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sweep a hammer is still a trusted mode of drive nails to build fence and structures , but using a nail gunman is much faster and less labor - intensive . While I like using battery - powered tool , I ’m not a buff of stop to charge spent battery . I favour going the pneumatic itinerary when I need a consistent power source , which means have a quality air compressor .
Recently , I tested several portable line compressor in my service department and shop — and on the jobsite — and theMakita MAC2400earned top honors . This compact 2.5 - horsepower ( hp ) compressor is n’t perfect , but it ’s very efficacious at power the air cock necessary for framing , trim work , and other DIY project . Keep reading to discover what happened when I put the MAC2400 to the test .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Air Compressor: At a Glance
Rating:4.75/5
SPECS
PROS
CONS
Get the Makita MAC2400 air compressor at :
What is the Makita MAC2400 air compressor?
TheMakita MAC2400is a midrange portable tune compressor in theMakita Big Borelineup of compressor . It features a 2.5 H.P. motor , a casting - iron cylinder for maximum air compression , and 4.2 - Imperial gallon duplicate tankful designed to fork up a free burning operating pressure of 130 PSI .
This Makita compressor bring forth 4.2 CFM when operated at 90 PSI . It ’s designed for the rigors of a jobsite and includes a make - in paradiddle bar along the top and sides to protect the compressor from being knocked over or otherwise damage .
One of the compressor ’s handiest features is the dual ports that earmark the connection of two pneumatic tool at the same time . I ’m conversant with the use of inline adapters that permit two workers to use one airwave compressor at the same clock time , but having twin ports adds to the user - friendly appeal of this compressor .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The Makita gentle wind compressor is relatively compact , measuring just 20 inches recollective by 18 inches all-inclusive by 18.75 inches high with a 6 - foot cord , so it does n’t require a lot of storage blank in a garage or shed . This portability makes it an first-class option for either a employment or ahome airwave compressor .
Power and Performance
TheMakita tune compressorhas an oil - lubricated pump , so I first added motor oil ( included ) to the crankcase and then tie the air filter . Those steps only take about 3 minutes . The MAC2400 boast a handy looking glass oil gauge that allowed me to see the oil level at a coup d’oeil , which is much simpler than take to check up on a dipstick .
After following the maker - recommended break - in period , which required allowing the compressor to run for 20 minutes before attach any pneumatic tools , I started testing . First , I connected a ¼-inch atmosphere hosepipe ( not included ) and a nail gun and adjusted the PSI gauge to 80 , ( recommended by the nail gun producer ) . I was able to drive 12 nail before the compressor cycle on . When I attached a pinner , I could shoot 22 nails before the compressor cycled on . I had standardized results when I connect two nail guns to the compressor ’s two ports . One important bill : There is only one regulator thickening for both port , so a user will need to run tools with exchangeable PSI requirements if using both porthole .
Next , I attach a pneumatic impact twist , turned the PSI to 100 , and absent the lug nuts from a railcar tire . The compressor cycled after I removed two nuts , which is understandable because the tool uses more air power . Still , the MAC2400 resurrect to the challenge . This compressor has copious mogul for operatingnail gunsandair impact wrenches , although it will cycle more oftentimes when using higher PSI tool .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Sound Considerations
Some gentle wind compressors are notoriously noisy , like my large store compressor that create closely to 90 decibel of ear - splitting audio every meter it wheel on and inevitably startles me even though I ’m expect it .
Although the Makita MAC2400 is not thequietest air compressorI’ve ever used , it is agreeably quieter than many I ’ve tried over the age . The manufacturer lists the compressor as producing 79 decibels of speech sound ; however , I tested the noise level during an active cycle at just 72 decibels from about 6 invertebrate foot aside . While it ’s still obtrusive , the sound level is more like a vacuity cleaner than a jet take off — it ’s bearable and less likely to chafe the neighbors .
The Portability Factor
The Makita MAC2400 is small in size and comes with a padded handgrip at the top for lifting it in and out of a truck bottom or onto a mesa . Unfortunately , this tune compressor weigh a goodish 77 pounds , so it may be too great for some drug user ( like me ) to lift without assistance .
I wish the manufacturer would have added wheels to theMAC2400 tune compressorso it would be well-to-do to rive from spot to blob , but — as it is — I get it ready to hand to roll around on a lowly homemade platform dolly . The higher weight of this compressor is in all probability due to its blade construction , and I think most substance abuser will put up with extra system of weights to get a higher - quality compressor that is designed to last .
Is the Makita MAC2400 air compressor right for you?
At a price of around $ 380 , the Makita MAC2400 air compressor is a great economic value for its lineament and performance . shopper looking for a powerful and true air compressor with dual port wo n’t be disappoint with this exemplar .
The MAC2400 is well suited for most DIY construction project and will also do well in a pinch for many types of self-propelled body of work . However , if you are using an air impingement wrench consistently , you may want to upgrade to a gamey - capacitance Makita model , such as theMAC5200 3 HP Big Bore air compressor .
Alternatively , if you ’re bet for aportable aviation compressorfor light - duty projects , such as last work , you could get by with a lower - capacity model that does n’t weigh virtually as much as the MAC2400 .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Overall , the Makita MAC2400 air compressor is a powerful choice for DIYers looking for a average - duty construction air compressor for various building tasks .
Where to Buy the Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Portable Air Compressor
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product examiner and writer specializing in the construction , remodeling , and real land industry . She and her husband own a general contracting troupe , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications . She tests a across-the-board range of powerfulness pecker , as well as other household advance , home , and lawn and garden products .
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