the noise will come mostly from the cutting wheel, not the tool, so I would
say (without taking measurements) that the foredom type tool will be no
noiser than the air powered tool - but you will find the mini-die grinder
gives you faster cutting and is a little easier to use (at least that's what
I find with the 200,000 rmp micro carver I have versus a flexible shaft
machine that is like the foredom)

by the way, I have some suitable rotary vane pumps for a whole lot less,
used - build your own sound cancelling enclosure - see my web,
www.wbnoble.com if you want to check that option out.


"GCN" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi,

I live in a confined space where excessive noise will not be tollerated
by neigbours. I need a tool to grind mosaic tiles.

My current considerations a
OPTION 1
Foredom 1/3 flex shaft tool with all the diamond bits. Around $400

OPTION 2
Ingersoll Rand mini die grinder PLUS dentist/laboratory type "quiet"
compressor. I found a shop that sells a second hand "rotary vane" quite
compressor delivering 4CFM @ 10 bar with only 62 dBa noise ! Total
outlay around $1000 (new it would be around $2000). ouch.

I would prefer the Foredom as the outlay will be significantly less.
However will it drive my neigbours mad? Does the sound travel through
walls like my 1HP 4 1/2" Bosch angel grinder?

Thanks for your thoughts

Guido