Do not build a sound insulated enclosure for your noisy air compressor!

Summary

In this engaging DIY video, the creator shares their experience of building a sound-insulating box for a noisy air compressor. While showcasing the construction process, they explain the importance of ventilation to manage heat, and demonstrate sound level measurements before and after the build. Despite the effort put into the enclosure, they ultimately find that purchasing a quieter compressor may be a more effective solution. The video highlights the trade-offs between building an enclosure versus investing in a silent compressor, making it a valuable watch for anyone dealing with loud workshop equipment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The air compressor is a favorite tool but has a major flaw: it's very noisy.
• 🔨 A sound-insulating box was built to reduce the compressor's noise levels.
• 🎥 The builder shares a video of the construction process, highlighting both successes and mistakes.
• 📏 Measurement of sound levels is important; a decibel meter was used to assess noise before and after the build.
• 🌬️ Proper ventilation is crucial for the compressor to avoid overheating while maintaining sound insulation.
• 🛠️ The enclosure design includes features like rubber seals and insulated walls to enhance soundproofing.
• 📉 Despite the improvements, the sound level is still considered too high, leading to the purchase of a quieter compressor.
• 🔊 The new compressor is rated at 78 decibels, which is significantly quieter than the previous model.
• 💰 Building a sound enclosure can be costly and may not be worth it compared to simply buying a quieter compressor.
• 🤔 The conclusion emphasizes that while the enclosure helps, opting for a silent compressor is often a more practical solution.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the sound insulating box built for the air compressor?

The primary purpose is to reduce the noise generated by the air compressor, making it quieter during operation.

What specific challenge did the creator face while building the sound insulating box?

The creator needed to ensure proper ventilation for the compressor while maintaining sound insulation, as the compressor generates heat and requires airflow.

How did the creator attempt to enhance the sound insulation of the box?

The creator added insulation material inside the box, designed a longer airflow path to break up sound waves, and used soft fabric to reduce sound reflection.

What mistakes did the creator mention about the construction process?

The creator mentioned they made a few mistakes during the build but intentionally left one in the video for viewers to identify.

What measurement tool was used to evaluate the noise levels of the compressor?

A decibel meter was used to measure the sound levels of the air compressor before and after it was placed inside the sound insulating box.

What were the measured decibel levels of the old and new compressors?

The old compressor measured around 85 decibels, while the new, quieter compressor was rated at 78 decibels out of the box.

Why did the creator decide to buy a new air compressor instead of solely relying on the sound insulating box?

The creator found that the sound insulating box only reduced the noise to 70 decibels, which is still quite loud, leading them to opt for a quieter compressor model.

What design considerations were made for the enclosure due to the garage's physical space?

The creator designed the enclosure with an angled shape to fit under the sloped garage ceiling, optimizing the use of available space.

What was the overall conclusion regarding the effectiveness of the sound insulating box?

While the enclosure helped reduce noise, the creator concluded that building one may not be worth the time and cost compared to purchasing a quieter compressor.

What additional modifications did the creator make to the new compressor to further reduce noise?

The creator added o-rings to the wheels to minimize rattling and removed unnecessary lids to reduce vibrations.