My router itself is a 2x2 with the Vevor 3hp spindle (not a repurposed handheld wood router). The router, regardless of material it's being used on, is quieter than just about any woodworking tool with a circular blade. When it's indoors nobody cares. I mostly use mine for making wood mockups of parts before I make them in steel. I have more traditional tools for steel fabrication. The router makes basically no noise compared to the "loud" ones of those.