What's the noise level like for metal cutting?

[andrea.j...@gmail.com]

Quick question for people who own the machine - what sort of noise levels might I be able to expect using a Pocket NC on aluminum? Would I need hearing protection near the machine? Would it be audible to people in the next room?

Thanks in advance,
Andrea

[Fred Walter]

I've never cut aluminum, but even just running the machine without cutting anything will be audible to people in the next room.

[Martin de Blois]

My own experience in respect with noise level is this:

I cut hard wood saturated with resin. (vacuum pressed UV resin cured in oven)

Depending on the shape, the tool size, I get different level of noise.

But the enclosure I've built is pretty good in cutting the high frequency noise.

I have placed the enclosure on a vibration absorbant matt.

Even that does not cut the low frequency, but my neighbor says he cannot hear the machine...

He is either very polite, or the noise is low enough that he doesnt really notice the nature of the noise source.

I operate the machine in a 2 appartement house.

I think it is a great product for those of us who dont have the luxury of having a single family home with a garage...

The enclosure is also great to contain smells. Like machining acrylic is pretty nasty smelling.

(that is one of the reason I like to cut the resin soaked wood)

I will get to cutting metals soon, will update the post then...

[Fred Walter]

Hi Martin. You wrote:

> the enclosure I've built is pretty good in cutting the high frequency noise.

Can you describe your enclosure, and upload some photos (with a tape measure in the photo so we can see the dimensions)?

Thanks.

[Nick LaRoche]

Cutting aluminum with 0.04" passes at a 15in/min rate is very loud. Its not loud enough to require hearing protection, but enough to shake the apartment floor and be somewhat uncomfortable being in the same room due to the volume. By comparison the same or faster/deeper settings with Delrin plastic is moderately loud but it doesn't shake the floor.

Respectfully,
Nick

[Martin de Blois]

My inclosure is made of 1/4" acrylic, 24 x 14 h x 14 d.
It cuts some of the noise, and dust.
Havent had time yet to mount the hinges.