less noisy air compressor

[huffmuds9320]

I'm looking to buy a small air compressor about 2-3 gallon size. It would be used for basic stuff like inflating tires, blow stuff clean and run some small air tools. Looking to spend about $100-150, I don't want something too noisy. I heard that oiled ones are quieter but many of the small ones I've seen are oil less. Any suggestions, Thanks.

 

[tom slick]

I know the smallest Senco compressor is very quiet. You might want to look at "big" air brush compressors, they'll be quiet also.

 

[bigmike]

Originally Posted By: lpcmidst128
I'm looking to buy a small air compressor about 2-3 gallon size. It would be used for basic stuff like inflating tires, blow stuff clean and run some small air tools. Looking to spend about $100-150, I don't want something too noisy. I heard that oiled ones are quieter but many of the small ones I've seen are oil less. Any suggestions, Thanks.


I just bought one of these over the weekend for $129 at Home Depot:

http://www.ryobitools.com/catalog/power_tools/air_tools/YN801CFK#

Seems fairly nice. Wasn't looking for anything major, but for minor jobs like you mentioned. It's oil-less, pretty quiet and has nice features. Nailer seems to work good and has alot of power behind it. Don't know about it holding up over the years, but it did have a 2 year warranty.

 

[The_Jeff]

That Ryobi's quiet because it's only 2.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI. An average 15 Amp/ 120V compressor will do 4.5 SCFM @ 90 and one usually quickly grows into that.

 

[bigmike]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
That Ryobi's quiet because it's only 2.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI. An average 15 Amp/ 120V compressor will do 4.5 SCFM @ 90 and one usually quickly grows into that.


That's true. I contemplated quite awhile about purchasing a Porter Cable for $200, but couldn't justify it. It all depends on what you want it for.

 

[JTK]

The small, louder portable compressors typically run at ~3400RPM. Anything ~1700RPM will be quieter.

Joel

 

[huffmuds9320]

I found that not all the compressors list the rpm or decibel rating in the specs. The ones that are advertised as quiet list 69-71 decibels.

I was thinking about getting a Campbell Hausfeld but some reviews say they are very loud. A while back I saw one on Harbor Freight website and for some reason its not listed there anymore. I remember it was US General Air or Central Pneumatic brand, 3/4hp, 1720rpm, 1.6 gallons.