Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP 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. My Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor came with what appear to be some fairly heavy-duty and solid rubber wheels.

Makita MAC5200 Review – Features Of The Big Bore Compressor That Are Worth Mentioning.

After looking around, I settled on a Makita. I decided that the MAC700 was too small for my needs. Then it struck me that for only $25 more, I could get the Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor, which came with more air, wheels and storage for hose and other bits.  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. I bought it because I needed a compressor with a higher CFM output than the little Ridgid one I already have.

• Folding handle: Low profile for easy storage with handle folded
• Rugged wheels: Job-site portability; One-year manufacturer's warranty
• Built-in storage compartment; Conveniently stores air fittings and accessories
• Air hose wrap: Stores 50 feet of 3/8-inch air hose with handle folded or upright
• 120V; 13.8 Amps and 1800 watts
• Cast iron pump with Big Bore cylinder and piston is engineered to provide faster recovery time for improved performance
• Powerful 3.0 HP* motor produces 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI for increased productivity

I needed a compressor with a minimum of 4.5 CFM to operate a Porta-nail flooring nailer. Most portable compressors have outputs in the 2 to 3 SCFM range. The Makita line of air compressors are some of the few portable compressors with CFM outputs above 5 CFM.

For me, it was well worth spending the extra fifty bucks or so to upgrade from the MAC2400 to the MAC5200. I've had the MAC5200 for about a month. I was immediately impressed with the build quality. The collapsible handle is very heavy duty and the wheels are decent. 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.

The Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor puts out a decent amount of air. Using an air gun with 3 1/2" nails, I can fire 15 - 20 shots before the compressor needs to recharge. 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.

Well after we just got 5 inches of snow for the first time in October since 1869, I used my Makita compressor to blow out my lawn sprinklers. You have to do it one zone at a time, start each zone with a full tank of air and blow each zone out twice, but it works beautifully. I hooked the air to the sprinkler by putting together a male pneumatic fitting with threaded male end together with some fittings form the plumbing aisle at HD.

I mention all this because many portable compressors can't supply enough volume to blow out a sprinkler system. Bottom line is that it does the job and saves me the $100 every year that I would have to pay to have a irrigation company come with their tow-behind compressor to shut down the system. I have used the Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor for this 2 years now so next fall, it will have basically paid for itself.