| Brand: | Makita | ||
| Average Rating |
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This one’s a bit of a paradox: The do-it-yourselfer might pass by this compressor in favor of an oil-free, no-maintenance model, but it’s actually one of the best on the market for the homeowner, hobbyist and weekend warrior.
There are three factors that made us form this opinion. First, it’s the quietest compressor we’ve ever encountered. It’s a remarkable departure in a genre of tools that normally force you to suspend conversation while it’s cycling. The MAC700 puts out 80 decibels, according to the folks at Makita, and when you compare that to the 90 and up you get from most units, that’s practically a hum. So we like this for household use, especially in a basement shop.
Next on our list of pluses for the DIY-er is the low-amp draw, and with that, fewer trips to the breaker box and less chance of premature motor failure. The other feature that won us over is the easy-on-the-hand lever handle ball valve that saves your knuckles when you drain the tank. It’s also got a really fast cycle, so by the time you take a sip of water, you’re ready to work again.
It’s made like a champ, with a roll-bar handle that protects your investment, a cast-iron cylinder for durability and an oil sight glass that makes maintenance a breeze.–Kris Jensen-Van Heste
What’s in the Box
Oiled single hot dog compressor with handle; 1/4-inch brass Makita universal coupler
September 16th, 2009
Very Quiet
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I replaced a small pancake, working well with this one. Noice level 80db. Not sure what a db is but odd thing is NO other manufacturer lists this spec. It’s very quiet, little or no vibration. Easy to move around while doing hardwood. I have also seen this compressor at construction sites, covered in mud and purring away. Very well made.Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor
September 28th, 2009
air compressor
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
The Makita it’s self is great. My complaint is with the broken upload valve on arrival. The unit was packaged well and no damage to the box in shipment. This means the valve was broke when placed into the box. They did send a replacement but still with the unit being dead on arrival leaves a poor impression. Once running it does the job.
October 1st, 2009
wow, price jack
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I was going to purchase one of these, but every time I come back to it, it gets more expensive. They have jacked the price up from about $160 to now $250, I’m not sure how they justify this. Anyone else notice this?
October 22nd, 2009
Makita MAC 700
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Very quiet, can run in my basement wood shop without earplugs. Small enough to keep under a bench, and recycles quick enough for my uses. I have other Makita products and all seem to be well built and have lasted under heavy use. Quite pleased with my purchase. It looks good also. A friend asked, sarcastically, if I waxed it.
October 24th, 2009
Perfect for the single man crew.
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I love this little compressor.
I have been using this compressor for about three years now (built a new home and lots of weekend/evening side work) and can tell you it is a solid and VERY quiet performer.
I originally looked at all the compressors available at the time, looking for a compressor that was oil lubricated, light weight, low amp draw and high quality. I have owned two other compressors and sold compressors for five years at a good local tool supplier, so I had a very good idea of what I wanted.
The Makita tool line is always high quality if not the very best designed, they are among the best. After shopping the local stores and browsing the internet I decided the combination of lower RPM (hence the low noise) and low amp draw (I have yet to trip a breaker in anyone’s home)would make this Makita a good choice.
The compressor is very well made, from the castings to the paint to the filter this tool has great fit and finish. It is a breeze to pick up and put in the pickup and carry into someones home (you can actually have it in someones home while your working, just watch the rubber feet, they mark up the floors). I have never run out of air using one tool at a time be it a framer, siding gun, flooring or finish gun.
So the question is why only four stars for the answer to my compressor needs? My Makita was damaged in the packaging and thus required a minor tweak to the air switch to get it to cycle. Two years later I ordered one for my brother (Mine was always on loan to him when I needed it) and this one was also damaged inside the packaging, the plastic housing was smashed to bits. In both cases there was no visible damage to the packaging.