Looking for QUIET 5HP 60 Gal compressor

[Hohn]

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.

Depending on your duty cycle, a 2hp Garagemate on a huge tank might even keep up with all your air tools. A slightly smaller compressor that's rated 100% duty cycle is preferable (IMO) to a larger one at a shorter duty cycle because the effective power is Duty Cycle X HP. If I have a 5hp unit that's only 50% duty cycle rated, it's essentially at 2.5hp unit.

I added a cheap extension tank to my 120V junker and it's a rather impressive gain in performance overall when it comes to flow and pressure delivered to the tools. The tank on the other side of the garage effectively neutralizes all the line loss from compressor to tank and I have full pressure on only a 25ft hose.

Quincy recommends 5 gal of tank per CFM of airflow, which seems pretty high to me, but since I'm approaching that threshold with my current setup, I can testify to the performance benefit of more tank vs more HP.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

https://www.compressorworld.com/5-h...-air-compressor-single-phase-vt-735-80-1.html

Buy once , cry once. If you can swing the $, add the S-B aftercooler. S-B is made in the USA!

 

[finn]

Bite the bullet and invest in a screw type compressor.
As others have stated, intake noise is the major source of noise on commercially available compressors, with pump speed (cycle frequency) coming in second. A well designed helmholtz resonator on the intake does wonders.

Both the low speed Champion in my shop and the 5 hp Ingorsoll in my garage are in separate rooms, the boiler room in the shop and an insulated compressor “closet” in the garage, and both are still what I consider loud. A screw compressor by design doesn’t have the pulsating intake noise that a piston compressor does.

I believe the current crop of consumer grade direct drive “silent “ compressors like the California Air , HF, and multiple clones get their low noise by running the pump at half the speed of the old noisemaker direct drives and by adding a little science to the intake systems.

Still not as quiet, or long lasting as a screw compressor.

 

[Hohn]

There's a reason almost all the large industrial compressors are screw compressors. They are more efficient as well as quieter.
But that comes at a substantial cost because the screws/impellers and the housings must be *very* finely machined. The actual "seal" of air in the screws comes from the oil film in the airstream, and that's just microns thick. So yeah, big $$ for a screw compressor.

Also, you'll need a really good air/oil separator because to my knowledge all the screw compressors need oil on the incoming air to seal and function and lubricate properly.

 

[alex71]

i can't get a screw compressor guys. this is just home shop occasional use, need to be realistic.

 

[Rinspeed]

i can't get a screw compressor guys. this is just home shop occasional use, need to be realistic.

I thought everyone had an extra $5k laying around for a compressor.

 

[Pontiac787]

From what I have found, the best bang for the buck seems to be the Champion VRV5-8 or Bel-Aire 3/418. I think they are all available from Zoro so you can get the % off discount plus free shipping and no liftgate fee. Last I checked Zoro also had the 60 gallon version of the Bel-Aire.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

I've got a 10HP polar aire with the inlet silencer and it's probably the quietest piston compressor I've ever heard. it's not "quiet" but I can hear myself think next to it, even talk to another human without climbing in their ear to shout.

 

[Citation]

I think a 5-7 true HP compressor may be more than the OP really needs and a 7.5HP Champion for $1200 isn't really a better value than a $550 Kobalt 60 gallon if both are more than adequate for the OP's needs.
OP, you might look at this compressor

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-60-Gallon-Two-Stage-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000542193

(note, the listing says 6.7CFM @90 psi. That appears to be a listing mistake as pictures show the machine advertises a more realistic 11 CFM https://d3ugkdpeq35ojy.cloudfront.n...4582/3a082894-6a16-4baf-a548-be8a79033a49.jpg )

As a point of reference, my brother has an 80 gallon Frankenstein compressor with a HF "3 hp" pump. In testing we saw fill times consistent with HF's 10 CFM claims. Peak pressure is 145 psi. That compressor was able to keep up with a 4" cutoff wheel in near continuous use. It wouldn't keep up with two people doing that but it was more than sufficient for one person. It also was able to keep up with spray painting furniture. While it may be nice to have the higher power of a true 5hp or 7+ hp compressor, odds are your needs will be satisfied with something in the true 3hp range.

