Powering up tools from framing nailers to impact drivers, air compressors have always been a convenient power source for any job site or even in a home garage. The Makita MAC5200 is a great air compressor to consider, and is renowned for having high CFM, allowing you to use even more powerful pneumatic tools with it.
If you’re curious to know more about the Makita MAC5200, I have reviewed the air compressor below. Let’s check out its features, specs, pros, and cons.
Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor
As a piston-type air compressor with a portable design, it’s meant for the job site thanks to its heavy-duty design, features, and air consumption. If you are often working with high-CFM tools such as impact wrenches, this air compressor will do the job.
Specifications
Sporting a 3-HP motor, this air compressor has a capacity of 5.2 gallons. As for the air consumption, it will deliver 6.9 CFM at 40 PSI and up to 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI. This makes the air compressor sufficient for running impact wrenches other than framing nailers (which only require 2 CFM or so). Alternatively, this high CFM will also have room for running two nailers simultaneously.
The air compressor has a standard operating pressure of up to 140 PSI and comes with a 1/4-inch universal quick coupler for easy setup. It also comes with an air hose wrap, which allows you to store up to 50 feet of hose (3/8-inch), whether the air compressor handle is folded or upright.
Quality
The Makita MAC5200 is backed by a 1-year warranty for defects from workmanship and materials. Adding to that quality assurance, the air compressor also has durability features, such as a cast-iron pump with a big bore cylinder and piston. It also has an industrial air filter (automotive style), which further increases CFM delivery.
Additionally, it has an oil-lubricated pump, which reduces wear and tear and lowers the running temperature of the air compressor. The wheels of this air compressor are also rugged to keep up with job site demands.
Due to the copper-finned discharge tubing, the air compressor tank will accumulate less water and have better heat dissipation. Another plus point with its durability is the roll cage construction, which will keep the pump and motor safe and sound throughout job site abuse and outdoor weather elements.
Usability
Among its usability features include a folding handle with a low profile design. This makes storage a breeze when it comes to small spaces. Likewise, the air compressor hose has a bunch of hooks around the folding handle to keep the air compressor organized. Maintenance will also be simpler thanks to the tank drain valve.
In addition to that, the air compressor setup has a built-in storage compartment that keeps your fittings and accessories all in one place. This would be useful on a job site where you’ll tend to lose your tools and equipment.
Moreover, the air compressor’s folding handle has an ergonomically molded area for easily moving the unit around the job site. Furthermore, for added operational convenience, it has oil sight glasses, as well as lever handle ball valves.
Should You Buy the Makita MAC5200 Air Compressor?
The Makita MAC5200 is a great air compressor for you if you need to power up to two framing nailers simultaneously or use a higher CFM pneumatic tool, such as a 1/2-inch impact wrench. While common air compressors only have around 2 to 3 CFM at 90 PSI, the Makita MAC5200 delivers more with its high CFM, making it ideal for job site use.
If you are still unsure about the decision, go through the below list of the pros and cons of the tool.
Pros of the Makita MAC5200
Let’s start with the pros.
It has a high CFM.
This air compressor boasts 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI, making it a powerful unit for job site use. While other compressors have only around 2 to 3 CFM at 90 PSI, the Makita MAC5200 has a remarkably higher CFM, which makes it applicable for simultaneous usages of up to two nailers or one impact wrench.
Having a high CFM for an air compressor will save time when you’re working with different tools. Instead of only handling one nailer, you will finish the job faster if your air compressor has this much CFM at 90 PSI.
The air compressor is easy to move around.
Having rugged wheels and a folding handle, the Makita MAC5200 is easy to maneuver around a job site or house/garage setting. While many compressors have wheels, this setup has thicker and more ruggedly-designed ones for taking job site abuse.
Likewise, it has a folding handle, which will help a lot when it comes to moving the air compressor from point A to point B, allowing work flexibility. The handle is also made with a shaped grip for reducing fatigue when pushing the entire setup across the job site.
Having convenient portability features, despite being quite heavy, makes the air compressor a workhorse for nearly any project, especially for commercial use. Not only will it speed up tasks but it also is a convenient way to power up the most commonly-used pneumatic tools when you need them.
It has a storage compartment.
By having a storage compartment, the air compressor allows you to neatly organize everything – from the hose to the other accessories – so you’ll easily work around the job site without losing equipment or tools. The compressor setup is designed to be a store-and-go to save time and effort.
Storing the air compressor is convenient.
Due to the folding handle and the air hose wrap, which can store up to 50 feet whether the handle is upright or folded, storing the air compressor won’t be a problem if your garage or job site has a limited area.
No one wants dangling hoses and equipment around their work area. Having an easy-store air compressor simplifies your daily tasks.
Cons of the Makita MAC5200
Even though the Makita MAC5200 is a great tool, there are a few cons worth noting as well.
The compressor is on the heavy side.
Compared to other air compressors out there, the Makita MAC5200 is heavier at 88 pounds, which is more than most units which stand around 70 to 80 pounds. If you don’t like heavy compressors then this might not be the tool for you. However, since it has rugged wheels and an ergonomic folding handle, you might not feel the weight that much, anyway.
The tank capacity is low.
Despite the high CFM, this air compressor only has 5.2 gallons of capacity in its tank, which is considerably lower than most tanks of air compressors on the market, which are typically 6 to 10 gallons.
It is not designed for use with an extension cord.
Unfortunately, the air compressor is not capable of using an extension cord (as stated in the manual). However, because it has wheels, it will be easy to move around, reducing the need for such a cord.
What Are the Alternatives to the Makita MAC5200?
If the Makita MAC5200 isn’t a compressor catching your attention, here are alternatives that I’d like to suggest:
If you want a unit that has a bigger tank, this air compressor made by Craftsman has a 10-gallon capacity. With up to 175 max PSI, this air compressor runs up to 5 CFM at 40 PSI and 4 CFM at 90 PSI. This means it is also sufficient for two nailers. However, its motor is only at 1.8 HP in terms of power.
Another unique difference with this air compressor is the oil-free design, which reduces maintenance needs for the pump. Like my first choice, this air compressor has rugged wheels and a large handle for easily going around the job site.
When it comes to durability, this air compressor has a Q235b steel house structure. Moreover, it has an automatic safety valve to regulate the air tank pressure.
Another similar unit is the Metabo HPT EC710S Pancake Air Compressor, which runs at 2.8 CFM at 90 PSI, so it is ideal for those who want a simple compressor for a framing nailer. With a 6-gallon capacity, it runs on a 1-HP oil-free motor that’s easy to start even in cold weather.
Due to the steel roll cage, it will keep the internal parts safe and secure. Since this unit only operates at 73 dB, it is significantly quieter than most air compressors (which are usually at 80 dB or more). Due to the rubber grip, handling this compressor and moving it around the job site will be just fine. However, it does lack wheels as compared to the Makita MAC5200.
With up to 8 gallons of capacity, the Campbell Hausfeld AC080510 Portable Air Compressor is a quiet-running unit at only 72 dB that makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It runs up to 2.2 CFM at 90 PSI and 3.2 CFM at 40 PSI, with a max pressure of 125 PSI. Like the previous choice, it has an oil-free pump that reduces maintenance.
Due to the lower CFM, this unit is also ideal for simple stapling and nailing projects around the house or on a job site. Like the Makita pick mentioned above, it has wheels and a pushing handle for easy transport. It is also backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
Summary
To wrap it up, the Makita MAC5200 is a compressor worth getting thanks to its powerful CFM, which is not often seen in similar units. If you work on a job site and need to run two nailers at the same time (or if you need to run an impact wrench), this is the ideal air compressor for you.