Quiet Air Compressors

[iBorg]

I'm finally at the stage where I can consider adding a compressor to my hobby room. I might even get to start seriously building. My wife and I've agreed that I need to focus on a quiet compressor. I've read about California Air https://www.californiaairtools.com/

and Harbor Freight both sell compressors claimed to be quiet. https://www.harborfreight.com/2-gallon-12-hp-135-psi-ultra-quiet-oil-free-professional-air-compressor-64596.html

Does anyone have any feedback on either product line? Specific model information and the like would be most helpful.

[Kit Basher]

I have the California Air model 2010A. I like it very much. It is quiet, and because it has a decent size tank, it doesn't run very much. You can paint for quite a while before it cycles on, and when it does, it runs for a minute or less then turns off again. It's common to put 3-5 coats or more on a car body before the compressor needs to run. I've had it for two years with no problems, and it seems pretty well made.

 

Edited January 16, 2019 by Kit Basher

[Super Mario]

Some Menards home improvement stores have the California air 1 gallon  on clearance for about ~$75. As stated they are very quiet.

[aurfalien]

This one seems great at $120;

https://www.lowes.com/pd/California-Air-Tools-Light-and-Quiet-1-Gallon-Portable-Electric-Horizontal-Air-Compressor/1000259419

 

[Dave G.]

6 minutes ago, aurfalien said:

This one seems great at $120;

https://www.lowes.com/pd/California-Air-Tools-Light-and-Quiet-1-Gallon-Portable-Electric-Horizontal-Air-Compressor/1000259419

 

$108 on Amazon Prime, free shipping. And I think I saw it for $89 at Amazon in another add there.

[DPNM]

I don't know if this will help you. Pros and cons to each.

https://rxtooler.com/best-quiet-air-compressors/

The SMT SL-40 seems to be the quietest at 48 Db. If you plan to use it mostly for airbrushing I doubt that it's output high of 115 PSI should matter. It is pricey, how much is a happy wife worth? Quick price check here: https://www.smtmax.com/detail.php?id=229 And no, I am not affiliated with them in any way. Just became intrigued while searching quiet compressors. They do offer a variety.

The California Air compressors seem very good too. Look to be well made, relatively quiet and reasonably priced.

I would stay away from Harbor Freight. Spend a bit more and get a good, name brand compressor.

 

Edited January 20, 2019 by DPNM