Noise level of HF 2hp dust collector

[Bill Jobe]

I bought a Harbor Freight 2hp dust collector while it was 20% off to use in lieu of something better when I get my detached shop built. I expected noise but when I turned it on for the first time I was unprepared for the level of sound it makes. Attaching a 4" flex hose on the suction side seemed to quiet it down a bit.
Moments ago I downloaded a decimeter and got a reading of about 80db.
Those of you who have this unit, is that about the same level of noise you get.
I tried recalibrating the app but it was pretty close to the setting it came with. Considering the level of noise I was expecting a reading over 100. I consider this to be ear plugs and head phones noise.

[mark mcfarlane]

I bought a Harbor Freight 2hp dust collector while it was 20% off to use in lieu of something better when I get my detached shop built. I expected noise but when I turned it on for the first time I was unprepared for the level of sound it makes. Attaching a 4" flex hose on the suction side seemed to quiet it down a bit.
Moments ago I downloaded a decimeter and got a reading of about 80db.
Those of you who have this unit, is that about the same level of noise you get.
I tried recalibrating the app but it was pretty close to the setting it came with. Considering the level of noise I was expecting a reading over 100. I consider this to be ear plugs and head phones noise.

Did you calibrate your meter? Was it an app on a phone? If so, its probably not very accurate. In order to make any comparisons people need to know where the DC was relative to any walls and ceilings, and how far away you were when you took the measurement. Sounds pressure falls off with the square of the distance in an open space, less in a closed shop where there are reflections,....

[Chris True]

Sounds about right for a 2hp collector, they are all loud.

[Josh Kocher]

Absolutely it's hear hearing protection noise. You should wear it with any machines on in your immediate area.

[Andy Giddings]

Think there is no such thing as a quiet DC (unless its in a cabinet) but most are quieter than the table saw - hearing protection is a good habit to get into

[Doug Walls]

Those of you who have this unit, is that about the same level of noise you get.
I don't have a Harbor Freight unit, But my 2HP Cincinnati is loud! I think the factory spec. on mine is 85db at 5 feet.

Doug

[Bill Jobe]

I guess I'm getting used to it. Doesn't seem so loud after using it a while. When I first fired it up I wasn't prepared for that level of sound, but to tell you the truth it isn't nearly as annoying as the wife's Oreck.
I'm losing my hearing anyway so I sure won't be using it without both plugs and head phones.
Yes, it was an app, Mark. I tested both before and after calibrating it, but I did suspect it wasn't very accurate. The dB in a quiet area would rise and fall about 10db with no change in noise level. But then, as I said, I'm losing my hearing so perhaps it was detecting sound that I wasn't.

[Ole Anderson]

Mine is about 84 dB up close, 70 dB with the closet door closed and 5 feet away. Measured with a Radio Shack dB meter.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X8qwMqm3Ek

[Doug Bowman]

I find the noise level of my HF 2 hp dust collector to be very tolerable. I would not have guessed from running it that hearing protection would be necessary. Now turn on my shop vac or lunchbox planer absolutely. With the planer I want plugs and earmuffs. I have some experience with noise level measurement in an industrial environment. I have never measured mine but it does not seem concerning - it is on par with the noise my bandsaw makes.

[Brice Rogers]

I have a HF 2 HP unit and use a Thien baffle in front of the unit and vent outside. I think that it is noisier outside than inside. So, you may get some noise reduction if you vent outside. Inside it isn't so bad that I would consider needing ear protectors.

[Curt Harms]

Perceived loudness may relate to pitch. An induction motor powered dust collector isn't a high pitched screamer like some shop vacs or universal motor powered devices like bench top planers or routers.

[William Shelley]

My HF 2HP DC is currently in a corner of my basement, it's definitely one of the quietest tools I have. I don't feel uncomfortable if I turn it on before putting hearing protection on. I haven't measured it with a meter though.