Author Topic: Ultra Quiet Compressor  (Read 6340 times)

Offline philjoe5

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Ultra Quiet Compressor
« on: April 06, 2014, 10:10:56 PM »
I know many of us make steam engines operating on compressed air and are plagued with those noisy small shop compressors.  I was recently asked to show some model engines at a Mini Maker's Faire held at a local library.  I thought I might use my airbrush compressor because it's fairly quiet but it won't run more than one of my engines at a time. 

Always looking for an excuse to buy a new tool I checked out a California Air Tools compressor, model 1610A which is rated at 60 db compared to typical pancake compressors rated at 70 db or more.  It delivers 3.5 CFM of air at 40 psi, about 7x that of my airbrush compressor and produces about the same level of noise.

It performed very well and ran 3 of my engines in the 1.2" bore range for 2 hours without a hitch.  You can have a normal conversation with it running.  If you're looking for a quiet compressor I can recommend it.  There are youtube videos of it demonstrating it.  Just search for California Air Tools Compressor.

Cheers,
Phil
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.  - Mark Twain

Offline smfr

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Re: Ultra Quiet Compressor
« Reply #1 on: April 06, 2014, 11:54:38 PM »
Nice, I've been thinking about looking for a quiet compressor  :ThumbsUp:

[Edit: Hmm, just read the Amazon reviews and many people have concerns about the build quality and quality of some of the components. Such a shame!]

Simon
« Last Edit: April 07, 2014, 12:00:20 AM by smfr »

Offline philjoe5

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Re: Ultra Quiet Compressor
« Reply #2 on: April 07, 2014, 12:21:59 AM »
Simon,
That's interesting about the Amazon comments, but 24 five star, 2 four star and 1 three star ratings seems pretty good to me. 

The quality of the components like drain valve, regulators and air fittings is certainly comparable to my Campbell Hausfield costing quite a bit more.  The stated service life of the pumps (there are 2) on the CA Air Tools is 5000 hours.  Two pumps allow a motor speed of 1600 rpm or 1/2 of a typical compressor.  Warranty is 1 year.  I guess time will tell, but I know of no other portable (30 lbs) compressor that's as quiet as this one.

Cheers,
Phil
« Last Edit: April 07, 2014, 03:17:03 AM by philjoe5 »
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.  - Mark Twain

Offline BaronJ

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Re: Ultra Quiet Compressor
« Reply #3 on: April 07, 2014, 10:18:20 PM »
Hi All,

I'm using an old fridge compressor !  It runs from the 240v  mains and is no noisier than the fridge it came from.  An old fire extinguisher serves as an air tank.  It can easily push 75 psi though I have the safety valve set for 56.  Since it mostly gets used to blow up my vehicle tyres.

 
Best Regards:  Baron.

I don’t regret the things I’ve done, I regret the things I didn’t do when I had the chance.

Offline tvoght

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Re: Ultra Quiet Compressor
« Reply #4 on: October 23, 2017, 06:29:43 PM »
This is an old topic, but I wanted to report on a new -at least to me- finding on the subject of ultra-quiet air compressors.

This year at the Mid-East Ohio show, one of the exhibitors had a super quiet compressor. He kept it under his table, and had it not been pointed out to me, I wouldn't have known it was there. Ultra quiet indeed. USA residents can find it at Menard's home improvement stores for a reasonable price. Here's a link:

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/power-tools-accessories/air-compressors-pneumatic-tools-accessories/air-compressors/masterforce-reg-ultra-quiet-1-8-gallon-portable-electric-trim-air-compressor/p-1444423543348-c-12910.htm?tid=2118824897270349877&ipos=1

--Tim

Offline b.lindsey

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Re: Ultra Quiet Compressor
« Reply #5 on: October 23, 2017, 07:56:28 PM »
That looks like a rebranding of the California Air Tools compressor. Have had one for a few years now and works like a charm. They really are as quiet as they say too!!!  :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp:

Bill

Offline steamer

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Re: Ultra Quiet Compressor
« Reply #6 on: October 24, 2017, 01:38:16 AM »
If it's really 60 db.....that's quiet!

Dave
"Mister M'Andrew, don't you think steam spoils romance at sea?"
Damned ijjit!

Offline crueby

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Re: Ultra Quiet Compressor
« Reply #7 on: October 24, 2017, 01:41:14 AM »
That looks like a rebranding of the California Air Tools compressor. Have had one for a few years now and works like a charm. They really are as quiet as they say too!!!  :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp:

Bill
Yes - the parts look identical to the CAT brand. I have one, no longer need the ear plugs to use it inside my shop like I did for my previous compressor. I would hardly call it 'silent', but compared to other brands it is a lot quieter. You would still get thrown out of a library for using one there!   :Lol:

Offline Kim

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Re: Ultra Quiet Compressor
« Reply #8 on: October 24, 2017, 02:06:57 AM »
True, they are not silent, but you can stand to be in the same room with them when they're running and its not that bad.  In a noisy room (like a convention) I have no doubt that you wouldn't even notice them!  Mine is dramatically quieter than my old compressor.  Really dramatically!
Kim


 

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