Another Trick To Make Your Air Compressor Even Quieter

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To my subscribers. Sorry it took me a little while to get another video put up. I wasn't on vacation. The enclosure for the compressor turned out to be more involved than I originally thought, but I finally got it done.
In this video I put the finishing touches on a muffler modification I showed you in an previous video. The muffler alone reduces the sound level by 4 decibels average. Four decibels represents over a 50% reduction in sound.
I also show you an additional modification that drops my air compressor noise by another 5 decibels. Combining two methods, the muffler and a new wall enclosure, I realized a 9 decibel average drop, which equals an 87.5% sound reduction.
All the materials and techniques are within the reach of the average do it yourselfer who is looking to reduce the noise coming from his compressor.

[@bsteleven]

I worked as shop supervisor at a IH farm machinery dealership here in Idaho, In the late 1970’s we bought a new big 15 HP Quincy air compressor for the shop. Boy when that thing turned on you couldn’t here yourself think. One day one of the guys on the shop crew went to the parts department got a muffler for a farmall model M tractor and it fit the intake pipe for the compressor perfect WOW what a difference it made. Now you really went the extra mile on yours. Good job.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Thanks! Quincy still makes a good machine.

[@davidfrank2824]

I love the idea with the fan. I have been thinking about putting a closet around my compressor. For everyday work it's fine it's just in the spring and summer when I sandblast then the compressor is on almost a whole day and will give you a horrible headache. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@clemenceronald]

Thanks for all your efforts making this. I did the same using removable plywood box, stronger and better for my portable direct drive compressor. Sound reduction was not as good as drywall or rockwool sandwich though. But combined with another muffler in cooling air inlet helped a LOT. Mine used a small 12VDC axial fan (my compressor is only 0,5HP).

[@ArnoldsDesign]

You're welcome, and thank you for your comments.

[@TonyWadkins]

Just wanted to agree with the others who recommend lining the inside with some kind of sound deadening insulation or board. The sheetrock layers are now acting as a tight skin which will resonate the sound vibrations. I would recommend some 1.5" x 24" x 48" rockwool boards if you can afford it. Even regular fiberglass insulation is better than nothing. The second layer of sheetrock is only acting as extra mass which helps. The foam sill insulation strips aren't doing much since you compressed them with screws which attach to the same framing as the first layer which is transferring the sound to the second layer. There is a z strip which is used to add flexibility for the second layer to float. One last upgrade would be a floating top over your fan with sound deadening foam or insulation to capture the sound coming out of the top. It's all about capturing sound wave energy and being absorbed by sound deadening material and not reflected by any surfaces.

[@Jeanclaudevanderfield]

Thanks for the great video and taking the time to edit and explain everything, that's a lot of effort in itself. It's greatly appreciated, and will be especially appreciated by my neighbors after I build this around my shop compressor..lol.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Thank, I'm glad you like it.

[@thegodofpleasure]

Just a thought, but if you ever wanted to increase the output of your compressor, perhaps hook up a blower to the air inlet on the muffler as a "pre-compressor" to raise the intake air pressure. This would also compensate for the air flow restriction imposed by the addition of the muffler, pipes and fittings.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Interesting idea

[@TradeWorksLLC]

