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  1. #1
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    Default Quiet Air compressor - Chicago or Rolair?

    I'm tired of being berated by my Taurus 30 litre Air Compressor. It's done the job but time for a quieter upgrade.

    There was a recent thread which partially discussed Rolair compressors here, but there was no mention of Chicago as a quiet compressor.

    My Taurus is rated at 115psi (but that's never been tested) and that would be the minimum that I require for general duties (I don't run tools or sprayers). I find that the 30L tank requires frequent filling with some of the jobs I do, and it is often running continuously for a 2-4 minute job. That is a function of the tank size, but could also be from something else that I don't necessarily understand.

    The point being that IF continuous operation for say 5 minutes is not damaging to the compressor, and IF I had a quiet one then I wouldn't be so bothered about the continuous running, but as it is currently the noise is a killer (no doubt not appreciated by the neighbours either - because those jobs are with the door open blowing out dust from something). I have it semi-enclosed which has attenuated some of the noise already.



    So, there are three Rolair models within range, and one Chicago.

    Chicago 30L Silenced with Alum tank. $549
    2 HP, 69dB, 3.8 amp, 100 psi (low)
    18kg (don't care)
    59x31x55 cm

    Rolair JC20WH 20L $579 TWIN TANK
    2 HP, 68dB, 4.6 amp, 140 psi max, rated at 90 psi/140L per minute
    28kg
    51x43x58 cm

    Rolair JC25WH 20L $679
    2 HP, 68dB, 6.5 amp, 150 psi max, rated at 90 psi/155 Lpm
    35kg
    70x55x35 cm

    Rolair JC30WH 30L $599
    2 HP, 68 dB, 4.6 amp, 150 psi max, rated at 90 psi/140 Lpm
    30kg
    67x28x60 cm



    They are all oil free and the Chicago has the advantage of a rust free alum tank, and all are free delivery.

    A couple of things I don't understand about the Rolair range.
    The twin tank 20L is $100 cheaper than the single tank 20L (which has two outlets, significantly higher amps, slightly higher air ratings). What is the advantage of two tanks, and why would the single tank be more $?
    Presumably there is some advantage to two tanks because the 30L single tank is only $20 more.

    When they say 90 psi at 140 Lpm I presume that is for continuous running, and the "max" psi rating are when the tank is full and waiting for use? Is that right?


    Interested to hear any experiences with these brands (I know some have the Rolair), or suggestions of other non-dental options
    Regards, FenceFurniture

    COLT DRILLS GROUP BUY
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  3. #2
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    Brett, why do you need 115PSI minimum? What do you use the air for day to day? A cheap way might be to park the compressor away from the shed and run a longer air line which I can supply for a very nominal fee of nothing. This a once only offer as it is brand new never used air line, a true bargain.
    CHRIS

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    If there is nothing wrong with your compressor apart from the noise, then maybe consider saving a few $ and build a better enclosure?

    Hoping to get much sound attenuation from a semi-enclosure is a bit like being a bit pregnant.
    The enclosure has to be built of an appropriate mix of high and low density materials and well sealed except for the baffled air entry and exit (for ventilation) which can be quite small in diameter, 100 mm PVC ducting is plenty.

    Recently I fitted a water filter to my compressed air system and found the humidity of the air coming into the external compressor enclosure was significantly higher than ambient air which did not help. The external compressor enclosure has a 240V 100 mm fan in the double layered ceiling roof vents and warm air is vented out through a gap between ceiling and roof. This in turn sucks cool air in from a narrow gap under the doors at ground level near a damp garden so that was why the intake air was more humid.

    To get around this I blocked off the air intake under the doors at ground level and fitted a snorkel as shown here.
    The enclosure including the doors, walls and ceiling is made of 32 mm Tassie oak clad internally with 50 mm of mattress foam and eternally with Colorbond.
    The exhaust fan is in the middle of the ceiling just under the sloped Colorbond roof.
    It is connected in parallel with the compressor so the fan only runs automatically when the compressor is running.
    Snorkel1.jpg

    In terms of noise I was a bit concerned that the snorkel might release too much noise but it is a comparatively quiet (twin belt driven) compressor anyway.
    Sound pressure level wise, with a basic urban background of 54dB (ie compressor off) the SPL with the compressor running is 56dB at the top of fence line just about 750 mm to the left of the compressor in the picture. For a noisier compressor fitting the PVC tubing with say a 12mm layer of foam and a few more bends would really dampen any noise,

    Interestingly, immediately in front of the BMH the SPL is 75dB but it rapidly subsides as the meter is moved away from the opening.

  5. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Parks View Post
    Brett, why do you need 115PSI minimum?
    That's what the current one is (supposed to be), and I wouldn't want any less.
    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Parks View Post
    What do you use the air for day to day?
    Some of the tasks are not very demanding (just blowing loose debris/dust out of tracks, tools etc), but I also use it for getting dust that is deep into the timber grain before wiping down with turps or similar, prior to finishing.
    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Parks View Post
    A cheap way might be to park the compressor away from the shed and run a longer air line which I can supply for a very nominal fee of nothing. This a once only offer as it is brand new never used air line, a true bargain.
    Thanks Chris. There's nowhere I could put it (in an enclosure) that wouldn't be right on the boundary (or indeed straddling it), or it would be too far away for opening the valve (I like it being adjacent to where I'm working near the door of the shed). Surely the length of the line must reduce pressure as it gets longer? I have got some leftover line from when I ran it around the shed for a couple of outlets elsewhere.

