra from the air intake. Look at that Eaton. There is nothing special about that quiet intake other than Eaton is smart enough to offer the option. On my little belt drive compressor (120V Campbell Hausfeld belt drive) the difference between a basically open air filter and a $20 DIY intake filter is a very significant 8 db. That Eaton intake could be easily DIY copied and put on just about any compressor you want. Yes, a lower RPM pump is likely still quieter but so often we leave are aware just how much an easy intake muffler can help.
I would look for a compressor that meets the rest of the needs then look at making an easy intake muffler.

 

[dr_clyde]

You are on a unicorn hunt. You will NEVER get a "quiet" compressor that can deliver 20 CFM !

Screw compressor my dude. All it takes is $$.

 

[mike93lx]

You're describing a screw compressor with everything except your budget...

My pressure lubed Quincy 325 was the quietest piston compressor I've ever been around. 5 HP, not sure of CFM but I never really wanted for air using it.

Tank size is negotiable, you can buy receiver tanks and compressors separate ya know. Just buy the pump and motor combo you want then plunk it down on whatever receiver you find that suits your needs.

FWIW, my Atlas Copco GX7FF delivers 36CFM @ 120 psi all day long, and it is quiet enough that we can eat lunch next to it and have a conversation while it is running. But that may be more than you want $$ wise...

The gx7 looks like it doesn't ****

 

[macgee]

I think getting a good vertical 80gal compressor that fits needed performance and then build acoustic wall doors around it sealing it off, especially if it can go into a corner and you can easily plumb fresh air from outside and venting.
A while ago at another shop, we built a wood 2x4 framed wall/doors like a house wall (cheap) on door hinges and casters that was heavily insulated with internal acoustic material. The two (wall) doors making a 90 deg. corner sealing in the compressor and noise, the two walls would swing out when needing access to compressor. They were heavy but worked very well, didn't take much footprint and you could barely hear it running, could easily and comfortably talk on the phone standing near it and was easy to do, cheap and compressor becomes out of site.

Alternative is to trying to find a really good high performance 5HP compressor with high cfm and ultra quiet but thats going to cost you real big boy money.

 

[alex71]

i'll take a pic of where i need to install it. looks like i will want one of those large intake baffles, but the packaging on the back of the tank probably won't work for me... will have to be remote mounted.

 

[strutaeng]

I have one that I cobbled together a long time ago. Curtis ES-100 pump that is rated 7.5-10HP. It's spinning at like 550 RPM with a custom pulley/sheave. It's around 22 CFM IIRC. It's not loud, but it's not quiet either. But the noise is a low-frequency "chug-chug" sound that is not irritating like the high-pitched, high RPM noise your typical compressors make. It actually sounds kinda cool, LOL.

I've got a "silent" Husky (same as California Air) 2.6CFM twin hotdog style for brad nailing and such inside the house. And an 2HP older Emglo 8.0 CFM for tools like needle scaling and die grinding. I only fire the beast for spray painting. In my opinion, the California Air are not up to the task for high demand, heavy duty use like a shop. I took apart my motor/pump the other day and got the impression that it's a consumer grade, chintzy tool. I mean, I wasn't surprised either.

 

[alex71]

Here is the spot I want to install the compressor. Area is 46" wide and 32" deep. Ideally I would like to store the oxy acetylene rig there, if I can.

 

[Jswain]

Plenty of space for an 80 gallon. The torch rig might be a different story and maybe for the better anyways rather then having it stored next to auto start equipment.
If you had to you could change the cart to on that has its wheels positioned to make the cart long instead of wide but might be better to just find a new place.

 

[Steve_P]

As others have said, focus on pump RPM; you want it to be below 800 RPM; the lower the better. I have a Quincy QT-7.5, about 1000 RPM pump, and it is LOUD. I've been next to larger piston 3 phase compressors that make half the noise- because they run at about half the pump speed. Obviously 3 phase isn't an option for you, but focus on pump speed at your CFM goal. Then you can move to silencers, etc. You might have to buy two compressors, pipe accordingly, and use the second one when necessary.