I know this is an older video and you may have already changed things however I thought I would throw in some after thoughts if you were interested. Enjoyed finding out you did comparison between using stock intake filter vs 90° pipe elbow. Good info! Wasn’t surprised you only saw 3dB drop with initial enclosure as having the top open with the box fan will really allow almost all the noise reflect off the hard drywall and find its way up and out. While I think adapting contractor ceiling tricks for helping disperse noise transfer between floors to work for your enclosure is interesting, I feel that you would be better served by placing sound insulation foam above the enclosure along the underside of your ceiling joists while maintaining sufficient air gap between the box fan … or if possible apply sound foam along some of the interior walls. While persuit of sound isolation/deadening is a fascinating and complex field I find thinking of it like a car ride then like a billiards table helps pinpoint ways to counteract noise. First off if you have a gap in your window while driving down the road the sound of rushing air will be immensely elevated compared to when its closed. So rule 1 is seal off air space whenever possible. When ventilation is required for cooling, imagine the space like a billiards table with the balls being the travel of sound. Then create a “net” at the outlet for sound waves to absorb Into instead of reflect off of. If possible a system of baffles (simplified interior of a muffler) within the surrounding enclosure that will limit sound escaping but still provide free flowing air path. Everything mentioned is in relation to reducing a single point noise source. For preventing noise between floors or walls the creation of mostly or entirely isolated air pockets have huge impacts in reduction.

[@mikenetherlin1209]

Might try the egg creat style sound dreading material, it really captures sound. Lot of work you have gone through to keep sound low. I built a small shed, building outside my garage and put air compressor and shop vacuum system outside inside the shed. My garage is block and it is filled with cement so works well. Thanks for the video.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

A concrete block wall is the best. That's what my shop is built from. When I stand outside next to where the compressor is, I can barely hear anything at all. I might build a shed later on for it. When you say egg crate material, are you talking about the foam used for mattress toppers, because I was thinking of trying that.

[@mikenetherlin1209]

Yes the foam rubber stuff works w lol.

[@mikenetherlin1209]

If you know someone who works in a nursing home or hospital they throw them out often.they are rather expensive

[@ArnoldsDesign]

I'll just tear the one off the bed. No one will notice, lol.

[@stephensimpson5283]

I did something similar but instead of a room I built a workbench around mine. It lays horizontal not vertical like yours. I lined it with eggshell sound foam from eBay and put a fan at the end pushing in air. Then added plywood on the outside. I made little baffles (sound doesn't go around corners well) and I can now have a conversation next to my compressor. Great Video. Keep up the good work. I also made a water drop for mine. Have a look. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4jWhGNnhs-oq9E

[@ernestchristley8048]

Line the inside of the closet with ceiling drop tiles. Cheap, available, and easy to work with.

[@halnywiatr]

Lay a 20 X 20 disposable air filter on the fan to help collect dust. I zip tie filters onto those cheap fans for whenever i use them for air circulation. It's amazing to see how much cleaner the air is and how much less dust there is coating everything else.

[@K9reign]

I made my compressor room large enough that I can take a dolly into it and roll it out to work on if needed, and my fan sucks the "hot" air out up into the garage attic where I mounted an old heavy duty exhaust fan out the squirrel cage vent that spins with the fan on. I had it this why for many years now. I do like adding an extra muffler though as mine is still a little loud, but I have thought of just building an outside shed for it so that I get back the room in the corner of the garage.

[@thanhtu7227]

very nice and very informative Thank you

[@jethi511]

Great video. Going to do this with my compressor. Probably going to use two fans and vent it like a computer case: one exhaust and one intake, and run the exhaust outside along side my laundry exhaust vent. I was also thinking of Dynamat for the inside for more sound reduction. Cheers!

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Thanks. I was thinking of dynamat too, or maybe egg crate foam sheets.

[@almighty090264712]

The spl meter apps use the phone mic, so for best results point the bottom end of your phone at the sound source. The Smart Tools spl meter actually flips the display so it can be easily read with the mic pointed away from you. Also, most phone mics are limited/compressed at the high end, so your phone might not even be capable of registering anything above 85db or so. Decoupling my compressor from the floor with some custom isolation mounts made as significant a difference in noise reduction as plumbing the intake to a remote location.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Interesting. Thanks for you comments.

[@wags9777]

Apparently you need to add on to the shop To accommodate the new muffler for the compressor

[@Minimik001]

Love the video, Thanks for the information

[@tunafish3216]

The egg cartons on the walls really works great, I would turn the fan over so it will suck the hot air out cut a vent at the bottom of the door or the wall to suck in cool air circulation.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

It has a large vent in back. I thought about sucking the air out, but am really trying to keep the head temps down with airflow. Even before I built the enclosure, I was getting over 300°F, so I'd always put a fan on top blowing down on the heads, which reduced my temps about 50°. I might flip it around though, just to see what temps I get.

