Quiet Compressor for wood shop?

[paredown]

I'm curious as to people's opinions/comparisons about a few of the "quiet" compressors on the market. I've freed up some funds from the sale of another tool, so seriously looking. Usage--small workshop, mostly brad nailers. (I'll keep my last pancake for outside work).

Contenders:

Fortress (HF) FT2135UQ: $189 2 gal, 135 psi single outlet, 2.1 scfm pump, looks to be a single pressure gauge(?), single connector, claimed 60Db, 1.2 "running HP". "panel" design, alu tank, 58 seconds to 135lb. Front panel makes it better for storage under a bench... 37.3 pounds.

California Air Tools CAT-2010A : $199 on Amazon-- 2 gal, max 120psi (?), single connector, 2.2 cfm @ 90lbs, 2 pressure gauges, aluminum tank, claimed 60Db, 1 hp/2hp peak. 35 pounds.

Makita MAC210Q: $197.99 on Amazon. 2 gal, max 135psi, single connector, 2cfm @90psi, double pressure gauge, single connector, claimed 60Db, 1 hp, Front panel (but slightly higher with roll cage) 44lbs. I'm assuming the tank is steel? Also listed as induction motor--as the others are not.

So writing these specs out shows how closely clustered they are by price/specs--and HF is not automatically the "bargain" choice.

Two wild card choices--the 3 gal Makita Quiet (+$50--2 connectors)--or (as someone in an Amazon review pointed out)--once you are there, maybe the Makita MAC 700 'Big Bore' 2HP oiled @ $214--more cumbersome shape (heavier, 60lbs), but more power, more durable, and still only 80Db--which counts as quiet compared to a pancake. The Mac 700 could be the 'one" compressor, and I could lose the pancake.

Thoughts? Experiences with any or all of the above?

​

 

[Bretny]

CH makes (or did) make one in this category too.

 

[cannuck]

No experience, but what I did in my shop was build a fully insulated under-bench bay for my 3HP 60 gal. compressor It picks up outside air through a snorkel to an air cleaner. This is only workable for short run times. If I am going to put big loads on it I just slide the front access panel aside and let the cooling air flow (a lot more noise as well). What I see in a lot of shops is to move the air compressor outside (at home a garden shed would seem appropriate) thus remove the noise altogether. Whatever you do, just make sure you drain the tank regularly (takes some effort when remote, my enclosed unit has an external drain valve, used ever time I run it).

 

[Bretny]

Amazon.com

 

[paredown]

No experience, but what I did in my shop was build a fully insulated under-bench bay for my 3HP 60 gal. compressor It picks up outside air through a snorkel to an air cleaner. This is only workable for short run times. If I am going to put big loads on it I just slide the front access panel aside and let the cooling air flow (a lot more noise as well). What I see in a lot of shops is to move the air compressor outside (at home a garden shed would seem appropriate) thus remove the noise altogether. Whatever you do, just make sure you drain the tank regularly (takes some effort when remote, my enclosed unit has an external drain valve, used ever time I run it).

I've got severe space constraints, so I have to stay small. And no good way to set up a compressor outside either. Maybe when I get to the 'dream shop' stage....

 

[RAS61]

I have the MAC700 and have been very happy with it. For only a few dollars more you also get 3.3 CFM at 90 psi vs 2.0 CFM for the MAC210Q. The 700 is also made in Taiwan vs ROC for the 210Q if that matters to you

 

[paredown]

I have the MAC700 and have been very happy with it. For only a few dollars more you also get 3.3 CFM at 90 psi vs 2.0 CFM for the MAC210Q. The 700 is also made in Taiwan vs ROC for the 210Q if that matters to you

I wish I had a local store that stocked this so I could get a better grasp on how big this is. (Home Despot claim to be a Makita dealer but don't stock much...)

The reviewer on Amazon that made the comparison between the MAC and Quiet series pointed out that the latter also uses a proprietary pressure control switch, while the MAC uses an industry standard--so you can find aftermarket switches if you have problems.