As for noise, that Kobalt/Campbell Hausfeld can use a quiet box very similar to what Eaton was building. I have a 120V, single stage CH with an air filter housing like that one. Slipping about 2' of vinyl tube onto the outside of the air intake does a remarkable job of making things quieter. I wouldn't have believed it but my little CAT compressor convinced me to try. If you look at the CAT compressors like the 5510A I have
https://www.lowes.com/pd/California...allon-Aluminum-Tank-Air-Compressor/1003126270
You will notice a tube hanging from the bottom of the air filter. When I got mine I didn't think anything of that "stupid bit of fish aquarium tube". Then I put it in while the compressor was running. It really makes a difference. That is why I added a bit to my own compressor (it cost hardly more than $1).

Anyway, something like that Kobalt with some DIY noise control is likely a good fit for your needs.

 

[alex71]

Nah, I need 20 real CFM. My last compressor was an ir 2 stage 5 HP. It was usually enough for the tools I want to use, but depending on the tool or job I would sometimes have to wait for the tank to fill again .

 

[Citation]

If you need a real 20 CFM you are likely out of luck if space is tight. In addition to the tank size, the difference in pump size between a barely "5 hp" and something that is 5+hp can be quite a bit. You may have to Frankenstein something together.

 

[alex71]

Ok let me rephrase. I want something that flows at least as much air as my current loud as fck ir compressor, mentioned in post #50 in this thread.

Thanks everyone good discussion. I will for sure follow up with my decision and some pics

 

[dr_clyde]

I thought everyone had an extra $5k laying around for a compressor.

I paid $500 for mine used, so there are deals out there.

Not as easy as just going to the store and buying one, but there are deals to be had for those who are willing to hunt and wait.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Unicorn hunt !

 

[Rinspeed]

I paid $500 for mine used, so there are deals out there.

Not as easy as just going to the store and buying one, but there are deals to be had for those who are willing to hunt and wait.

I looked for three months for a decent used compressor and then gave up.

 

[Hohn]

I looked for three months for a decent used compressor and then gave up.

That's my experience as well. The used ones I find are so old and neglected so as to not save any money buying used after you replace the tank and rebuild the pump head. Or, they are nearly new and priced the same as new.

 

[finn]

I bought two used compressors. Didn’t pay all that much, and they do function, but in the end, they’re still old.

I will buy new if And when I replace them. Life’s too short to work on your tools.

 

[Iron Beaver]

I looked for three months for a decent used compressor and then gave up.

I looked for one day and found a Curtis D-95 for $800. Give it a shot, you might get lucky

 

[dr_clyde]

The trick is to never stop looking. Keep cash, be ready to buy immediately.

You can always upgrade when a better deal comes along.

They’re called deals because they’re not normal.

Industrial liquidations and auctions will net you more good equipment than any of the **** you find on Craigslist or Facebook.

You have to actually LOOK. They don’t just show up at your door.

 

[Citation]

Ok let me rephrase. I want something that flows at least as much air as my current loud as fck ir compressor, mentioned in post #50 in this thread.

Thanks everyone good discussion. I will for sure follow up with my decision and some pics

I figure the answer is no but I will ask just in case, do you have space for 2 60 gallon units (obviously both can't go in the space you showed). A pair of the Kobalt compressors above would give you 22 CFM and 120 gallons of air (at 175psi). A few posters around here have twin compressor setups. You can use one as a primary and then turn on/open the valve so the second one gives you extra power when needed. In the off chance one fails you still have another on line. However, the price is the hassle of having two compressors including wiring, plumbing, checking drains etc. Just throwing it out as an idea.

 

[finn]

The trick is to never stop looking. Keep cash, be ready to buy immediately.

You can always upgrade when a better deal comes along.

They’re called deals because they’re not normal.

Industrial liquidations and auctions will net you more good equipment than any of the **** you find on Craigslist or Facebook.

You have to actually LOOK. They don’t just show up at your door.

That’s fine if you’re in no hurry and want to make a career of scavenging. Works for some people some times, but over the years I believe I have better ways to waste my time.

You probably spent 100 hours in total looking, calling around, and driving to find that sweet deal. At $70/hr, that’s $7500.

Been there, done that, and I have a couple of old compressors to show for it. I could have bought a couple of new ones and still been money ahead if my time spent scavanging was valued at my job salary was.

 

[Rinspeed]

I looked for one day and found a Curtis D-95 for $800. Give it a shot, you might get lucky

I ended up buying a Dewalt 60 gal and so far it has worked very well for my needs.

