Shop Noise

[Bruce Page]

I did a completely unscientific sampling of my shop tools using my iPad and a dbA meter app. All readings were taken from the same location, my bench top, so the distance to the source varies. I didn’t feel like mounting a blade on my MM16 or digging out my PM jointer & 15” planner so I don’t have readings for those.

I didn’t realize that blowing 115 psi air was so loud. I’ll have to start wearing for that too.

Anyway, I found the numbers interesting.



Tool
dbA


Base Level
53


JDS 2000 Air filter, low
56


JDS 2000 Air filter, high
61


Shop stereo, normal level
65


Shop stereo, cranked
82


Swamp Cooler
66


Milling machine, 650 RPM
68


Engine lathe, 350 RPM
72


Dust collector (Delta 50-850)
70


8" bench grinder
70


Fein T3
70


26" Woodmaster
72


Air Compressor
77


Table saw, blade down
78


Delta single 12" disk sander
84


Table saw, blade up
85


Delta stationary combo sander
88


Benchdog extension w / PC-7518
103


Blowing air
110

[Victor Robinson]

I've done this for a lot of my tools as well and will post the list to this thread. Many folks like myself have to prioritize noise levels and finding that information for all tools isn't easy.

Couple of quick points that make these lists helpful (and for anyone also wanting to add to Bruce's awesome list), please note the distance the measuring device was from the tool, under load (cutting) vs. no load, and whether your device uses A or C weighting. Most apps/meters have this option, and my understanding is that C weighting more closely matches how the human ear perceives the relationship between pitch and loudness.

Thanks Bruce, I'll add to the list as well if you don't mind. Hopefully this can be a resource for some folks.

[Bruce Page]

By all means Victor, please do. All of my measurements were under no load conditions. I'll try to do a more controlled sampling when it's not so hot. :cool:

[Brian Kent]

Thanks for this post. I just downloaded an iPhone ap for a decibel meter. I look forward to measuring my tools.