The Makita MAC700 Review – The ‘Jack of all Trades’ Compressor
Looking for a bit more oomph from an air compressor? Sitting a good rung above the entry level home-use air compressors, the Makita MAC700 Big Bore has a lot to offer but does it offer what you need? Compressors are becoming more and more popular but there’s a lot to consider when you choose one for home use.
If you don’t know your PSIs from your CFMs, help is on hand. If you also want to save yourself time and skip your own research you can avoid making a costly purchase mistake by reading thoughts on what’s hot and what’s not about the Makita Mac700 in this review.
AN OVERVIEW - The Makita MAC700
- CFM: 3.3 @ 90 PSI
- PSI: 130 PSI
- Weight: 59 pounds – ouch! Let’s talk later
- Power Source: 2HP electric motor
- Size: 18 x 22 x 10 inches
- Warranty: One-year parts and labour
What We Love
Well, you can’t fail to be impressed by the “Big Bore” in the name but what exactly is “Big Bore”? It refers to the size of the cylinder.
Larger than most competitors it means that the compressor achieves up to 130 PSI without making too much fuss and that means the 2.6 gallon tank fills quickly and is also recharged quickly – for this reason its one of our favourites.
The Big Bore also means the motor does not need to run as fast so it’s much easier to hear yourself think around a MAC700 when its recharging the tank. It also means that you’re less likely to cause your home circuits to trip out whenever the motor kicks in to recharge the tank. We love Big Bore!
Those clever folks at Makita have spent a lot of time coming up with a well thought out design. Two horse power is crammed into a compressor that sits on 18 x 22 x 10 inches of space so it can be stored in any cupboard, under a car maintenance work bench or even under the stairs if needs be.
The works of the compressor are also clothed by an important shroud that keeps careless fingers from getting burned if they accidentally touch the motor.
What We Dont Love
If you need a lightweight option then you’ll probably not be impressed by the 59 pounds that the Big Bore weighs in at. Definitely more luggable than portable, lugging is made easier however with the cleverly designed carry handle that is integrated into the main casing. Just take a deep breath, pick up and away you go!
One other beef, if you’re not an experienced air compressor owner you may find it a bit of a struggle to work out what you need to do to set up and get your compressor running carefully. The standard of the documentation really leaves a lot to be desired.
Not really that much of a problem except that there are initial set up routines such as filling the motor with oil and running it in, that you need to follow if you are to avoid damaging your new compressor. Come on Makita- get it sorted!
The Verdict
Best Suited For
The Mac700 will support airbrush attachments, brad nailers, staple guns, and smaller impact wrenches perfectly adequately. This selection of tools means that most DIY projects such as roofing and fencing work, carpentry tasks such as improving your wood trim and car mechanic projects will be made easier.
Great all round capabilities – It’s the ‘jack of all trades’ of air compressors
Not So Great For
If you have a large home and expect to need to move your Big Bore around to work in a variety of places then this could be a bit of a bind. At some 60 pounds dead weight you may even need help to move it, in spite of the carry handle. It is, however, small enough to fit on a set of dolly wheels so at a push (literally) you could manage this way so perhaps it’s not that bad after all.
Lugging around is bit of a pain – if you’re a fan of portable compressors visit this page instead.
The Makita Mac700 is one of the most popular home air compressors available today so if you’re happy to follow the crowd then follow away in the knowledge that so many others find this a good buy for so many reasons. Keep in mind, that if you need more power, the Makita MAC 2400 (its older brother) may be worth considering.
Oil lubricated pump technology also means that with some minor routine maintenance (once every three months) the Mac700 can be expected to outlast most of the oil free models that are on the market. On the price front – you’re certainly getting a lot of compressor for your bucks so all in all, it’s a great all rounder option.
The perfect all rounder that will keep any carpentry contractor or even aspiring home handyman happy. 4.7 out of 5 stars