Customer Reviews

Makita MAC500 1.5 HP, 2-1/2 Gallon, -InchHot Dog-Inch Oil-less Air Compressor

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For those that move their compressors around, the MAC500 delivers a rated 3.0 SCFM @ 90 psi in a 25 pound package. There are other hotdog and pancake compressors out there that weigh the same but they deliver less air. There are other compressors out there that deliver the same or more air but they weigh more. This unit is the ideal compromise - a great nailer!

I thought that I had finally found the perfect compressor for a trim carpenter. Here was a light compressor from a company that I thought sold only quality products. It has a small footprint and is very light and it delivers a decent amount of air. After the 20 min. break-in comes the first dissapointment, this little thing is LOUD !!! Next you will find that because of the excessive vibration it "walks" while running. After only a month of use the moter developed a problem. I thought that I had purchased a defective unit, so just bring it in for service . While walking back to the service desk I saw on the counter what was left of a MAC500. It had several bullet holes in it . The service tech informed me that Makita buys the moter for this unit from another company, and it is junk! So it cost me $60 for labor to fix a 3 month old compressor. He suggested the same fix as the counter top unit for the next repair. Makita should pull this unit from their product line.

This is a great little compressor. It's served me well, whether working on remodeling projects or going on site to build film sets. This compressor won't break your back and is perfect for someone working solo or for a two man crew with a couple trim nailers. It's not the compressor for the machine gun fast production framer, but this is a great fit for someone who travels light.

I bought my Makita MAC500 from Amazon based on recommendations from "A home improvement enthusiast from NJ". That review is right on. I have been using my compressor for over a month. It gets used because it is so easy to use. It also stays clean and doesn't mess anything up in the house. It makes more noise than anticipated, but other than that, it is great.

I've owned my MAC500 since 1996 and it has served me well for many home remodel projects (cown molding, wainscotting and hardwood flooring). It keeps up fine for this type of work and is not designed for high volume usage (spray painting, sandblasting, etc) As a blow tool for clearing sawdust in the shop, it struggles to keep up. I agree with other reviews....this baby is LOUD...mine measured 93dbs inside and will make you jump if you're not prepared when it kicks in. It does have a tendency to "walk" due to its light weight and may mar/streak the surface it's on with its black rubber feet. It's also a little top heavy and tips over easily on transport in trunk or back of pickup so be careful....as other reviewers have noted it's easily damaged if mistreated.

Even with these drawbacks its a great little compressor for finish carpentry. I wouldn't think twice about grabbing it for a job as small as 4 or 5 nails. I've got the new MAC2400 on order for the shop for those higher volume needs, but I plan on keeping the MAC500 due to its small size, light weight and extreme portability.

First of all this is a light-weight, cost effective compressor. It worked fine for me for over a year and is easy to carry around.

BUT, this thing is realy loud, especially for its size.

BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, be careful and don't drop anything on it. I dropped a 2x4 and it hit the regulator/switch assembly and BANG the stem broke off. I nearly had a heart attack. Upon further inspection I noticed that this critical assembly is attached to the tank by only a small (and fragile) brass connector tube. In addition, the assembly is located at a conspicuous and vulnerable spot, hanging a bit off of one end of the tank. This is a bad design! Now ...the brass tube is stuck in the connector hole.

I recommend buying a different compressor.

(BTW, you can't see the connector tube I'm talking about in the picture. It's on the opposite side. The part that broke off was not the large motor section but the small separate connector section containing the pressure dials. This is the section which is attached by only a brass tube.)