Thread: Dust collector noise problems

Originally Posted by aldav

Of course it might also help if you're a big bloke, like woodPixel, and they therefore wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of you.

I've lost 23kg, so I'm not so much of a problem now Besides, I'm a big softie.

Originally Posted by ian

If the neighbours live inside a "sound amplifier", perhaps along with your proposed sound enclosure you should direct residual sound away from the neighbours?

That is the plan but just cutting the level will hopefully be enough. I can’t move the workshop which is probably right in the line of best focus for their deck area and moving the DC is not really an option either. We are also thinking of some plantings to add an extra filter but that will take time.

I also won’t have an issue if I work on windy, cold or wet days, first because ambient noise on a windy day will be well above my noise level and secondly because they won’t be using their outdoor area then.

bruce


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Even with significant coverage plants won't do much - I would focus on a DC enclosure. There are plenty of examples in the dust forum to look at.

Originally Posted by bruceward51

We had a still day today and I was able to get some good measurements of some different combinations of noise. The DC is the main issue. There is too much foliage to measure right at the fence, but even 3m our side of the fence, with everything going, the reading was about 50 dB.

We sent the neighbours an email today outlining a range of things we can do, including shielding the DC and using it less often. They were reasonable in their reply and I think we got the point across that to a large extent, the problem is reverberation at their end, magnifying the sound. They have an outdoor living area that has a roof and two walls angled just about perfectly to act as a dish to focus sound from my workshop on the spot where they sit. Not their fault or mine - but we both have to live with it.

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Just a thought, but part of the the problem may be the low frequency noise that is generated by most large Dust extractors, the low frequency "rumble" does not always show up correctly on some sound level meters, and is often not apparent until you are quite some distance away or indoors, the partly enclosed outdoor living area would likely resonate nicely at that low frequency and it would be quite annoying, any chance they would let you actually hear the noise that is bothering them, at least then you know exactly what noise you should be focusing on.

my sadistic nature comes into play....as its a hobby and your not disobeying council regulations make as much noise as YOU enjoy. the crappy neighbours will grizzle & groan, let them>

If I was in your shoes my hobby comes first as long as I am within the regulations.
Possibly the neighbours from hell are only renting and they will move.

Not meaning to be rude but Id guess they are poms, with no interests or hobbies.

Mind you where I live closest house is .5 K away

Originally Posted by MandJ

Just a thought, but part of the the problem may be the low frequency noise that is generated by most large Dust extractors, the low frequency "rumble" does not always show up correctly on some sound level meters, and is often not apparent until you are quite some distance away or indoors, the partly enclosed outdoor living area would likely resonate nicely at that low frequency and it would be quite annoying, any chance they would let you actually hear the noise that is bothering them, at least then you know exactly what noise you should be focusing on.

This is a very good point. I put a heap of effort into my enclosure only to find it still emitted a low frequency "HUM" that could clearly be heard outside the enclosure. It ended up being because my DC was suspended on the inside walls of the enclosure and as soon as I made it free standing the hum almost disappeared. My DC enclosure is 600 mm from my back french and my very fussy neighbour has his pool and entertainment area immediately on the other side of the fence. I managed to get the DC noise down to where it was just under the noise levels being emitted by his pool pump.

I should be clear that despite what the may have said in the depths of negativity these are far from the neighbors from hell. It is a quiet neighborhood with quite a few retirees and a good smattering of holiday homes. These neighbors are not renters and at least part of the reason the moved here is as to escape a noise problem At their last house ( tourist coaches idling Directly has n front of the house - keeping the aircon going while the passengers shop).

I side with those who at least want to try to keep the peace as far as reasonable. And we want them to keep looking after our bins etc when we are away.


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I agree good neighbours are invaluable and its better to work with them if you can.

Living 10 minutes from town , 4 acre block , no close neighbours ah the serenity.

Down side is its not our place only renting but ahh

Hi Bruce.

Nice that you have confirmed that they are not the neighbours from hell, but I would be wary of dealing with this via email - it is far too impersonal.

Have you thought about asking the neighbour to help identify the specific sound that is annoying hime, to help measure it at various locations and to then develop a targeted solution? His involvement may be crucial. And if he sees that you are sincere then he may be more realistic.

I know of one case where a "neighbour from hell" was screaming about heat pump noises even when the heat pump was not working? Council involved. Almost got to lawyers at 50 paces. The council inspectors magic meter indentified a low hum as eminating from a sewer - "very unusual" - and went away. Two weeks later so did the hum!

Cheers

Graeme

Bruce, your efforts are commendable. If all noise makers were as diligent as yourself the world would be a much nicer place.
As a professional drummer in a past life, noise mitigation was always a priority and a sound proof room essential. In more recent years I had the pleasure of living next door to a drug fueled heavy metal band with the worst drummer I have ever had the misfortune to hear. There "practice" venue was an attached garage which, during sweaty seasons, they would open the roller door, probably to let the smoke out. And continue bashing away until 3am! When approached in a civil fashion, I was told to be gone from the property in 30 seconds because they would set the dogs on me. And they did! It took a few weeks of negotiating with the landlord before they were evicted. But not before they had tried to burn down my shed.
When the whole thing came to blows, needless to say, I headed straight for the drummer.