[@jgiajnorio]

Have you tried wiring the fan into the compressor switch. That way when the compressor starts the fan will run. When it ends, it would stop the fan

[@ArnoldsDesign]

I haven't tried that. I need to keep the fan on between on and off cycle to keep the compressor cool, otherwise I'd try it.

[@martyjosephson4937]

why didn't you show the hook ups before putting up the wall?

[@flyurway]

Interesting setup. A bit over the top but you thought it out nicely. What do you have for air intake for the cooling fan? Why not put foam board for one layer instead of both being drywall? Ever consider running the compressor intakes right outside instead of the muffler?

[@4speed3pedals]

One suggestion, if you haven't already done it, change your compressor oil to a good synthetic compressor oil. Most auto parts stores do not stock the correct viscosity so make positively sure that you get the correct grade that the manufacturer of your compressor designates. If you have a hard time finding it, check out Amsoil.com , they offer a dealer search feature. Versus conventional mineral oil, a good synthetic can triple the life of an air compressor. The break down temperature of a synthetic is almost double that of a mineral oil based product. When I built my outdoor shed with fiberglass insulated walls for my I.R. 5 hp back in 2011, I used a car muffler also but went one step farther and installed the air filter externally mounted to the wall. Luck was with me, a gear head in the neighborhood installed a cold air package on a car and threw away the OEM plastic air filter assembly that included a new looking K&N air filter. My setup is amazingly quiet. My next project is to improve air flow through the shed.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Thanks for the suggestions. I use a fully synthetic oil specified by the manufacturer, otherwise my warranty is no good. I tried coupling the air filter housing from my old dodge dakota to the end of the muffler, but when I found out my sound level was the same as the stock filters, I just left it alone. Using an auto filter housing might improve air flow, though. I haven't taken any measurements regarding that. You should post a vid of your setup. I think a lot of people are interested in noise reduction.

[@4speed3pedals]

You do not have to use the manufacturers oil or any brand they specify to keep your warranty. Any brand is good as long as it meets their requirements and in most cases, that means the correct viscosity. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act was signed into law on Jan. 4, 1975. The manufacturer cannot void your warranty if you choose to use a different brand. The salesman or the literature might tell you this but, it is illegal. Car manufacturers were the big offenders. It was done to get the car back in to the service bay to increase their profits, not for the car's benefit. You can read about the law here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson%E2%80%93Moss_Warranty_Act The most important thing about a different brand is getting the correct viscosity. I could take a couple pictures and post. It will be after the rain stops, supposed to last for 2 days, then possibly come back. I do not own a deciblel meter

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Thanks. Did not know that. Knowledge is power. Yeah, some photos of your setup would be cool when you get a chance.

[@4speed3pedals]

