Replies

1. 
   IanC | Apr 14, 2003 03:47am | #1

   Eric,  My bandsaw is the only power tool I can use without ear protection as I seem to have unusually sensitive hearing.   I have an older 14" Delta with cast iron pulleys and a link belt.  I really don't think the noise it produces would be heard through apartment walls.  Of greater concern would be neighbors underneath you.  In this case, I'd try a shop built wood base in lieu of steel and pad the bottom to absorb as much vibration as possible.  Insulation in the motor cabinet sure couldn't hurt provided the motor is getting enough air.  Guess you really won't know until you try it.  Good luck!

   Ian Cummins

2. 
   Mackwood | Apr 14, 2003 03:51am | #2

   EK,

   I would try using sound insulating foam.  I bought some to sound proof my dust collector unit.  It's commonly referred to as "egg carton" foam 'cause that's what it looks like.  You could not only insulate the saw itself but you could sandwich a layer of foam between two layers of plywood to make a base which drastically reduce the noise transmitted to the floor.

   The place I bought from is listed in the Yellow Pages under "Foam and Sponge Rubber" ("A Friendly Foam Shop" if you happen to be in Seattle).

   Good luck!!

   Mack 

3. 
   jackiechan | Apr 14, 2003 04:38am | #3

   Eric,

   I've had good results using the foam underlay pad used under wall to wall carpeting.  This can be hot glued or carpet taped to the inside of the cabinet (it should be done in one continuous piece with some duct tape to hold the two ends together).  Or, wrap it around the outside of the cabinet, and bolt on some nice furniture grade plywood over it.  If it's done right, it will look like you've built a custom wooden base for the saw.  (Just leave a hinged section to be able to open the door!)

   There are many anti-vibration/sound deadening pads or inserts that should be used under the saw to keep you on good terms with the downstairs neighbors.  Try these web sites as a resource: http://www.mcmaster-carr.com and http://www.reidtool.com

   If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask!

   Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

4. 
   forestgirl | Apr 14, 2003 05:50am | #4

   If you use foam, keep in mind its flammability.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

5. 
   RoyinMD | Apr 15, 2003 12:14am | #5

   You may also want to search by the term "acoustic foam or panels", the stuff used in recording studios and inside old line impact printer cases. http://www.musiciansfriend.com or American Music Supply Co have it but a local building supply or the suggested sources above should work better.

   Forestgirl is correct, the stuff burns like crazy and the smoke is toxic.

   Enjoy, Roy

1. 
   Elcoholic | Apr 15, 2003 03:19am | #6

   MDF is pretty good at de-coupling acoustic energy which is why it's a good choice for speaker boxes.  What about an MDF torsion box base filled with sand?John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   RoyinMD | Apr 15, 2003 05:42am | #7

   I would think a box (any box) filled with sand will just vibrate right on down.

   How about those rubber feet filled with air!

   My wife was complaining a few week ago about how loud the electric guitar amplifier was with a volumn setting of 3. Bad move honey! Ha Ha!

   Enjoy, Roy

6. 
   b1gcountry | Apr 15, 2003 11:28pm | #8

   Most of the noise from any bandsaw I've used has come from the blade cutting through the wood. If you have a sharp cutting blade, and knew your saw and blades, I could see you cutting down a lot on noise just by blade selection. Consider whether you think dust infiltration into your neighbors apartment will be an issue too. Older houses are much worse with this than newer ones.

   Tom