Makita MAC5200 3.0 HP* Big Bore™ Air Compressor

I needed a compressor for my small workshop for air tools, nailers, blowoff, tire inflation and spray painting. I've had oil-less compressors in the past and although I liked their lower prices, I absolutely hated the terrible, high pitched screams they emitted when running.After looking around, I settled on a Makita, but I needed to choose between the Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor, Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor and MAC5200. I decided that the MAC700 was too small for my needs. The MAC2400 was interesting, and I saw that a number of people had built carts to move it around and store hoses and miscellaneous parts. Then it struck me that for only $25 more, I could get the MAC5200, which came with more air, wheels and storage for hose and other bits.I've had the MAC5200 for about a month. It arrived well packaged and in perfect condition; none of the scratches and bent parts that some reviewers have noted. I was immediately impressed with the build quality. The collapsible handle is very heavy duty and the wheels are decent. After unpacking, I added the oil and did the 30 minute break-in with the tank valve open. The compressor is not what I would call quiet, but it makes far less noise than the oil-less compressors, and the pitch is lower. I am fortunate that I can put the compressor in a small room off my workshop. With the door closed, the compressor sound is muffled and I don't need hearing protection. If I were working in the same room with the compressor, I would use hearing protection. This is a heavy machine and it would be difficult to move around without the attached wheels and handles. For this reason alone, I am glad I went for the MAC5200 over the MAC2400.The MAC5200 puts out a decent amount of air. It takes 1 minute and 17 seconds to charge the tank to 120 PSI and an attached 3/8" X 50' hose to 90 PSI. Using an air gun with 3 1/2" nails, I can fire 15 - 20 shots before the compressor needs to recharge. So far, I've had enough air to do anything I wanted to do.I got a couple of accessories for the MAC5200. I needed some quick connects and bought the Milton M-Style Air Coupler and Plug Set - 1/4in. NPT, 7-Pcs., Model# S-212. These quick connects are well made, sturdy and work well. I also got a Campbell Hausfeld MP5143 Pistol Grip Blowgun and think it's great value for money.I'll update the review in the future, when I've had more time on it.

For 28 years I had a cheap little 12 gallon compressor that worked but was loud and I was lucky to get 110 psi out of it. It finally died thank goodness. I was looking for something that I could use with a plasma cutter but didn't want a huge 60 gal shop 220v loud ass compressor. I found this beauty and it's not the perfect compressor for a plasma cutter but it will deliver good working times and is perfect for everything else I need. Smallish and still somewhat portable, this thing is quiet and powerful and very well made. I've had a Makita circular saw that is well used for the last 25 years and it still works like new after I put a new cord on it. Makita stuff is well made.

I was stunned to see the UPS man at my door at 10:15 am today (Monday morning) already delivering my MAC5200. WTF? I just ordered it what seemed like a few hours ago (Saturday evening). Talk about fast shipping. I wondered how they got it here so quickly, so I checked the tracking info and noticed it was shipped from MD, only one state away from me here in VA. In any event, I'm blown (no pun intended) away at the speed in which Amazon completed and delivered my order. Right after ordering, it basically went straight onto a UPS truck. That's pretty impressive considering the size and weight of this thing.I was a bit worried at first because the box had arrived a little beat up and torn. However, after a thorough inspection, there appears to be no damage anywhere to the unit. My one gripe is that they need to work on the sturdiness of the box. Also, the box would have been more manageable if there were heavy-duty handle cut-outs. I didn't see how the guy managed to carry it to my front porch, but I did notice the box was starting to fall apart.Anyway, I have yet to run and break the unit in, but judging by the quality craftsmanship, it appears that this machine will last me a lifetime (knock on wood). This is probably more compressor than I'll ever need, but I wanted to be sure I'd have something powerful enough to allow me to winterize my underground sprinkler system each year, which incidentally costs me about $50 per year to have someone else do. Therefore, after seven winterizations this beast will have paid for itself. Other than that, I really only plan to use it for air in the tires and small projects around the house.My compressor came with what appear to be some fairly heavy-duty and solid rubber wheels. At first glance, it looks like there's still a tiny bit more room for improvement with the wheels, as they seem to be just slightly out of alignment when wheeling it around (no biggie). After beating my head against the wall in deliberation, in the end, I elected to step up to the MAC5200 over it's little brother, the MAC2400. What put me over the edge was the wheels (greater portability), more HP & CFM, a bigger tank, and a folding handle.For me, it was well worth spending the extra fifty bucks or so to upgrade from the MAC2400 to the MAC5200. I'm really impressed with the look and feel; it's solid and heavy-duty, and built like a freaking tank. Even though I have yet to use it, I'm confident this compressor will surpass my needs and expectations.UPDATE I: I just added 21 photos to the gallery. Enjoy!UPDATE II: I broke the machine in and successfully winterized my underground (well-water) sprinkler system with no problems whatsoever. I bought this hose: GoodYear 045 3/8-Inch-by-50-Feet Safety Yellow Rubber Hose 3/8 -Inch by 50-Feet 250 PSI With 1/4-Inch Ends and this tire gauge: Milton S506 Dual Head Inflator Gauge with 12" Air Hose and couldn't be happier.

Makita tools are expensive, but you get the best quality. This compressor puts out more volume than any other on I've seen in this size because of the large bore. I added a 3 gallon auxiliary tank to increase the volume, which the compressor handles very well, and now it doesn't start and stop too often.All the components are top notch quality and I don't think I'll ever need another one. I like the storage compartment and the handle configuration. It takes both hands to open the storage compartment door because the latch has to be pushed instead of pulled, but that is a minor inconvenience.