I don't think I can attach pictures here. Suggestions? My compressor sits in a lean-to style shed of my construction, attached to the side of my garage. The base is 5" thick concrete with mesh reinforcement. J-bolts were placed in the wet concrete to attach the sill plates. The walls, doors and roof are insulated with fiberglass insulation that has the paper for stapling. Long bolts are embedded in the concrete for anchoring the air compressor. To keep the alignment correct, I fabricated a light wood frame with 4 holes, attached the bolts to the frame, then sunk the bolts into the concrete - the wood frame keeping them perpendicular and spaced properly. This assembly was heavy enough to cause it to sink so it had to be monitored. To aid in vibration, I placed 4"x4" and 2"x2" vibration pads on both sides of the compressor legs, larger on the bottom. These are about 3/4" thick and I think they are used to mount large HVAC units. I know they can easily handle the weight of the compressor. I fabricated the 2 doors as long as the shed would allow and they go from floor to roof. With both doors open, I can service the compressor but, not much room otherwise. All the intake plumbing is PVC pipe, including the piece threaded into the intake port. I selected the size based on the muffler openings. To seal the connections to the muffler I used Phenoseal latex caulk. When this stuff sets up it is rubbery and impervious to water. It can be used for tile grout and other construction sealing. The muffler is secured to 2 wooden brackets which are screwed into the garage wall and it sits higher than the compressor. The inlet pipe enters the shed through an end wall and the OEM automobile air cleaner is attached to it. It is a plastic housing with a panel filter. I used a Fernco coupling to transition from the pipe to the air cleaner. It is heavy duty, uses screw type hose clamps and is available in many sizes. Most plumbing, hardware and big box stores have them. Due to the construction of the OEM air cleaner, I had to install a PVC 45 degree elbow so it would hang straight and that made sizing easier. I just went outside and opened both doors and to me, an idling lawn more makes more noise. With the door shut, no neighbor can hear it run. Yes, I have Amsoil synthetic in the compressor.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Photos would have to go somewhere like Dropbox, or could be emailed to me at [e-mail], though you're not obligated to do so. Your explanation is good and appreciated. Sounds like a heavy duty setup. I use the Ferno's quite a bit. Those are really handy. I have considered an outdoor shed, and might still do that. The only drawback I would have to work out is having the oil get thick when it gets to 0°F or below here, like it did in the last few weeks, though synthetic oil stays thinner to a much lower temp I found. Even so, I would affix an electric silicone heating pad to the oil sump and attach it to a thermostat or just a switch that I could use to preheat the oil. I'm going to look into amsoil. I know they make good oils, and also Lubrication Engineers. If you're not familiar with them. they make some very serious oils for industry and autos. I run Monolec TetraSyn 5w-20 in my truck's hemi.

[@badgn2002]

nice job!! Probably would not be a significant decrease but if you changed the tubing lengths to try and get the pulses from the compressor inlet to cancel each other out. Perhaps the timing is quite long and no difference would result.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Thanks. I'll have to try that. The tubes on there now are somewhat different lengths. I just sort of eyed them up. But it would be interesting trying different lengths to see if it makes any difference.

[@davescott8859]

Great video my brother, thanks for sharing, keep rocking.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Thanks.

[@MegaDominican]

So how is it working so far? No overheating issues?

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Ok, thanks for the info. I got about nine total, so I guess that's pretty good. I would like to get a more accurate reading with a quality db testing unit, but I don't want to invest in one just for one test.

[@vytismachine3885]

McMaster Carr sells an inline air muffler. They knock the sound down considerably. Not perfect, but my compressor is about the same size and that thing kicking on out of nowhere used to make me almost jump out of my skin. I've got it down to mildly annoying now.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Good idea. Mcmaster's my go to place.

[@vytismachine3885]

Your solution is probably cheaper and quieter though. Here's mine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3O9mI2IoMaYhas Forgive my video being klugy...I don't know a whole lot about making YT videos, just getting into it and have exactly 2 so far....gotta start somewhere though I guess.

[@daddywoofdawg]

you'll get even lower temps if you flip the fan upside down so it pulls the heat out,may need a vet in the bottom so air can flow in.

[@MrStemkilla]

dont you have a large gapeing hole letting the sound out into the shop now? what if you run a vent stack out to the roof or on the side of the building and just use a in line fan flowing air into the compressor room.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

There's a hole on top with the fan, and a hole in the back at the bottom. It's against a block wall which I'd rather not cut a hole in, otherwise I'd run an outside vent. It'll do for now until I get a bigger place.

[@angah9337]

What apps name to check sound ?

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

i use dello or rotella diesel oil in my compressors n is a bit over run its same size at your compressor is the side be side compressor though but ill be adding welding extra fins on the heads soon and swapping it to the 30 gallon portable one and installing the new head modded v twin soon

[@ArnoldsDesign]

I used to run diesel oil in my old compressor. I run this strange smelling fully synthetic oil in this one now.

