[Lazyman]

The hiss of leaking air on shutdown is the pressure switch unloading the pressure in the cylinder so the motor can start the compressor on the next cycle. I hardly notice the hiss. I do my work in a home garage shop, not a library.

- ibewjon

In the case of my CAT, the hiss that I hear is much louder than the the noise of the compressor running-loud enough to startle me sometimes, though not as bad as the old pancake compressor when it started up. I don't think the valve was as loud when I got it as it is now. Since it takes so long to close now too, I suspect it is not working as it is supposed to.

 

[kelvancra]

One of the first rules of quiet, in the compressor world, is, belt drives.

My experience with oil vs oil-less is the same as others - oil units are quieter.

And I agree with Yeti on that a bit bigger is better.

I have three compressors - a Makita (7 gal?), a little pancake portable, and the 60 gallon, which is a cast iron, oil and belt unit. Interestingly, the 3 horse is quieter than the other two.

The pancake will run all my nail guns, but needs breath time between shots for the coil siding nailer (interestingly, it does pretty good with the framing nailer). The 7 gallon does fine with the coil siding nailer and the gun can't outrun it. However, airing up truck tires does work it hard. My old Craftsman 20 gallon, belt driven unit handled such things better than the Makita. That extra 13 gallons makes a difference.

Keep in mind, the bigger tank can mean cooler air too, so moisture drops out in the tank, rather than going to the tool. But it, also, means being more religious about draining the tank.

 

[ibewjon]

If the hiss of draining air takes longer to stop, the check valve may need replacement.

 

[Jimarco]

I thought my Dewalt 4.5 gall compressor was on the loud side. It delivers 5.0 CFM @ 90psi and has a 78 DB rating. It looks like that if you want the higher cfm the db's are higher as well. Have you thought about having it in another room or muffling the noise in a plywood box…. just a thought.

Comparing Quiet Air Compressors

Model Name Db Rating CFM @ 90 PSI

California Air Tools 8010SPC 40 Decibels 3.00 SCFM
CAT-60040CAD 75 Decibels 10.60 SCFM
EMAX E10V080V1 78 Decibels 38 SCFM
Kobalt Quiet Tech 64 Decibels 3.3 SCFM
California Air Tools 8010 60 Decibels 2.20 SCFM
California Air Tools 15020C 70 Decibels 5.3 SCFM
California Air Tools CAT-20015HPAD 70 Decibels 3.80 SCFM
California Air Tools CAT 30020C-22060 70 Decibels 5.30 SCFM
Homegreg 56 Db Ultra Silent 56 Decibels 1.8 SCFM
Stealth 12-Gallon Ultra Quiet 68 Decibels 4 SCFM

 

[Woodnmetal]

Would be nice to use for future HVLP use and possible sand blasting (although I think I would need a much larger compressor for that, so blasting cabinets may be out of the question)

---------------------------------------------------------

Depending on the nozzle size you wish to choose for the option of sandblasting.
This chart will assist you when looking at the necessary CFM's needed.
Otherwise, many here have given some really good options for hobby/small shop compressors.

All the best with your decision.

Gary

 

[Notw]

Gary, looks like based on this I am nowhere near the CFM requirements of even the smallest nozzle as the No. 2 starts at 11CFM and the biggest compressor I was looking was in the 5-6 CFM range

 

[xedos]

The quietest compressors are made by these guys:

http://www.silentaire.com/silentaire/index.asp

However, if you have high CFM requirements their offerings are going to get pricey. Multiples of a CAT unit.

 

[Notw]

I'm actually starting to lean towards the Kobalt 26 gallon unless someone has used one and it is either ear piercing loud or just a piece of junk?

 

[SuperCubber]

I m actually starting to lean towards the Kobalt 26 gallon unless someone has used one and it is either ear piercing loud or just a piece of junk?

- Notw

I posted a reply about the Kobalt, with decibel readings. Did you see it?

