Quiet Air compressor

**themage21** · 6th March 2019, 11:41 AM

I know two people with Chicago Air compressors - one has only recently bought his, but the other has owned his one through around 6 years of service. I've seen both in action and they are impressively quiet, far quieter than any belt driven compressor I've ever seen. I'm also referring to the 50l 2 x 1.1hp models, not the smaller single motor units.

The long term owner, has rarely turned it off and it's still very quiet to this day. It's been used for lots of blow down, inflating and air tool usage and has even survived a long continuous run when a fitting failed while he was away for the day (and the unit was venting free air for hours).

If having to shift it around the shop is an issue, then because of the ally tank, they're light too.

Admittedly, some of the fittings have a look of being a little chintzy, but they are all generic parts that can be obtained either through SydneyTools or on eBay.

My local phone shop has also recently opened a branch with two units each with 3 x 1.1hp motors on them. Overkill for what I imagine their uses to require, but you never hear them run.

**FenceFurniture** · 6th March 2019, 12:43 PM

That's interesting. I hadn't previously looked at the 50L Chicago which is $849. That puts it $375 less than the Rolair 50L and only $250 more than the 30L Rolair. That may well be the clincher, actually. If Penrith Sydney Tools have one in stock I might just inspect this arvo - don't be surprised if it follows me home...

**FenceFurniture** · 6th March 2019, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by FenceFurniture

.... don't be surprised if it follows me home...

It did too, bloody thing

Very very quiet!

Thanks for all your various input, problem now resolved!

**Bushmiller** · 6th March 2019, 04:17 PM

Brett

I only just got to this thread. Looks like the horse has bolted. Actually make that it bolted and has been recaptured with the gate locked. I am right out of touch with pricing on these machines so perhaps it is just as well I did not wade in earlier.

The important aspect of compressors is the "Free Air delivery." (FAD). In other words the output. Generally everything else will be geared up to that. Manufacturers can claim whatever they like but it is the FAD that is the yardstick. I am not sure about the compressor parts of the machine being under rated. I had always believed it was the motor that was at risk. You may have noticed if you have ever looked at replacement single phase motors that compressor motors of a given HP (or Kw) are cheaper than other motors the same size. This is because they are not totally enclosed and they are not continuous rated.

Some air tools consume a lot of air: Things like angle grinders, drills and blowers. With their high demand they may cause the compressor motor to run too often and for too long. Tools like nail guns are much less demanding on air consumption. I think a 50L tank is a good size for a portable compressor. The one I use all the time is that size, but I also have a 90L, which I have not used for years but was too cumbersome to drag around. The larger machines are more suited to fixed locations. Sometimes on a 10amp power point these machines (2HP) will trip the circuit breaker when first starting from cold. The current draw on start up can be too much, but my machine is quite old now.

A long hose will have frictional resistance just as a small diameter hose will also make things worse. Connect three garden hoses up together and see what happens. hardly anything comes out the end: Similar story with the air. Use a short hose whenever you can and a larger diameter if possible. 1/2" is fine. 1/4" not so good.

That Chicago unit looks good. You will have to let us know how it performs for you.

Regards
Paul

**Simplicity** · 6th March 2019, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by FenceFurniture

It did too, bloody thing

Very very quiet!

Thanks for all your various input, problem now resolved!

Will we be getting a happy Father shot with the new arrival Brett?

Cheers Matt.

**woodPixel** · 6th March 2019, 07:34 PM

FF, this 30L one? https://sydneytools.com.au/product/c...air-compressor

**FenceFurniture** · 6th March 2019, 07:46 PM

No, this 50L one

**Spyro** · 7th March 2019, 12:19 AM

Originally Posted by apple8

If the box was fully sealed after the first operation there would no air to compress leaving a vacuum so there must be some leakage around the box which must be affecting the efficiency having a restricted air flow.

It's not airtight, there is a hole for the power cable and another for the air hose. It's tight, but not airtight.

Originally Posted by BobL

It looks like its not that well sealed. More than enough gaps there for a few CFM.

Attachment 450301

Nah, this is just an extra piece of bench held on top of the box with a couple of screws. It's there because the whole contraption also serves as a continuation of my bench.
The actual box is sealed with silicone except for the two holes for the cable and air hose.

**BobL** · 7th March 2019, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by Spyro

The actual box is sealed with silicone except for the two holes for the cable and air hose.

It should be possible to tell if the gaps are restricting flow by timing the recharge with the box open and then with it closed.

**FenceFurniture** · 7th March 2019, 11:11 AM

A couple of pics for the voyeurs amongst us:

IMG_20190307_110510.jpg

IMG_20190307_110543.jpg

Talking to fletty on the phone this morning....I gave him a listen to the old Taurus at 1m distance and then the Chicago at the same distance - he couldn't hear the second one, but I believe my phone has a filter to mitigate background noise (sending and receiving). Even so, the difference is astonishing

**gazza2009au** · 7th March 2019, 07:53 PM

Bob thanks for those hose diameter numbers a couple pages back could not believe the hose I'm using now i think my compressor shuts off at 145psi after 15 meters of that hard blue plastic 3/8" hose it drops to 90psi just perfect for my tools when i measured it was all new and no leaks i have leaks now

also seen a few of you guys mention silencer boxes what about a fire starting from the compressor being in a box?

also forgot to ask you guys recommended using a moisture trap they are 1/4" in/outlets, would using 3/8" fitting be of any use if the moisture trap is 1/4"?

**FenceFurniture** · 13th March 2019, 08:59 AM

How does everyone else seal their fittings onto the hose? I've been using the screwdown hoseclamps but I fear the quality of these might be down - I snapped the screw on one yesterday, trying to seal the hose onto the barb.

**Acco** · 13th March 2019, 09:27 AM

I use ear clamps and use my nail pincer pliers to clamp them up.

Last time I bought some, I got them from Total Tools

**BobL** · 13th March 2019, 09:43 AM

Even though they can catch more easily on things than the ear clamps I am forever switching things around so I use the solid band type hose clamps.

**arose62** · 13th March 2019, 09:59 AM

I saw an ad for a wire wrap tool, so made one of my own. IMG_20180824_143735.jpg IMG_20180824_143601.jpg

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