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How to Build Your Own Ultra-Quiet Air Compressor
…primarily from scavenged parts!
If you're like me and don't have the scratch or space for a larger air compressor, you're probably stuck with the 6-gallon pancake that I have. With such a small tank the thing cycles on constantly and it is LOUD.
So, here's an alternative: In this video industrial designer Eric Strebel shows you how to make, step by step, an ultra-quiet air compressor using primarily scavenged parts. The rest of the stuff you can get at a big-box store or on eBay. Pretty cool! (And don't worry if you don't have the large metalworking machines, you can surely find handheld workarounds.)
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Comments
I would love to see a larger-scale version of this build. Maybe multiple quiet compressors and a larger tank. Something with a very large tank and quiet refilling like this would be pretty amazing for a built-in air system for a garage shop
A disadvantage of these compressors is that they are also very efficient at atomizing the oil, so you do need an oil catcher if you don't want oil in your air. Also, they're too slow for anything that uses a lot of air but that's obvious, really. The pancake is a smart idea for a buffer, though, I have one with used smallish welding gas tanks that can almost inflate a bike tire :(
Many people have mentioned this oil thing, I have a moisture filter on the unit now, I see no oil in the trap, and only a very small amount of moisture. It's possible that there is some oil in the bottom of the pancake, but even when I vent the tank out of the safety I am not getting any residue on my hand or a rag that I hold over the valve. So far so good. The 10/40 oil is a lot thinker than the original compressor oil, so I think that is seeing the oil loss to a minimum. The compressor if great in a small shop for blowing off small parts and general use. Works for airbrushing but would not work for any air tools or anything heavy duty.
Indeed, perhaps it's the oil! With mine the oil trap does fill up but I've left the original oil in. Perhaps I'll try exchanging it :) Generally use mine for nailing, perfect for small batches and the quietness is a real boon.
I wish everything had IEC power connections. It's an interesting video and a cool build.