[@jsh3234]

What you should do is line the inside of the closet with waffle foam.. or instead of the 5/8 drywall, either sound board or sterifoam then your 1/2 inch drywall.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

I'm thinking of getting some egg crate foam to put on the inside, but it's pretty quiet like it is now. Maybe when I get some extra time to do some more experimenting.

[@Subgunman]

I would recommend looking at K&N filters for automotive use. I used these filters on and old Challenger in the'80's. they are a full flow high filtration style filter, worked great for me. Find one that could mate up with the intake or you could use PVC reducers to get the job done.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

I had originally recorded a segment for this video on how to construct an air filter from a large strainer and bulk filter material, but edited it out due to time constraints. The K&N is a good idea, though.

[@shonaoneill5151]

Arnold's Design As soon as you mentioned that you were disappointed with the 4 decibel reduction, I was wondering what you were talking about, as it's a massive reduction. However, you did the right thing and looked it up. 😀

[@mikejohnson9118]

There is quantitative (amplitude) and quality(frequency) of the sound. By the way is that a Ram muffler? It looks very similar.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Yep, the huge suitcase muffler. I have a borla glass pack on it now.

[@georgespangler1517]

I did and it really cuts down on the noise level,,alot

[@TheWaterman1000]

What happens if a belt breaks or gets Loo's? Looks kinda tight in there.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Believe it or not, I can get back in back of the compressor to do maintenance, as long as I watch my diet.

[@gman4802]

Wire the fan to the pressure switch on the compressor to only run when it kicks on.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

I'd also like to have it on a timed delay so that it shuts down about 5 minutes after the compressor shuts down. I have a timer relay around here somewhere. Actually, a temp controlled switch connected to the head is what I originally wanted.

[@georgespangler1517]

Wouldn't it be better to run the filter hose to a outside location? Be much cleaner air and even better noise reduction

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Yes it would be. I will be doing that soon.

[@ahoo5753]

Put it inside that 57 Buick you took the muffler off of

[@ArnoldsDesign]

An old van or something actually would work for a hor comp. I'm still using the ram1500 that it came from so I guess I'm SOL in that dept.

[@goodboyringo9716]

What did you put on the single end of the muffler if anything?

[@ArnoldsDesign]

I bought some fiberglass filter media and wrapped it around a suction strainer to make a big filter. I then attached it to the end of the muffler.

[@wags9777]

That's a lot of work for 8 or 9 dB

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Db is on logarithmic scale. Increase of 3db is twice as loud.

[@MH-wo4be]

a 10 dB raise in noise is a 100% increase ( or a 2x increase) so I find it hard to believe a 3 dB drop is 1/2 the noise. It would actually be 10 dB is a 50% drop (1/2 the noise). You lowered 10 dB, your noise is 50% gone, not 88% gone. Think about it for a minute, it would be quieter than a whisper if that was the case.

[@georgespangler1517]

Try turning the fan around and pull the heat out of the closet

[@ArnoldsDesign]

I tried that too.

[@murraymadness4674]

I am surprised it still produces 66db in a closet. Drywall does not stop sound, you need soft rubber lining, HF floor mats not too expensive.

[@timm.6391]

Why not just use egg crate foam on inside wall. Less dry wall, and better sound absorption.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

I gave that some thought.

[@kevinphallus]

6dB is a halving of the sound pressure. Not 3dB.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

I think I got the terms confused. Actually, the more I read about it, the more confusing gets. I'm seeing 3db for 50% sound intensity level, 6db for 50% sound pressure level, and 10 db for 50% loudness, and I have no idea which of those my phone app was actually measuring. www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-levelchange.htm The only thing I know for certain is that when I built the enclosure, the compressor got really quiet.

