quiet machine

"Freewheeling" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi:

I'm attempting to use some exercise equipment indoors, but have a downstairs neighbor who's
complaining alot. The equipment is a Concept II Model C Rowing Machine (on slides) and my V-Rex on
Kreitler Rollers. Any ideas about material to put under the machines to quiet them down a bit? So
far suggestions include open or closed-cell foam with a plywood layer over the top of that to
distribute the load of the machine. But I'm thinking that even with the plywood the foam will
probably get squashed, and the wood would probably amplify the sound, rather than damp it. Anyone
know of any really keen ways to damp this sort of sound?

I think HiFi speakers sometimes uses a kind of "heavy rubber" or "lead rubber" to dampen vibrations.
Dampening material for cars is another option (and probably cheaper). Try this for inspiration :
dynamat.comdynamat.comOpen ↗

--
Torben webmaster @ www.hpv-klub.dk Evita II SWB, Custom Challenge Focus Sport *Acrofobia*

I'd go with the plywood and foam, what oyu want is to put as much low density material in the way.
The plywood and foam may need to be big compared to the actual size of the feet of the equipment.
Perhaps a lenght of cheap closed call foam from a campin store and plywood (1/2 sheet) would do
under the rowing machine, spreading the load from the front leg to the rear.

I'd give it a go and see - its a pretty cheap and easy to source choice.

Tom

Freewheeling <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Hi:

I'm attempting to use some exercise equipment indoors, but have a downstairs neighbor who's
complaining alot. The equipment is a Concept II Model C Rowing Machine (on slides) and my V-Rex on
Kreitler Rollers. Any ideas about material to put under the machines to quiet them down a bit? So
far suggestions include open or closed-cell foam with a plywood layer over the top of that to
distribute the load of the machine. But I'm thinking that even with the plywood the foam will
probably get squashed, and the wood would probably amplify the sound, rather than damp it. Anyone
know of any really keen ways to damp this sort of sound?

demosophia.comdemosophia.comOpen ↗

Put the washing machine on at the same time and plead innocence ;-)

--

Dave Larrington - legslarry.beerdrinkers.co.uklegslarry.beerdrinkers.co.ukOpen ↗
===========================================================
Editor - British Human Power Club Newsletter
bhpc.org.ukbhpc.org.ukOpen ↗
===========================================================

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Hi:

I'm attempting to use some exercise equipment indoors, but have a downstairs neighbor who's
complaining alot... Anyone know of any really keen ways to damp this sort of sound?

Move? Ground floor would be preferable.

--

Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager clee.orgclee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -

Hi Scott,
Is he complaining about noise, vibration, or both?
If vibration, try moving rower to more stable area or stablizing rower
with beams that span multiple floor joists.
If noise, try aleviating noise with music or try dampening noise with
thick carpet padding and wall-to-wall carpet.
Al Kubeluis
"Freewheeling" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi:

I'm attempting to use some exercise equipment indoors, but have a downstairs neighbor who's
complaining alot. The equipment is a Concept II Model C Rowing Machine (on slides) and my V-Rex on
Kreitler Rollers. Any ideas about material to put under the machines to quiet them down a bit? So
far suggestions include open or closed-cell foam with a plywood layer over the top of that to
distribute the load of the machine. But I'm thinking that even with the plywood the foam will
probably get squashed, and the wood would probably amplify the sound, rather than damp it. Anyone
know of any really keen ways to damp this sort of sound?

demosophia.comdemosophia.comOpen ↗

This one's easy - make the radio louder!

Jon "Whose son owns a DRUMSET!" Shinefeld Philadelphia, PA

"Freewheeling" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi:

I'm attempting to use some exercise equipment indoors, but have a downstairs neighbor who's
complaining alot. The equipment is a Concept II Model C Rowing Machine (on slides) and my V-Rex on
Kreitler Rollers. Any ideas about material to put under the machines to quiet them down a bit? So
far suggestions include open or closed-cell foam with a plywood layer over the top of that to
distribute the load of the machine. But I'm thinking that even with the plywood the foam will
probably get squashed, and the wood would probably amplify the sound, rather than damp it. Anyone
know of any really keen ways to damp this sort of sound?

demosophia.comdemosophia.comOpen ↗

On Thu, 8 Jan 2004 06:39:08 -0600, Cletus Lee <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Hi:

I'm attempting to use some exercise equipment indoors, but have a downstairs neighbor who's
complaining alot... Anyone know of any really keen ways to damp this sort of sound?

Move? Ground floor would be preferable.

Where I live (or in a similar situation) ground floor would only reverse the situation. I too have a
lot of problem with excessive noise. Part of it is simply that whoever finances there units puts
minimal investments into damping noise. The situation regarding incentives is clear: you don't know
about the noise situation until after you've purchased or leased, so there's little if any incentive
to build noise damping into the design. Hence, market failure.

--Scott

demosophia.comdemosophia.comOpen ↗

Freewheeling said:

Where I live (or in a similar situation) ground floor would only reverse the situation. I too have
a lot of problem with excessive noise. Part of it is simply that whoever finances there units puts
minimal investments into damping noise. The situation regarding incentives is clear: you don't
know about the noise situation until after you've purchased or leased, so there's little if any
incentive to build noise damping into the design. Hence, market failure.

The only thing that works really well to control noise is mass, e.g. concrete floor slabs and decks
and either concrete or masonry walls.

Unfortunately, most housing projects are built for the lowest initial cost (and a rather short
intended life span) rather than being designed for lower life cycle costs over a longer period.