This compressor is typical Makita quality and does what it says very well. I have several Mac700's around and I just bought this new MAC320Q. It is quieter than regular Makita compressors, but it is not dramatically quieter than the Makita MAC700 compressor. Compared to the standard Makita Mac700, this new Makita Mac320Q model weighs about the same, has less HP, has a lower CFM rating, takes up more floor area, is more awkward to carry, it vibrates just as much or more. and to add insult to injury, it costs more and has a proprietary pressure regulator manifold system that will cost plenty to replace when it goes bad; and they all will fail eventually. My money is going to stay with the tried and true MAC700; they seem to live "forever," and you can replace both the pressure switch and regulator with generic parts found on Amazon for about $25 total. If quiet is all you are concerned about, then this new MAC320Q will make you very happy indeed, other than that it doesn't make comparative sense.

 

[JimH74]

I currently have the California Air 2010A and love it for my woodshed. I had a Makita MAC5200, for a smaller and portable compressor, and sold it. The Makita was quite a bit larger and heavier than the CA. The CA compressor is also so much quieter. I've used it for filling up tires, as well as my air nailers. I'm older and work alone, but it has kept up with a framing nailer, roofing nailer, and trim nailers. I also have an older IR Garagemate for larger tasks. I sold my 60 gal compressor, as the Garagemate is plenty for my largest demands.

 

[humpty]

I also have the CAT 2010A, I am more than happy with it. With most of my tools moving to cordless I found I don't need that much.
This one fills tires, runs nailers and air guns just fine. Beyond that it struggles, so if you want to run a die grinder, air hammer, etc you will want to move up in capacity.

It truly is as quiet as they claim.

humpty

 

[Greg5OH]

WHat about the Eastwood screw compressor?
Screw compressors are very very quiet.

 

[cannuck]

Yeah, they are indeed quiet, but at $2,300 for a 30/60 I think out of the OP's target price. I managed to buy a 5.5 HP single phase scroll for a few hundred bux, but don't have it running yet. There ARE some bargains out there, but you need to be prepared to do some legwork to find, take some risk in buying and do some fixing to use. During that quest I also found a very low time 30 HP screw (standby for medical instruments) that I just HAD to have...so pretty much sold on the screw and scroll world.

 

[tjansson]

I have the Makita 210Q. I use it for finish nailers, flooring nailers, occasionally framing nailers. It is really quiet. I like the roll cage construction with no components protruding from the "box". Front panel is a nice touch too. Steel tank as you suspected. If this is just for smaller nailers and blowing stuff off, I would not upsize from this 2 cfm class, there's no need and any bigger you're losing portability and shop space. The quiet compressors are really nice, definitely get a "quiet" one.

 

[tarbellb]

Two thoughts here:

Go as small and quiet as possible, brad nailers req almost no air


or go up to 33 gallons for more versatility

I was running a 1 gallon super quiet Senco at HD, it was nice to pickup and use around the site. But this was a mobile setup, for running nailers.

My other small quiet compressor is the very nice but very heavy Estwing is great, puts out a lot of air relatively. At 77lbs it is a PITA to move around, barely consider it portable.

 

[tarbellb]

Should be noted that Makita MAC compressors now offer two different types of build

I really like Makita and have often suggested the original MAC series to buyers looking in this category.
The larger 5.2gallon is the original OILED large piston design, robust, longer life, and quieter then a old school oiless pancake

But there now looks to be MAC models that are similar to the newer silent compressors, very quiet, but NOT OILED. A different beast, similar to the Fortress, CAT, Kobalt, etc....

That MAC 5200 is a excellent compressor that will give years of reliable service, but its big and heavy.

 

[RAS61]

I wish I had a local store that stocked this so I could get a better grasp on how big this is. (Home Despot claim to be a Makita dealer but don't stock much...)