[@kevinphallus]

Arnold's Design Loudness is subjective. Sound intensity or sound power is not really related to physical hearing. Sound pressure level (SPL) is what you’re measuring and is related to how loud sound is. 6dB reduction in SPL represents a halving of the sound we hear.

[@singleskater89]

Yes 3 db increase is double the energy, 6 db is double the Sound pressure but for the ear to hear a doubling, it takes 9-10db of increase.

[@charlesgraham9954]

i poured a slab of cement and built a leentoo outside my garage. love how quiet it is now.. lol

[@ArnoldsDesign]

That's what I'd like to do. When I build a bigger shop, I will do that.

[@cdoublejj]

egg crates or sound foam inside would kill noise even more

[@ArnoldsDesign]

I would like to try that at some point.

[@G5Hohn]

Using a muffler that big on an air compressor is ridiculous.

[@joed7073]

I think you mite be missing the mark. Your sound is just bouncing around and out. You need to line the inside of the closet with sound absorbing material in order for the sound to be absorbed and eliminated. All that drywall is not necessary.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Well, I'd say you're partly correct. If you've ever built a home, you know that when you put up exterior walls and sheeting (osb, plywood), you've noticed you can still hear outside noise quite well. It's only when you put up drywall that the outside noise is greatly reduced. Now, inside an empty drywalled room, it will still reflect and echo every sound (what you're saying). It's only when you add furniture, carpeting, curtains, etc, that the echoes and reflections stop, in other words, sound absorbing material. However, even with an empty drywalled room, people on the outside won't hear the reflected noise from within too well. I have two layers of drywall with a 1/4" gap between them, which is what some sound proofers use in high end homes between bedrooms. I was planning to use a sound deadening material, like dynamat, or egg crate foam, on the inside to reduce the echoes, but haven't gotten around to that yet. Even so, with this improvement alone I achieved a significant sound reduction. It's not very noticeable with my camera mic, because it has auto sound leveling, but with it I don't even need to use earplugs now. I actually get more noise now from the water pumps on my vapor blaster.

[@gregorykusiak5424]

@@ArnoldsDesign something like pink fibreglass insulation/roxul rock wool is the fuzzy stuff that stops the sound from reverberating in the enclosure; the mass of the drywall keeps the sound inside. You want the air intake no more than horizontal, but preferably pointed towards the ground for cooler air especially if you’re exhausting hot air out the top (why fight nature?). Also-what about a cooler/drier loop between compressor and tank?

[@ArnoldsDesign]

@@gregorykusiak5424 The insulation is something to consider. I have air drawn from outside the shop now. There is an automatic drain on the tank, and a fan cooled aftercooler on the output line now. It keeps the air really dry.

[@gregorykusiak5424]

@@ArnoldsDesign you’ve got the drywall mass- just make it hum less with some safe-n-sound on the inside walls.

[@immanutt4442]

Resonators

[@briangriffin5391]

I just put my compressor in the shed behind my garage...

[@carlmason983]

Haha car muffler ! It's bigger than him. It's as big as our lorry mufflers. Got to be off an American car . Everything's bigger in America.

[@gratefuldude941]

Green Glue, dude.

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Is that the stuff they use between drywall for soundproofing?

[@gratefuldude941]

Yup.

[@mikechristensen3300]

looks like a bathroom ...some friends ???

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Won't they be surprised to find a compressor in there instead.

[@crpth1]

For God sake. spare your sweat. One word "ROCKWOOL"... ;-) Instead of contiguous layers of drywall. You won´t find better sound insulation considering price/volume. Cheers

[@greenspotconstruction5003]

Ditto. You can get it in Batts from home Depot or you can order 3 inch thick sheets.

[@emmanuelmata]

looks like EMAXX compressors stole your idea and patented

[@ArnoldsDesign]

They had the Silent Air option when I bought mine. I was too tight to pay for it, so I just used an old muffler. The enclosure is a good further improvement.