    I'm actually going to do away with the other outlets as they only take up air power, and I never use them. One outlet with a 4-5m straight hose will be fine (currently using a pita coiled jobbie). Also there must be some decent leaks in those lines because it doesn't take too long to empty the tank if I forget to close off the tank.

    I'd also be pretty sure that the quality of the fittings will have something to do with leaks. Mine are of the cheaper variety.
    Regards, FenceFurniture

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    Thanks Bob.
    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    If there is nothing wrong with your compressor apart from the noise, then maybe consider saving a few $ and build a better enclosure?
    I'll be rebuilding the general purpose bench soon, and the intention is to build an under-bench cupboard for the AC and another next to it for Festool Vac (to cut down that noise and also vent it outside through the wall with an exhaust fan.

    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    Hoping to get much sound attenuation from a semi-enclosure is a bit like being a bit pregnant.
    Yes, it just knocks a bit of the immediate edge of it.

    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    Recently I fitted a water filter to my compressed air system
    Do you mean like one of these? Expensive little suckers! Cheaper options?
    Regards, FenceFurniture

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    I use 50 metre lines and air tools, all the pool deck was built using that system with no loss that mattered. You can also put an automatic drain valve on it to clear any condensate from the tank. Put it under the house or somewhere like that, at least that will let you know if you have forgotten to turn it off. I was under the impression that all oil less compressors were very noisey but maybe things have changed???
    CHRIS

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    Just a air brain idea Brett.
    If you go the way of another compressor why not use the old compressor as a reserve tank for the new compressor.
    Ie the new compressor fills both tanks.

    Cheers Matt

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    If you do get a new compressor can the old one be rejigged to act as a reservoir to increase the capacity and allow the compressor to be remote and the reservoir near the work location if needed.

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    If you down't want to keep opening up your compressor enclosure to drain the tank consider installing an Auto compressor drain vent valve.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AC-220V-...gg1:rk:18:pf:0

    Screen Shot 2019-03-03 at 9.35.52 am.jpg

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    Quote Originally Posted by FenceFurniture View Post
    Thanks Bob.
    I'll be rebuilding the general purpose bench soon, and the intention is to build an under-bench cupboard for the AC and another next to it for Festool Vac (to cut down that noise and also vent it outside through the wall with an exhaust fan.
    It sounds like you just need to add some acoustical insulation to that cupboard.

    Yes, it just knocks a bit of the immediate edge of it.
    Do you mean like one of these? Expensive little suckers! Cheaper options?
    Yes mine is about that size and is based on a full size water filter - I have posted an uber-nerdy technical thread in the MW forum about measuring humidity in compressed air but don't go there unless you are interested. 404 Not Found

    An auto drain vent valve will help reduce moisture in your compressed air because it keeps the tank drained of water, but if all you are doing is blowing stuff down then you don't need a water filter.

    A cheaper ($35) but less effective option is a simple water trap eg https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-1-...lator_p6210579

    Screen Shot 2019-03-03 at 11.13.15 am.png
    An added benefit is you get a built in pressure regulator.

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    Thanks for the links Bob, very useful. That's a bit more like the price too!

    I'm kinda attracted to the idea of using the old compressor as a spare tank. I assume that I just run the old one off the outlet of the new one, and run the line off the old one as I am now. Anything to watch out for when doing that? Can this result in a loss of pressure? What I wondering there is that I imagine the two tanks would remain in fairly constant equilibrium which should mean that the times the compressor cuts in would be less frequent but for longer duration? Am I close to the truth??
    Regards, FenceFurniture

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    Quote Originally Posted by FenceFurniture View Post
    I'm kinda attracted to the idea of using the old compressor as a spare tank. I assume that I just run the old one off the outlet of the new one, and run the line off the old one as I am now. Anything to watch out for when doing that? Can this result in a loss of pressure? What I wondering there is that I imagine the two tanks would remain in fairly constant equilibrium which should mean that the times the compressor cuts in would be less frequent but for longer duration? Am I close to the truth??
    Sounds right to me

    It's not all beer and skittles and a free lunch if you just attach your old tank to your new one to act as a larger reservoir. Compressors suffer wear when they run for too long at higher temps. Motors, compressors and tanks are usually matched so that during a regular recharge the time spent in the wear/hot zone is small so wear is minimised. Adding a tank significantly increases the time the compressor spends in the wear/hot zone. Sure the compressor will recycle less often BUT don't forget it has had a chance to cool down in between so it starts from a cooler base temp. On DIY setups this is less likely to be a problem but it may make a difference over the long term.

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    Pretty much that’s how it works, however if your running and using at max pressure the pressure is varying between cut in and cut out pressures. If you set the second regulator at the compressor cut in pressure, the pressure would remain relatively constant and possibly extend the off cycle time.

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    Two things, the first being that the first compressor you linked to (Chicago) is actually 1.1hp not two, and secondly, from what you’re using it for, I think your requirements are for more volume of air rather than just more pressure. I’d be looking at a higher volume model with a bigger tank if I were you. Of the ones you listed, that would be the twin 20l tanks and the 155lpm flow.

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    Quote Originally Posted by FenceFurniture View Post
    Thanks for the links Bob, very useful. That's a bit more like the price too!

    I'm kinda attracted to the idea of using the old compressor as a spare tank. I assume that I just run the old one off the outlet of the new one, and run the line off the old one as I am now. Anything to watch out for when doing that?
    Each tank has to keep a pressure gauge, safety valve and drain cock in addition to to your regulator and gauge.

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