 

[alex71]

i've been checking this one out... seems to check almost all the boxes. fits in the space I have. 7.5 HP provides a bit of headroom. Slow pump speed. Will still need an intake silencer... Thoughts?

Champion VRV7-8 7.5HP 2-Stage Air Compressor – 80 Gallon

The Champion RV7-8 7.5HP 2-Stage Air Compressor delivers 24 CFM at 175 PSI. USA-made with a durable 80-gallon tank. Reliable for industrial use. Order now!

www.aircompressorcfm.com

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Only downside is that it uses reed valves rather that disc valves...not saying it'd a bad thing, just not as robust as disc valves. Champion makes these pumps in both reed and disc, although the disc is more $.

https://www.compressorworld.com/champion-7-5-hp-air-compressor-two-stage-80-gallon-tank-25-8-cfm-vr7-8.html

 

[Citation]

I think my father's 5hp Champion was the 2 cylinder version of that pump. No issues over 20+ years including painting, sanding etc. It was not quiet with the stock intakes which appear unchanged since he bought his many years back. Adding the Eaton style silencer would be a good idea. Here is a video showing a similar DIY setup.

 

[dr_clyde]

That’s fine if you’re in no hurry and want to make a career of scavenging. Works for some people some times, but over the years I believe I have better ways to waste my time.

You probably spent 100 hours in total looking, calling around, and driving to find that sweet deal. At $70/hr, that’s $7500.

Been there, done that, and I have a couple of old compressors to show for it. I could have bought a couple of new ones and still been money ahead if my time spent scavanging was valued at my job salary was.

Eh,

I really haven't. I keep my ears open and I pay attention to advertisements for industrial auctions. I don't really go out of my way to find stuff. People call me or know I'm always looking for machinery.

I go to auctions for my business. I own a machine shop. I browse the online auction catalogs when I'm laying on the couch watching TV. I buy a lot from machinery dealers. They send flyers and emails. They WANT to sell you stuff. I actively enjoy auctions, so it's not really work. But by FAR the best deals I've ever gotten were at a live auction on a Saturday afternoon. Sure, there is an opportunity cost, but it's not a big one. I'd rather go to an auction than sit at home and mow the grass or watch TV.

For the record, I think just sacking up and buying new is the best way to get tools. I am not a cheapskate, but when I can save some money by buying lightly used, I will entertain the offer.

If guys are not willing to put in the effort to find used tools at a price they can stomach, then they need to just open their wallet and buy a new one or quit whining. Seems like everyone wants the used tool price on a brand new piece of pro grade kit, and I'm here to say it doesn't work that way. You have to work and shop or you have to pay the piper. Some guys like the hunt, some don't have time for it, and some are wealthy enough not to care. I ordered a brand new Kalamazoo belt sander the other day because I was tired to dealing with used ones. And it is REALLY nice. But is was 4x what my last used one cost me. But it should last me at least a decade, and we use a belt sander every day. So it was worth it to me to buy new.

If I was in the OP's shoes, I'd buy a brand new pump of whatever flavor he needs to get his CFM requirements. I'd fit it to a new receiver tank that fits where he wants. Then I'd put up whatever noise mitigation I could to fit the situation. If that's not in the budget, then I'd just deal with whatever I could get my hands on.

 

[alex71]

Also considering this one. The intake silencer would have to be remote mounted. I don't have room for it to hang off the back of the tank. I don't think i will find an out of the box option that is as quiet as this or one of its competitors. The silencer boxes don't seem to be available by themselves from anyone...

7.5 HP Quiet Air Compressor, Single Phase, 80 Gallon Tank, Vertical

Eaton Compressor carries an impressive line of quiet air compressors, including this single phase 7.5 HP Quiet Air Compressor with 80 Gallon Tank.

eatoncompressor.com

 

[mike93lx]

That’s fine if you’re in no hurry and want to make a career of scavenging. Works for some people some times, but over the years I believe I have better ways to waste my time.

You probably spent 100 hours in total looking, calling around, and driving to find that sweet deal. At $70/hr, that’s $7500.

Been there, done that, and I have a couple of old compressors to show for it. I could have bought a couple of new ones and still been money ahead if my time spent scavanging was valued at my job salary was.