The reviewer on Amazon that made the comparison between the MAC and Quiet series pointed out that the latter also uses a proprietary pressure control switch, while the MAC uses an industry standard--so you can find aftermarket switches if you have problems.

Maybe this pic of mine on top of a standard C-Man base cabinet will help. I'd say taller than the others you're considering, but also thinner

 

[Citation]

paredown,
How large can you go? I have a CAT 5510A (5.5 gallon, horizontal) and just picked up a Goodyear branded 8 gallon quiet compressor for a friend.

Robot or human?

Noise levels between the two are near identical with the GY being better when something on the CAT occasionally rattles.

Neither are bench top models but the GY in particular is a nice upgrade in terms of tank volume and pressure (135 vs 115 psi) vs my CAT compressor. The GY was recently on clearance (packaged with a hose presumably for the holidays) at $90. At $230 it isn't a killer deal but is in your price range. If you can handle the extra size I would absolutely pick one of these two.

BTW, the CAT compressor doesn't seem any better built. The regulator on the GY seems a bit nicer and appears to have less flow resistance. I got my 5510A as a returned unit because the regulator was defective from the factory (part installed backwards). Basically, even though CAT is well known I haven't seen anything that makes me think they are using better Chinese parts vs the next guy.

If size is more critical this 4 gallon CAT might be a good option at $150.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/California-Air-Tools-California-Air-Tools-4710SQ-Quiet-Flow-1-0-Hp-4-7-Gallon-Steel-Tank-Air-Compressor/1003126266

 

[bscman]

Makita MAC 700 'Big Bore' 2HP oiled @ $214--more cumbersome shape (heavier, 60lbs), but more power, more durable, and still only 80Db--which counts as quiet compared to a pancake. The Mac 700 could be the 'one" compressor, and I could lose the pancake.

Thoughts? Experiences with any or all of the above?

The MAC 700 is a sweet little compressor, and has a reputation for long life..
But 80 decibels is SIGNIFICANTLY louder than 60 decibels.

If you think 80 is still "quiet compared to a pancake" you might want to double check your numbers. My bostitch pancake is rated at 78.5db. Even the harbor freights is rated at 84.
If the typically pancake compressor is obnoxiously loud, take the Mac700 off your list.

 

[Iridium rand]

I have a small 2HP CAT model, it’s exceptionally quiet and I like it a lot, but I’m really not sure I can recommend going with them due to quality control issues, another department I work with buys them regularly as a “part” for some of our machines and have gotten numerous duds, one threw the breaker whenever you switched it on, some just didn’t work etc. and warrantying with them is a big hassle if you can get them to at all. There was another thread on here where a guy got one with a literal hole in the tank and they wouldn’t take it back nor would home depot, not sure what the outcome was but it got to the point people were suggesting filing a credit card chargeback which is absolutely unacceptable for any company

 

[mike93lx]

I have an aluminum tank, 4.6 gal cat that is very quiet and completely sufficient for stuff like nail guns. It runs out of air very quickly when using a blow gun, but for a portable unit that I can bring to the work, it's awesome. Quiet enough that I can have it running in the house next to me without any worry about noise.

 

[RAS61]

The MAC 700 is a sweet little compressor, and has a reputation for long life..
But 80 decibels is SIGNIFICANTLY louder than 60 decibels.

If you think 80 is still "quiet compared to a pancake" you might want to double check your numbers. My bostitch pancake is rated at 78.5db. Even the harbor freights is rated at 84.
If the typically pancake compressor is obnoxiously loud, take the Mac700 off your list.

I don't know how the 700 compares to pancakes (never had one), but I don't consider it loud unless standing next to it. 15 ft away in my garage is fine for me, and I don't like noise. Apparently it is louder than other options, so I think it will depend on 1) how close it will be to the work area, 2) the OP's sensitivity to noise, and 3) the importance of build quality. The later is usually #1 in my book, so I'd probably opt to put it a few feet away in a cardboard box (the one it came in?) and you'd have your 60 db in a superior machine. I hope the OP reports back on his ultimate decision

 

[paredown]

Thanks for all who commented--I'm still thinking about this, but may wait until I get my new saw and outfield table/bench set up. I'm leaning towards putting the small compressor in a cubby on that bench, so it would be better to wait until I have a really clear idea of what size I want to make room for.

