This Makita Mac2400 air compressor review concerns a few key issues customers make when on the lookout for a good quality compressor. The specs that this unit has are in line with up to medium duty work (can probably handle more), so expect a couple of drawbacks and a couple of draw-ins which you can weigh on and decide what to go with. I know that decisions, especially in crunch times, are the hardest, so hopefully this will help you clear the fog a bit.
Right down the middle, these are the things you want to know you are getting:
Pros:
- Increased compression (greater bore and stroke)
- Iron/Steel construction (durable)
- Low RPM (longevity and reduced noise levels)
- Quiet (79 dB)
- Low AMP draw
- Automotive filter (increased air intake)
- Finned discharge tubing
Cons:
- Really heavy (79 pounds)
- Oil-lubricated (some maintenance required)
- Awkward design
Specs
Due to its relatively compact size (20 x 18 x 19 in.), the MAC2400 air compressor makes a few sacrifices in order to gain on portability and usefulness. It runs on a 2.5 HP motor, with a 4.2 gallon capacity and a maximum pressure output of 130 PSI. It delivers about 40 PSI (4.8 CFM) and 90 PSI (4.2 CFM), for up to two nailers. With that capacity, you can fire anywhere from 20 to 30 nailers before the motor kicks in for resting.
The motor, though, is surprisingly quiet. Its low RPM – 1720 – adds to its longevity, and you don’t have to worry about tripping breakers. With no more than 50% duty cycle, you must give the motor a breathing space if working for longer than half an hour. Damages and all sorts of unpleasantries could ensue should you not follow this advice. Even without knowing, you are affecting the compressor’s life by exposing it to too much work.
However, lower amperage draw (around 12) guarantees a voltage drop, translating into saving more energy but, most importantly, preventing premature motor failure. This is rather crucial, as it allows you to run other things in the house or workshop without fear of losing power or having short circuits. Outside of the house or workshop, the issues begin to rise, especially during colder conditions. Luckily for me, I never had to use it outside, but I’ve heard people say that it tripped their 15 amp breakers and that it had trouble starting.
The thing that it shines through the most, though, is how quiet the motor really is. When standing directly in front of it, its noise levels reach no more than 80dB, which is great, and there are rubber feet beneath it not just for protection but for dampening the vibration as well.
Design
A few words about the design: it’s heavy. Yes, there’s no way around it. At 79 pounds, you are tasked with some heavy lifting, but designers had that in mind and put in place a handle. The weight comes from the iron construction, making it extremely durable when moving it around. Be careful not to drop it though, the gauges are tiny bit vulnerable. That brings us to the weird design…
There’s seems to be every bit of something attached to every corner of the unit. There’s pressure on and off switch is placed on the right side; on the left side, there are the oil fill and the sight glass, with the drain valve on the rear side. If that doesn’t bother you, then you are golden. If you keep it in one place, you might be having some issues with it; otherwise, being portable and all – which is actually its intended use – you are bound to be satisfied.
I almost forgot to mention the automotive style filter. What this basically means is that the amount of air that the compressors sucks in is greater, resulting in greater efficiency. Sometimes, this can pay dividends if you are rushing through, or you are trimming fast and don’t want to be waiting long cycles.
Usage
Paint spray guns, caulking guns, grease guns, sandblasters, air brushes, inflating tires, spraying weed killers, all sorts of air tools can have use of this compressor.
Maintenance
Even though it’s an oil-lubricated pump, there’s quite a functional oil drain installed and an oil sight glass with a tank drain valve that makes it a bit easier when doing regular maintenance. Keep it somewhere away from mold or dust-ridden compartments, and do regular cleaning, as the motor is pretty sensitive if not taken care properly. But, that’s common sense, so stick to it. No exceptions.
The manual appears to be out of date. Just ask at your local store or contact support if you have any questions regarding setting it up for the first time. It took me 20 minutes to figure out how to set it up on my own, so it isn’t that complicated to determine what goes into what. Though, in doubt, contact support!
Warranty
One year warranty is included for any damages or malfunctioning. Inspect upon reception for any damages, as these can often be the case of poor packaging. There’s also 30 days satisfaction proof during which you can test-drive it and decide whether it’s the right fit for you.
Casting the Final Vote
Overall, it is a really nifty little piece of work. Packed in are things like durability due to its iron construction, better compression as a result of greater bore and stroke and low RPM of 1720 for reduced noise levels. On top of that, there’s also an automotive filter that increases air intake and copper finned discharge tubing for heat release, in case you hand brushes down the tubing and literally puts itself on a toast. So, you’re safe in that regard.
It’s relatively heavy, so you’ll have to pack in a few muscles. Another downside is its somewhat skewed design. It also runs on oil, so you do have to worry about maintenance once in while in order to avoid motor damaging. Barring that, I’d say it rather deserves its place in my workshop.
Related reviews:
Best Gas Powered Air Compressors
Quietest Air Compressors For Home Use
I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
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