Dude, come on. No one is giving up $70/hr income to search for used tools. That is absolutely absurd. If you are doing that, you are an idiot

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Regarding your lack of room for the silencer, all manufacturers have a minimum required rear wall clearance for proper cooling. Most installs that I've seen cheat some on the clearance...just saying...

This is copied from the Eaton manual: 2. Allow sufficient space around the compressor for maintenance access and adequate airflow. Mount unit with the belt guard (pulley and flywheel) side to the wall and leave a minimum of 15 inches of clearance.

 

[Citation]

There really is nothing to the Eaton silencer setup

Intake Noise Suppressor Installation Manual by Eaton Compressor

Here are the installation instructions for Intake Noise Suppressor in Whisper 100 compressors along with the parts list. You will start by removing existing filter assembly/assemblies from compressor pump. For full procedure, refer: https://www.eatoncompressor.com/whisper-100 - Download as a...

www.slideshare.net

It's a box with some shelves with holes so the air has to make a back and forth path. At the top they put the standard air filters inside the box then run rubber hose from the box to the intakes.

This guy did something similar to the other video. He kept the factory air filter, added a rubber hose and ran that to a stock automotive muffler. His setup minus the muffler is what did on my 120V compressor. Per my phone ap I saw an 8db drop (measured about 4' away) between no intake at all and intake housing + tubing. This guy got a further 3 db just with a car muffler and some plumbing parts. None of this will make these things quiet like moving them into the shed out back but even some cheap DIY stuff can make a big difference.

 

[alex71]

Regarding your lack of room for the silencer, all manufacturers have a minimum required rear wall clearance for proper cooling. Most installs that I've seen cheat some on the clearance...just saying...

This is copied from the Easton manual: 2. Allow sufficient space around the compressor for maintenance access and adequate airflow. Mount unit with the belt guard (pulley and flywheel) side to the wall and leave a minimum of 15 inches of clearance.

Good point on the clearance. I had a conversation with an Eaton engineer and he was horrified by the 4" of clearance that I have in my install location. Said don't do it.

 

[Jswain]

The trick is to never stop looking. Keep cash, be ready to buy immediately.

You can always upgrade when a better deal comes along.

They’re called deals because they’re not normal.

Industrial liquidations and auctions will net you more good equipment than any of the **** you find on Craigslist or Facebook.

You have to actually LOOK. They don’t just show up at your door.

I lean towards this side. It especially works well if you already have a compressor(or other equipment) that is getting you by in the meantime.

Time spent searching is no different then time spent on GJ or youtube

 

[Slednut]

My 60 gallon compressor is really quiet. I put it a corner and put it in a box with two layers of sound board inside. When I run a high air use tool I open the fan door (which turns on the fan when opened) and open the top door.

 

[csp]

Here is the spot I want to install the compressor. Area is 46" wide and 32" deep.

My 80 gallon upright takes up a space that's 24x32

 

[alex71]

i wonder if i should really be that concerned about installing the compressor in such close proximity to a wall. In my last house I had an IR 80 Gal installed right in a corner, and I don't recall it ever overheating. That compressor saw more use than this one will. Here is a 15 year old pic....

 

[Jswain]

I'm sure the number came from somewhere and a guy should make an attempt to mount it given the recommended instructions.

Big deal to your average homeowner changing wheels and occasionally running and air drill/grinder probably not. Start sandblasting up at fully duty cycle or more and maybe it will make a difference.

 

[Jazz1]

Quiet 5 hp compressors are in the FREE WHISKY aisle...
My 3cylinder 5 HP RK rattles the earth when it fires up.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

Just to put it out there - I have the full monty 10hp VFD silencer/aftercooler unit from Eaton. it ran fine for over 400 hours and then started getting stupid. couldn't figure it out. Replaced sensors, reset stuff, etc.

The owner of the company did a service call and got me back up and running. turned out to be a cracked modbus wire. I feel silly for missing it but we went over everything else with the engineers remotely first. Solid warranty support in my humble opinion.

 

[alex71]

After examining my options and finding no ideal solution, i have re-evalued my priorities and have decided to give the eastwood scroll compressor a go. I'm a bit concerned about longevity. Hopefully, they have worked out the initial bugs. Will report back when I have it installed. Thanks again everyone for your input.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

Scrolls are pretty simple - and that unit should have no problem with an extra receiver if you want more tool runtime. let us know what you think of it.