Replies

1. 
   john7840 | Jul 22, 2019 03:51pm | #1

   I too live with neighbors close by and work in my garage. A couple of points: NC like VA where I live is hot in the summer time - all of my neighbors are inside, AC cranking and windows closed - they don't hear you; ask your neighbors if they hear your work, if they are annoyed by the sound, they WILL let you know if it does. But by asking them it shows you are considerate and would be willing to strike-up a compromise. You should check with the HOA or town to see what if any noise regulations exist. There are lots of free sound meter apps that will allow you to quantify the level of sound at your doorway or property line. Of course some common sense rules should apply like no power tools before 8am or after 8pm, no Sunday mornings, when they have guests over for an outdoor gathering close your door or postpone your work, you get the idea. Show consideration and act on it and you'll be okay unless you have a butt head for a neighbor,

1. 
   user-7627473 | Dec 28, 2021 09:13am | #8

   Download a decibel reader for your smartphone if you have one. Turn planer on and take reading just outside garage door with it up and with it down. Do the same thing reading about 30-40 feet from garage door loc. You will have a very "real" idea of the "noise pollution". Good idea to speak directly with the neighbors when possible to get human sense of noise effects.

2. FWW Editor
   ben_strano | Jul 22, 2019 05:05pm | #2

   I agree with John. Better to be proactive. Do you mostly work during the day, or at night?

3. 
   user-2454760 | Jul 22, 2019 05:39pm | #3

   I work both inside AND out. In the summer I set up in the driveway. Essentially extending my shop space. It’s a blessing and a curse at times. Neighbor on one side of me works steel. Very handy. Rehabbed his whole kitchen by himself. Beautiful work. He has a 4 year old son. Neighbors on the other side is retired military. Has college aged boys at home. They help with heavy lifting when I need it. But invariably I attract a crowd. Everyone wants to know what I’m working on. I get an audience. The 4 year old wants to help. They make suggestions. They want to help. I put them to work sometimes. It’s a riot. But it can be a bit much so I have to control, nicely, the situation. They all know not to ask to borrow tools.

4. 
   miken01 | Jul 22, 2019 07:55pm | #4

   Nice, I work mostly in the evening (5-7 PM) and one day during the weekends.

   In my neighborhood there is a ton of young kids and family. Some people are nice and curious what I’m doing. Others just give me dirty looks. My direct neighbors have seemed to not be bothered when I’ve spoken to them.

   The thing I was most worried about was my plainer, but come to find out the knifes were dull. I flipped them around to the good side and that cut the sound down by half. Guess just need to keep sharp knifes in the plainer from now on :)

   Thanks for the tips!

5. 
   gary_vaiskauckas | Dec 27, 2021 07:33pm | #5

   miken, A few thoughts:

   1. As you have observed some power tools are either louder (dB) or are perceived to be "noisier" by other people. Benchtop planers have a high pitched sound and loud dB that many people find irritating. Other tools: drill press, bandsaw, jointer, and even a full sized planer are precieved to be less "annoying". Factoring this in when and where (door opened or closed) you perform certain operations can help with your neighbors.

   2. When I moved to Florida I decided the only way I could continue woodworking was to put a Mini-split HVAC in the garage workshop. The garage door and ceiling were already insulated so I didn't have that expense. For the cost of about one new stationary machine I now have 76 degree 50% +/- humidity year round at about $30 increase in utility bill cost per month. My neighbors have never even mentioned that they heard me working in the shop. As a bonus the cast iron machines and hand tools do not rust (wax or oil surfaces) and the humidity level is comparable to inside my house so there is minimal wood movement issues when moving a completed project into the house.

1. 
   DRBWWing | Dec 28, 2021 07:35am | #7

   #2 is really the best answer for you.

   If you're getting "dirty looks" you need to be proactive and don't assume its not bothering people.

   A HUGE benefit of climate control is lumber will not be subjected to the humidity swings.

   Looking to the future, air conditioning your garage adds value to the house. If you do that, then insulating/sound proofing the garage door will further reduce the sound.

6. 
   jpe52 | Dec 27, 2021 08:42pm | #6

   My planer (DW735) is plenty loud and the dust collector adds considerably to the din. I generally keep the garage door closed when planing; it definitely
   helps. I might add that in my neighborhood my woodworking noise has a hard time keeping up with the ubiquitous gas-powered leaf blowers. Only on Sundays do those guys let up.

1. 
   bluemo | Dec 28, 2021 03:46pm | #11

   Leaf blowers -- possibly the worst and most useless invention in human history. Creating noise, abundant carbon pollution, blasting away the surface ecosystem, sending dust and microbes into the air make it a top candidate. I'm the last in my neighborhood that still uses a rake. Good fresh-air exercise, and except for gloves, I don't need any PPE.

1. 
   jpe52 | Dec 28, 2021 11:23pm | #14

   Good for you! We've used old-fashioned rakes for years; neighbors
   think we're nuts. Fortunately, our town has just outlawed the use
   of the gas-powered blowers.

7. 
   Deleted | Dec 28, 2021 09:17am | #9

   “[Deleted]”

8. 
   john_c2 | Dec 28, 2021 09:51am | #10

   Tools with universal motors, such as lunchbox planers and routers, are exceedingly loud. A thickness planer made of cast iron with an induction motor will make less noise.

9. 
   Deleted | Dec 28, 2021 06:45pm | #12

   “[Deleted]”

10. 
    _mj_ | Dec 28, 2021 07:57pm | #13

    Y'all know this guy is either moved or dead by now, right? It has been two and a half years since his neighbors dug out the pitchforks!