A quiet dust collector?

[dusty]

If you have a 10db drop in noise level, you have certainly accomplished what you set out to do. Keep in mind that sound level measurements are logarithmic. For ever 3db decrease in the reading, the noise level decreases by 1/2. The numbers suggest that you have decreased the noise level to less than 1/8 of what it was.

You don't need a meter to detect that change.

[wa2crk]

I used to have a Delta dust collector and it was really noisy. My next door neighbor said it sounded like a fire siren every time I started it. About a year ago I got a DC3300 and while it is significantly quieter it is not quiet. A quiet dust collector?!! NO SUCH THING. Some are just quieter than others.
Bill V

[charlese]

Thanks to Ed for letting us know the I Phone can be a decimal meter, I downloaded the APP and played with it a little today.

Of course, we all know the closer we get to the noise maker, the louder it sounds. In my shop, the ambient noise measures 42 Db. With the DC3300 running at a normal distance (about 10 -12 ft.) away, the meter measures about 85 Db. However right next to the DC the measurement is close to 90-92 Db.

With BOTH the DC and the PowerPro running (the PP at 3450 RPM) while standing near the PP, the reading stayed at the DC's normal reading of 85. Running the PowerPro up to 6700 RPM gave a reading of about 90, while still standing by the MarkV.

What's this mean? Sounds normal to me! Pun intended.

[dusty]

Sound level measurements should be treated as relative. If you want to know that your PowerPro is running noisier today than it did yesterday the readings need to be taken from the same location, under similar operating conditions as yesterday.

Moving the measuring device around the shop may tell you that the noise level is different in different locations but I think that is old news and common sense.

Your readings are typical. Remember, damage done by that noise is accumulative. Watching a jet fighter take off while standing at the end of the run way will not do enough damage to be noticeable. Living at the end of that busy run way will produce noticeable hearing loss.

[Gene Howe]

While it's not possible in every situation, removing the bags and venting the DC to the out side will drastically reduce the noise. And as an added benefit, eliminate the emptying chore.

[masonsailor2]

Hey Gene. I tried that once and wow what a mess. The boss went crazy. I ended up with fine sawdust all over the lawn and lawn furniture ! You have to move the whole unit out doors. If you can building a small structure on the side of the building works or just roll it out the door when you are using it. Either way works well.
Paul

[Gene Howe]

Yeah, Paul. It doesn't work for everyone.
My DC has an inline separator that catches most of the dust so not much reaches the outside. And, I live on 27 acres in the middle of nowhere. Plus the wife's flowers and shrubs are a ways away from the shop.
If what little dust that does escape a separator is a problem, a guy could place a trash can under an elbow in the vent. Make a plywood lid and direct the elbow through the lid.