Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP* Big Bore™ Air Compressor

I did some research on many of the compressors out there and chose to go with this model. I looked at the Dewalt, Rigid, Porter Cable pancake deal, and few other no names. I was tempted with the Porter cable deal with the 3 guns but I don't use anything below 18 gauge and I need guns that can carry 2"+ pins/brads. The porter was loud and felt cheap but it did the job as my buddy has one. On the guns I decided to go with the Grex 650L 23 gauge pinner, (amazing gun) and the Hitachi NT 50AE2 18 gauge. I went with this compressor due to the reviews it had from previous customers. I am a carpenter and will use it for crown, base, wainscot and other trim work. Here are my thoughts after using it:Shipping ExperienceI ordered from Amazon to take advantage of free shipping option. Unit came in about 5 days via UPS.Shipping DamageThe box it's shipped in is not very durable considering it's supporting an 80lb compressor. There was just layered cardboard, no foam, peanuts, or Styrofoam molding. Many of the reviews in 2006 stated that air filter is shipped loose and typically damages the gauges. I opened the package and found the air filter in a sealed bag with the manual on top of the unit. After inspection, no damage to gauges were evident. I'm assuming Makita started shipping in the sealed bag after the complaints.There was a however small cosmetic dent on the top tank on the end of the tank the size of a nickle. No scratches, just a small dent. Not surprising once I looked at the shipping box. Not a big deal for me, hardly noticeable. The unit does not look used or reconditioned so I'm assuming it happend during shipping. Not worth the phone call to Amazon as it is small and will not effect performance. It did not effect the rating. Even if I bought it at Home Depot, I wouldn't have returned it due to the dent. It is after all a compressor, not a Porsche. I will dent and scratch the heck out of this thing so that's why I wasn't concerned about a small dent.Oily CaseThere was a light film of oil on the unit though which I cleaned up with a rag. The unit comes with about 10 oz of oil which was sealed with no evident spillage. I recommend you open the package outside or in the garage so your carpets and/or furniture are not effected.SetupI filled the unit with the entire bottle of oil as instructed, opened the valve under the tank, turned it on and let it run for 20-mins to set the piston and lubricate the unit as instructed. The tank fills fast. Both tanks filled from 0 - 130 psi in 1 min 21 sec.NoiseFirst thing I noticed was this thing is extremely quiet for a compressor. You can carry a conversation in the same room without raising your voice. It's really incredible.SizeThe size of the unit is around 2' x 2; x 2'. Nice size. If you have to move around a lot, this is not the tool for you. Great if you only have to move it once, maybe twice a day. The smaller compressors, (one hot dog tank), do not have the pressure and power I needed, this one is perfect size for home use.PowerIf you use a lot of air ratchets, this may not be the best unit. Check the CFM rating on your tools before buying. This compressor offers 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI. Pretty good compared to the rest of them.WeightThe unit is heavy as many have posted. Obviously it's well made from steel, not a plastic rattling piece of crap like many of the other compressors out there which is something I respect. I would rather have something heavy and well made then a light piece of junk that will just break down. I'm not worried about that too much as I decided to just go with longer hoses, (100') to I don't have to move it much unless going another level. I transport it with a collapsable (small) dolly from the car to the site. It weighs about 80 lbs. I am going to make a small furniture dolly for it so it can be moved easily on carpet or cement.FunctionalityThe unit well laid out. The gauges are easy to read, the unit is well balanced with the handle, low vibration, it has rubber feet to prevent marring and reduce vibration. I'm a little nervous about the on/off switch. It's a bit long a feels like it should be more durable. I'm just going to be careful when turning on/off. Don't get me wrong, it's not too thin, I would just wouldn't rush it with that switch.Pro's:Well made & durableWell laid outQuietFills fastFree ShippingGood CFM ratingLow vibrationNo burning wrists as hot components are well protected.Oiled unit, (aids to noise reduction and longevity)Priced appropriately for what you get.Cons:Heavy, 80lbsPoor packaging, (unit may have light damage. Make sure you have a Makita servicing center close by as many have stated that Amazon will not let you return it as oil cannot be shipped due to the flammability aspect.

This is a very nice and compact compressor for using framing nailers. It’s not particularly light weight but the carry handle helps alleviate that somewhat. The Makita workmanship is outstanding. The compressor is quiet and fills rather fast. It holds air very well and refills so quiet you really don’t even notice it. Keep in mind, it’s an air compressor so don’t expect it to be dead silent; however, relatively speaking, it is easy to work around without having to use earplugs. I’d buy it again.Update 3/21/19: Now that I’ve had this a few months, I can say the compressor was a good buy. It hasn’t given me one problem. Be sure you’re realistic about what you intend to use this for though. I bought it to do some framing, and for that purpose it really shines. However, now that I’ve completed my 30x40 garage and decided to try this for some typical air tools (angle grinder, blower nozzle, impact hammer) I find the compressor cannot keep up. It simply isn’t meant for that type of air demand. No problem, I’m gonna buy an 80 gallon, 2 stage, 5 hp compressor for the shop. I’ll tuck this Makita away for when I need to use the framing nailer or other small tools and don’t need the huge air supply.One other thing, drain the tanks when done using. I had my compressor aired up for the day recently and used it sporadically. It kicked on maybe 5-10 times throughout the day. My point is there wasn’t a lot of air demand in 12 hours. When I drained the tanks, a significant amount of moisture sprayed out. If you leave the air in the tanks, you’ll also have moisture which will corrode your tanks from the inside. Just be sure to drain it and you’ll be fine.

I am a construction contractor in California with over 34 years experience ... and I am hard on my equipment. I purchased this Makita MAC2400 back in January 2012 for $299 from Amazon and use it almost daily, running wide crown lathing/roofing staplers, framing nailing guns, finish nailing guns. air blowers and most often pneumatic air chiselers/air hammers. This compressor is now working on its 5th year of labor without any issues, with the only maintenance being - oil changes ( which I have only done 1 time so far) and making sure that I drain the air tanks at the of every day. It has enough air power to run 2 nail guns simultaneously and run a pneumatic air chisel ( which draws 4CFMs) all day. While it does recycle almost continuously , when running a 4 CFM air chisel, this Makita MAC2400 has never quit on me.Some might complain about the weight (80lbs) being a con, it is a heavy compressor for its class (twin hotdog) but I believe that the oil lubricated, cast iron pump and steel construction is a pro ....due to the return of its on the job toughness. I also like the fact the this compressor is on the quiet side of noise output, couple that with its low RPM, makes this compressor easy to leave in the same room that you are working in, The low amp draw is also an added benifit and I rarely trip any electrical circuit breakers, albeit, I try to keep the extension cords lengths to a minimum and try to use the highest gage (14g or above ) when ever possible. If, I need more length I use more air hose.I used to kill Oil-Free compressors in the years past, MAC2000, Dewalt, Rigid 45150 .... while they were lighter in weight and powerful, they were very loud and with the teflon lined cylinder pump ....wore out within 2 years of purchase. If you dont mind the weight of this compressor it will do the job for you in the years to come.