 

[Notw]

that is a little louder than advertised or than i would want

 

[ibewjon]

I have a 5 ho direct drive compressor, from airow, Addison, il. Runs at 69-70 db. It is over 40 years old, I purchased it new. With a 80 gal tank, it will do anything I ask. I chose it because I watched my friends buy small units, then upgrade, then upgrade again. I say buy the biggest you can afford, saving money in the long run.

 

[EdWeber]

As has been mentioned the biggest drawback, (deal breaker IMO) is the CFM or lack of. These new quiet machine can only handle extremely low CFM tools like nailers. Anything that requires a constant flow like a die-grinder, drill, or impact wrench are usually out of the question.

 

[hairy]

Get the best air compressor you can afford. You can always build an insulated box to cover it if the noise is too much.

I have a 4 hp Craftsman out in the garage. Bought it 35 - 40 years ago. Loud as hell and can handle everything I have. In my basement shop I have a CAT. It's a good tool.

 

[sansoo22]

Get the best air compressor you can afford. You can always build an insulated box to cover it if the noise is too much.

I have a 4 hp Craftsman out in the garage. Bought it 35 - 40 years ago. Loud as hell and can handle everything I have. In my basement shop I have a CAT. It s a good tool.

- hairy

I think we run our shops the exact opposite. I recently ordered the 4610AC for the woodshop which is in my garage. I have a larger older and super loud Craftsman in the basement where I am slowly moving all my tool restoration work. When we redo electrical I will setup for a used 7-ish HP unit for the basement. Surprisingly you can still find Quincy, CH, or IR compressors in good shape at a fair price in my area on CL or FB…unlike woodworking tools which have sky rocketed as of late.

 

[Notw]

Just to confuse myself even more I have found another contender and is in the same price range as the CAT and the specs say it is even quieter. It is the HULK Power vertical silent air compressor. Anyone have any real world experience with this one?

 

[06132485]

All I can tell you is I have a Cali air tool with a 2 gallon tank at the house for occasional pin nailer duty. I love it, super quiet, and works great. I have heard nothing but good things about them. BUT, they are pricey.

Recently I sold off the big compressor, am going to sell the POS pancake too, and I bought a 2 Gallon HF super quiet compressor. It actually is quieter than the Cali Tool unit, runs longer on a charge, and just works it's but off. Way less $$$$$$$ too. Between coupons, and sale prices they let me stack, it was something silly like $109 out the door, tax and all.

 

[Notw]

OK I decided to pull the trigger on the HULK Power 20 gallon air compressor. Just unboxed it last night so I don't have a full opinion on it yet but I can tell you it is A LOT quieter than my old Husky compressor.

 

[jasonsdolan78]

For your needs, I don t know that a 20 gallon(ish) compressor is necessary. I have a similar set of needs and have no complaints with my 8 gallon California Air Tools compressor. It s an outstanding compressor for the money. And you truly can t appreciate how quiet they are until you see one firsthand. So, that d be my vote.

- Wood_Scraps

Hello there. Recently I witnessed that my compressor is not working properly. Can you suggest something that can be done for battery life? For example, what should I do in terms of discharge?

 

[sawdust66]

I was in this exact same situation a year ago, and came down to the exact same models you did. I initially went with the Kobalt due to it's slightly larger tank but as soon as I got it home found that the exhaust filters were damaged, and I can see why based on the design. I loaded it up and took it back. Then got the Husky. Love it, absolutely no issues with it in the last year. It's amazing how quiet it is compared to my old Campbell Hausfeld.

 

[stevejack]

For the price at LOWES of under $350 for the Kobalt quiet tech 26 gallon 150 psi max air compressor looks like a win.. BUT IT IS NOT. The Valve that sends compressed air to the 2 outlets will fail within 6 month. And you will never receive a replacement part that is under warranty for 3 years. ALSO Lowes will not take them back. If you want to keep them and use them you have to replace the entire valve assembly piecemeal. Then your sexy clean looking new compressor looks like Frankenstien….