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MntGoat
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2017 10:25am - Edited by: MntGoat
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I wanted to give a review on the air compressor that I chose to purchase when I started my cabin build.
I did a TON of research and ended up buying a Makita MAC700. I paid $170 for it, and I love it.
Some details: This is an oil filled unit. For most of us, what that means is that it is quieter than an oil-less unit and it may last a bit longer. What it also means is that it requires more power. Those were the main differences for me.
I have a Honda EU2000i generator and it powered the compressor. I had some issues in colder weather, the oil in the compressor is thick at cold temps and really labors the generator. To resolve this, I would point the exhaust from the generator onto the compressor's oil tank to keep things warm. This worked very well.
It builds pressure very quickly, is quiet, portable, and a great value. It has kept pace with framing and sheathing without even a concern. I am impressed.
This is a great unit and I would buy again in a minute. I hope this helps those who are researching. One of my best tool purchases to date.
When I build my garage I used a 13 gallon craftsman oil less unit. I would have to pause when doing sheathing for it to catch up. I never had that happen with the Makita.
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Nate R
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2017 10:44am
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I got the same compressor after a ton of research. This was BEFORE I had my land and a generator. I found my 2000 watt inverter generator of a different brand really had trouble starting it once it was pressurized at times. Didn't think about warming the oil a bit!
Instead, I bought a small $70 oil-less compressor that takes care of 80% of my compressor needs on my land. (And uses <2 amps.)
But at home, the Makita has been great. Love the quiet!
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2017 08:18pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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When I bought, I was always looking at if it would work with my Honda EU2000i. (I used this criteria on every power tool I bought) I ended up getting the Porter Cable from Home Depot, this is the red 6 gallon pancake, it starts it up with ease, warm or cold. I dont think its too noisy, but use a 50 foot hose and park it away from me. Shuts off at 150, starts up at 125. I think I paid 199 and it came with a brad nailer, finish nailer and a crown stapler. I use the heck out of that finish nailer. I have been finding more uses for the crown stapler too. 
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Borrego
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2017 09:58pm
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I've probably been through a dozen or so compressors in the past 10 years....I am a huge Makita fan and almost all of my tols are from them, but I consider compressors almost a throw-away tool. They never get well taken care of by my crews so why get a good one I figure?
I have had a couple of the Makitas and they are ok (I don't like oil filled tools though), and I must say they blew up after a few years......
I now have several of the red Porter Cables that TMT talks about and one is about 15 years old, I think, and runs like a top, probably never been drained in it's life..they are pretty bulletproof IMO....
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