I did get out after Snowmageddon to look at a couple of compressors--surprisingly, my second-closest Home Depot had both Makitas--the 700, which I agree is too large/heavy for what I had in mind, and the Mac210Q. I also got to my local Harbor Freight to look at the Fortress.

Surprisingly, on first look, the Fortress is actually finished a little better than the Makita-or at least the tank attachment has a tidier solution. HF have welded tabs on the tank that the 'roll cage' bolts to, while the Makita has the cage welded directly to the tank (and not very pretty welds at that). The other nice thing--the Fortress actually has two connectors--the front-facing one that shows in the pictures, but also a side facing on on the RH side--which I think would be nice for a bench air connection, and the front for use with a mobile hose.

I also had a look at the 1 gal Metabo/Hitachi EC28M quiet compressor--seems like a good deal, although once you are that small you are admitting that you will need a second bigger compressor for some jobs.

It is annoying though that everyone's display models are zip-tied so you can't actually pick them up and get a sense of their heft and balance point...

 

[RAS61]

It is annoying though that everyone's display models are zip-tied so you can't actually pick them up and get a sense of their heft and balance point...

Tell me about it, have been looking at impact drivers and maybe an angle grinder, you can't even pick up a hand tool at Lowes or HD, strapped to the displays with hose and exhaust clamps. Can't even put your hand on the grip to gauge ergonomics, might as well just show a picture

Interesting that the Fortress is nicer than the MAC210Q, good job doing your homework, very wise with anything from the ROC. Waiting not a bad idea either, consider your options and maybe even have a new contender not considered yet - good luck!

 

[cad70]

Ive had the HF 2 gallon compressor for 2 years. I use it at the races to inflate tires. It is extremely quiet and has very good psi. I have had zero issues with it.

 

[smackey05]

I have a California Air 4610 and I really like it for small projects. It's extremely quiet and I haven't had any problems with it. I also purchased one for an Engineering Lab in the center of our office building, and no one in the cubicles around the lab can hear it..

 

[tncatadjuster]

I have had this for about a year and enjoy how quiet it is, fine for all air nailers, will not run a ratchet for very long but it catches up nicely. I have an 80 gal. for bigger jobs.

 

[BetterDays]

I bought this in 2021
Quiet. Fast refill. Rolls nice in the shop. Pretty mobile for me, as I can carry it as needed.
Ran two framing nailers with no issues over the summer.

When my 33 gal goes (20 year old Oil free craftsman that everyone has had), I will find a quiet 30 gallon one to replace it for the larger jobs that require more air.

 

[Citation]

Metabo HPT 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor (EC710S) $85 - 2022-02-01

Woot.com [woot.com] has Metabo HPT 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor (EC710S) for $84.99. Shipping is free for Prime members (must be signed into Prime account at Woot with a shipping address selected f

slickdeals.net

Metabo pancake compressor that claims to be reasonably quiet.

I've never bought from Woot but this might be a decent option. It claims 73db. CAT will claim 60db for most of their 1hp models. My phone app says my "60db" CAT is more like 70. Well, if this one is honest it might be a good option. a 6 gal, 150 psi pancake tank would be a lot of air compared to most of the above options. Flow rate at 90 psi is low (2.8 cfm) but not drastically so. It has 2 outputs.

 

[username2]

I think it makes sense to view compressors as either great big for the obvious high-load situations or little-bitty for tires/staplers/blow the bench off/nail guns. Everyone will push the one they own (what about XXXX? Personally, I've got a Rol-Air JC10 and it's fine for what it is).

I do like the idea of building a box around the things.