The common wood frame, plywood, and wallboard construction has NO advantage over reinforced concrete
construction other than initial cost.

Tom Sherman - Quad Cities

"Tom Sherman" skrev

Quoted message said:

The only thing that works really well to control noise is mass, e.g. concrete floor slabs and
decks and either concrete or masonry walls.

That is actually not quite true. Heavy stuff helps with airnoise like music etc. For buildingnoise
like people walking around or a rowingmachine etc you need a soft, absorbant layer. Therefore the
best soundinsulation is acheived with a combination of both.

Noise can actually be combatted with noise. At least my stupid upstairs neighbours that walked
around in hardsoled shoes and took showers at 1-3 am right above my bedroom stopped it when I went
and yelled at them at 1.30 am. (Portable shower with a pump as the appartments didn't have bathrooms
originally. Only a small closettoilet.)

Mikael

Tom Sherman said:

The only thing that works really well to control noise is mass, e.g. concrete floor slabs and decks
and either concrete or masonry walls.

Why doesn't insulation and low-mass noise proofing control noise at least as well, if not better?
demosophia.comdemosophia.comOpen ↗

Freewheeling said:

Tom Sherman said:

The only thing that works really well to control noise is mass, e.g. concrete floor slabs and
decks and either concrete or masonry walls.

Why doesn't insulation and low-mass noise proofing control noise at least as well, if not better?

Sound insulation can work, but it is better at attenuating higher frequencies (and low frequency
noise [1] is worse because it is harder to mask with other sounds). It is also not that cost
effective (though it might become more so with greater use).

A concrete structure offer natural soundproofing due to its rigidity, mass and damping within the
concrete. It also offers the greatest fire resistance of any construction material, reduces heating
and cooling costs, works as a barrier to insects (and does not provide a habitat for insects or
rodents to live in), is usually maintenance free, and is one of the most durable construction
materials. Concrete is also a much better choice than wood frame construction for those who live in
areas where damaging winds are a frequent occurrence.

[1] Low frequency noise has become a much more prevalent problem since the unfortunate invention of
hip-hop and similar forms of "music".

Tom Sherman - Quad Cities

Tom Sherman said:

[1] Low frequency noise has become a much more prevalent problem since the unfortunate invention of
hip-hop and similar forms of "music".

Yep, the two things that constantly impinge on my peace and quiet are the "boom boom" of hip hop
music, and a sort of constant roar from TV scores that take advantage of low frequencies and volume
to insert more drama than the plot or acting quality are able to produce. But hip hop is the worst.

But in the spirit of R.B. Fuller I have to believe we can beat sticks and dirt as building
materials. demosophia.comdemosophia.comOpen ↗

Tom Sherman <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

A concrete structure offer natural soundproofing due to its rigidity, mass and damping within the
concrete. It also offers the greatest fire resistance of any construction material, reduces
heating and cooling costs, works as a barrier to insects (and does not provide a habitat for
insects or rodents to live in), is usually maintenance free, and is one of the most durable
construction materials. Concrete is also a much better choice than wood frame construction for
those who live in areas where damaging winds are a frequent occurrence.

All reasons why my just completed, new home was built from insulated concrete forms(ICFs) and steel
interior framing and floor joists. I hope to not have to test the strength in damaging winds but in
the tornado prone rural area in which I live, it is comforting to know it is there.

The interior quietness, compared to a conventional stick framed house is remarkable, as are my
heating costs with the geothermal heating and cooling system installed. No opportunity to check
cooling costs yet but the geothermal system is supposed to be even more efficient at cooling.

If you are contemplating building a new home, you really owe it to yourself to seriously look at
insulated concrete form construction. If anyone has any more interest, I would be glad to respond
further off list.

Harry Jiles

Disclaimer: I have no financial interests in ICF constuction, beyond the advanyages to me as a
homeowner.

harryo said:

... Disclaimer: I have no financial interests in ICF constuction, beyond the advanyages to me as a
homeowner.

This should read, "I have no financial interests in ICF construction, beyond the advantages to me as
a homeowner. The money saved will allow me to purchase another recumbent bicycle."

Tom Sherman - Quad Cities

Tom Sherman <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

harryo said:

... Disclaimer: I have no financial interests in ICF constuction, beyond the advanyages to me as
a homeowner.

This should read, "I have no financial interests in ICF construction, beyond the advantages to me
as a homeowner. The money saved will allow me to purchase another recumbent bicycle."

Tom Sherman - Quad Cities

I never thought of that, Tom! I wonder if my wife will buy it?

Harry Jiles

harryo said:

Tom Sherman <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]-
berlin.de>...

Quoted message said:

harryo said:

... Disclaimer: I have no financial interests in ICF constuction, beyond the advanyages to me as
a homeowner.

This should read, "I have no financial interests in ICF construction, beyond the advantages to me
as a homeowner. The money saved will allow me to purchase another recumbent bicycle."

Tom Sherman - Quad Cities

I never thought of that, Tom! I wonder if my wife will buy it?

Harry,

I think it would be very nice of your wife to buy you another recumbent bicycle. 😉

Tom Sherman - Quad Cities

Tom Sherman <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I never thought of that, Tom! I wonder if my wife will buy it?

Harry,

I think it would be very nice of your wife to buy you another recumbent bicycle. 😉

Tom Sherman - Quad Cities

LOLs! Actually, she should. Last year she started riding my V-Rex and liked it so much she now
claims it as her own!

Harry