Air compressors are great, but sometimes the noises they make can be a bit too much to handle, especially if you're working in a small room.

To solve this everyday problem we've used our vibration damping super material, Sorbothane, and a few standard nuts and washers to help our local makerspace with a runaway air compressor attached to their Muse laser cutter.

Step 1: See a Need, Fill a Need

Ben Harris runs Steam Junction, the highly esteemed makerspace of Burlington, NC. Hosting STEM summer camps, community training classes, and open meetings for the public, Ben always has his hands full. This is why we were especially happy to offer Ben a simple solution to a recurring noise problem.

When it comes to his Muse laser cutter he had gotten used to the constant, humming noises of the compressor attached to the system. Luckily however, as vibration isolating enthusiasts we were able to quickly identify the problem and provide Ben with a remedy, Isolate It Vibration Bumpers.

Step 2: Isolate It Materials

For this specific compressor, a Hailea ACO-328, we will use the following Isolate It component

Sorbothane Male Vibration Stud Bumper Mount
#8-32 -  1/2"(H) - 3/4"(Dia)<br>Durometer 50
PN:  0510312-50-4

Step 3: Stock Components

To pair with the #8-32 Stud Bumpers we also need the following:

#8 Lock Washer
#8 Washer
#8-32 Nut

Step 4: Tools

The only tools needed for this upgrade are:

Socket Wrench
11/32 Socket

Step 5: Disconnect Compressor

First off we need to disconnect the compressor. There's no point working with it in a cramped space or risking it turning on while we're working.

Step 6: Fasten Foot Pad

Because our bumper pads are the correct size they slip in to the existing mounting holes perfectly. Once inserted we then stack the washer, lock washer, and then nut in that order.

Next we tighten the nut with our socket wrench just until snug.

NOTE: Do not Over-Tighten

The Sorbothane bumper has a thin wall holding the head of the bolt inside, if you tighten too hard it's possible to tear through this layer. Be sure to only tighten until the lock washer is compressed.

Step 7: Return to Machine

Once all four bumpers are properly installed we can return the compressor to the machine.

Before that however we need to wipe down our surface to make sure we don't have dust. If there is excess dust the Sorbothane, which is naturally sticky, will not be able to hold itself in position and may slide across the layer of dust.

Step 8: Further Steps

A few things we thought of to add to this project.

Mount pads directly to base of the compressor
1. We took a look a this, but it's a different size than the pads we had brought for the mounting holes, so we couldn't go further
Add googly eyes