Decibel Rating of Various Polishers

A

af90

New member
Joined
Apr 17, 2013
Messages
1,172
Reaction score
0
As I was getting interested in a new polisher I had kept researching decibel readings as I often try to work in my garage at night and prefer to avoid annoying neighbors. Polishing at night is beyond a rare occurrence but I was still intrigued. So when I got the Flex I knew I wanted to make this information known. I can't speak for the accuracy of this test but for reference OSHA recommends a maximum of 85 decibels constant for an 8 hour day. This adjusts for less time as decibels increase. Above that rating long term hearing may be affected. A 10 decibel increase is registered by humans as roughly twice as loud depending. So small changes and differences in readings can show noticeable change. I can't verify the accuracy of an iPhone's microphone in testing decibels or even how accurate of a reading the decibel app is, but I also have no issue trusting it based on no data saying it's incorrect and at the least it will show differences between polishers.

This test was done using an iPhone 6 3 ft away from a polisher facing upward with no pad on it.

Each polisher was turned on and tested 3 times via a locally sourced app. Each speed was individually tested with the polisher in an off position. Here is a photo of the app.

IMG_0337_zpsnrcw6jiz.png


And the polishers up to the test.

IMG_0338_zps75uiu0bs.jpg


The Porter Cable was also given a 6" backing plate but no difference was noted. And the final results!

Screen%20Shot%202015-03-26%20at%205.20.17%20AM_zps4egrzqei.png


Now I'm no expert, but hey I do have a piece of paper that says I got a college degree, not that it means much. So what do I draw from this? Ear protection probably wouldn't hurt honestly, and a decibel rating means little in regard to ergonomics and smooth operating but it is a factor. I hope this is a bit of interest to you all and if anyone has anything to add feel free to tack it on if this could be done better. Also data on the Rupes machine's or other machines wouldn't hurt either as I'm sure I can't be the only one interested in this.
 
Great info and thank you for this effort. Bear in mind that noise induced hearing loss is cumulative. That is, exposure each and every time to damaging levels of noise adds up over time. Trust me, from years working in airport operations, hearing protection was critical equipment.

While these levels don't seem excessive I think about my machines running for hours on end about arm's length from my ears.
 
Interesting. Thanks! I'm pretty sure my trusty HF DA is pretty loud.

I always make it a point to wear ear-plugs whenever I'm running power tools or machines.
 
Thank you! I tried to do a thread asking about this a while back and didn't get very far. I'm glad someone was able to put the info out there.

Have you considered looking at the db rating of rotary polishers as well?
 
hollerstiltner said:
Thank you! I tried to do a thread asking about this a while back and didn't get very far. I'm glad someone was able to put the info out there.

Have you considered looking at the db rating of rotary polishers as well?
Click to expand...

I'd be absolutely open to test any other polishers out if I had one. For this I just tested the polishers I had in my collection. If anyone else with a phone and using the same or similar decibel app could verify their readings were extremely similar that would be great to have somewhat of a database for this information. It only helps to have it out in the open.

Ear protection, even something as simple as disposable foam plugs may avoid someone hearing damage in the long run. Even with something as quiet as these machines (comparable to many other noises that could be encountered daily) it could be damaging. It had been quite a while since I used my PC, so imagine my surprise to find at lower speeds how quiet it was comparably.
 
Good thread, I work with a Rupes and microfiber pad quite a bit. Compressed air is by far the best way to clean your pad after each section, but depending on the psi and air nozzle you are using, this action is most likely even louder than the polisher. I started using ear protection for this reason.
 
Eric, which app is this? I think it would be ideal to use the same app as a basis if other users wanted to start doing some further testing with other machines.
 
Mike,

It's called Decibel 10th and was the first one that popped up on the Apple App Store when I searched decibel meter. 4 stars with over 100 reviews.
 
Great, simple app... with some of the worst in-app pop-up ads I've ever seen. It's worth a buck to get rid of the ads.
 
FWIW, I've noticed the Flex is (subjectively) sigificantly louder and more shrill on a horizontal panel than either the PC or HF.
 
I just run my PE14 in the same manner as your test. Attached is a 5" plate. Here are my numbers.

1.) 76
2.) 78
3.) 80
4.) 83
5.) 86
6.) 89
 
It's too late for me but it would be interesting to perform the tests on a HF DA pre- and post-modification.

Also, the tests should be done with the polishers in use on an average car panel at the correct speeds for the task, with the meter (iDevice or Android, or my trusty analog Radio Shack SPL meter) at the user's natural head position. Needless to say, this would require the help of a patient partner (so, SOs probably won't do it ;)).
 
Great post! I wear ear plugs even when running a battery powered drill.
 
Well having heard the Harbor Frieght polisher, it is way louder than my PC which is hardly quiet. I bet the Rupes registers pretty low. Seems the smoother the tool, the less noise?
 
The 3401 is way smoother than the HF and PC, I find it louder than both (HF modded).
 
91dB is the industrial standard for machines in a manufacturing environment. I'd bet anything that all these machines will be at or under that standard. After 91dB your hearing is effected greatly.
 
Good info, but keep in mind that all polishers sound completely different with a pad polishing paint. Most get significantly louder!

Rotaries are the quietest and traditional DA like the PC and Griots are the loudest.

Bottom line, wear ear protection! Most of us detailers are relatively young and will not notice subtle hearing loss, but over 5,10, 15 years— there will be some.

You would be surprise at how many people have some degree of hearing loss, yet think they have perfect hearing.
 
Great post and confirms what I thought but was too lazy and no meter to test. I have my son wear ear plugs when he helps me but I don't always follow my own advice. I'm glad you posted this...thank you from everyone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top