Customer Reviews
Great Compressor!!!! 
2008-06-13
I did quite a bit of research, and was looking at the DeWalt line, but noticed this unit. Based on the reviews on Amazon and elsewhere, I went for it. I was a little apprehensive about the shipping nightmares reported on this unit, but took a chance knowing that Amazon would stand behind the products they sell. On top of it, they were including a Makita bradnailer as an incentive at the time. Couldn't resist.
I was very pleased with the shipping - no scratches, and no dents.
I have been using this lightly for the past few months, and absolutely love it.
The only recommendation I would make is for the manufacturer to include wheels for better mobility. But this has not been a real issue.
Makita has been known for their well-made products, and this baby is no exception. It is as quiet as many have noted.
When I am finished using it, I usually open the valve in the lower tank and let the air out. I also let it run for a few minutes with it wide open to dispel the moisture that accumulates in the tank. This should forestall the tank from rusting out for quite some time.
If you are thinking of getting a hose, get a nice flexible hose (don't scrimp here). The stiff ones are a nightmare to handle, especially in colder weather. And unless you need all the gadget accessories that are advertised online, go to your local home improvement center, and get what you need where you can examine the pieces before purchasing.
excellent for what it is 2008-06-09
If you run a body shop with many orbital sanders to power, this is not your compressor. I don't. I rarely run more than 3 framing nailers at the same time, or one or two 3/8 or 1/2 impact tools, and this tool is perfect for those things. Within its limits, this is the best compressor I know of. It's quiet, powerful, and utterly dependable if you follow the simple directions.
Compact, Strong, Heavy design 
2008-06-03
Its been over a year now that I've owned this tool. Like many of the others at the time I purchased this tool, it came damaged in the box. The instrument panel had been dented in by the loose exhaust muffler in the box. Luckily none of my guages where broken so I decided not to hassle with returning the item. It has been working find for my ocassional use. I got it because it looked compact and well designed. This is true, it has a lot of stuff designed into a compact cube dimension. The tubes are beefy. The machines is fairly quiet comparatively for this size compressor, though it isn't something you'll want to be in a small room with without some ear protection. I like the fact that it has an easy to operate ball valve on the bottom to release pressure and drain moisture. Nothing has broken on this thing, but I worry about that whimpy looking ball valve breaking at some point. My only complaint is that the thing is super heavy and awkward to move. There is no way I would be able to move this thing if I was over 50 and not in tip-top shape. Buying more hose is one way to avoid moving it, but hose storage is an issue and hose reels are expensive. My next compressor, which hopefully won't be for at least 10-20 years, will probably have wheels or have the cost of hose reels factored in.
Nearly Perfect 
2008-05-31
I am a residential building and remodeling contractor of 25+ years. I recently needed to replace an Emglo HC77 compressor for one of my crews, as it would have required a pump/motor $250 assembly to repair. I researched and decided on the Makita. Ordered from Amazon and selected free super saver shipping, and it arrived in 3 days from FedEx. I read numerous complaints about packaging and shipping, but mine arrived totally intact, and I didn't see the problem with the air filter being shipped loose in the box. One reoccuring problem with the Emglo was the location of the air cleaner, which would routinely get broken off, and the Makita seemed as though it would suffer the same affliction. Solution: (2) 1/2" galvanized street 90's, a 1/2 galvanized union, and a 2 1/2" galvanized nipple. I constructed an assembly that relocated the air filter down and inside the steel housing, completely out of harms way, with the orientaion of the air cleaner reversed. To access the filter you need to take apart the union and remove the filter, but that only requires a pair of channel locks and about 5 seconds. My only other complaint was the oil container noted to add this oil to the compressor before operating. I added the whole amount, which seemed reasonable, and the level was way above the index marker on the window. So I had to drain oil out. Just a small annoyance. The compressor was as other reviews, quiet and quick to build pressure. The biggest problem with the Emglo was that it just wouldn't start when cold. Can't report on the Makita at this time, but if it starts easily when cold, and with the air cleaner modification, It will be 5 star.
Awesome 2008-05-18
Arrived almost immediately from Amazon, in perfect condition.
Filled with oil, ran it with the valve open for 20 minutes to break it in, and it works flawlessly.
I don't find it actually all that quiet; you still need to basically shout to carry on a conversation within about 25 feet of it. It also vibrates the entire floor when refilling.
I guess this should be obvious, but it comes with an air filter packaged separately. This needs to be installed before you can use it! The filter housing seems quite cheap and flimsy, but seems to be doing its job just fine.
Very happy with the purchase, and with Amazon's service. Would buy again.
good product 2008-07-02
After a few days of using this with a framing nailer, I am pleased with the performance. The low amp draw and quiet operation are the features that set it apart from similar units. It is heavy (as described), but strapping it to an innexpensive dolly helps to keep it portable.
Rock solid 2008-06-23
After ordering this compressor the wait was killing me, after it arrived I ran down to my local home center and bought a hose, I imediately plug it in and started shooting nails, this thing is everything the reviews spoke of, quiet,solid, and nice to look at, for just a do it yourselfer IM sure this machine is overkill but I will have it forever and the Amazon price with free shipping you would be out of your damn mind not to buy this one, it's the top of the line.............
Quiet????? 2008-06-21
Those that wrote on this website that this compressor was quiet must be really good sales people. We bought it for that reason because this had to be installed indoors inside a lab. It had a lower pitch than the pancake compressor we had initially installed this made it more tolerable, but was just as loud, 80db is not quiet.
So the reviewer that said this was quiet and it just hums and was easy to talk over and able to listen to a radio never had it indoors or is a sales person trying to make an extra buck. The compressor itself is good and does what it was supposed to do. We did follow the directions, and did the no load break in as per the operations manual. BUT QUIET NO WAY!!!!
Arrived in perfect condition - works great - very quiet 2008-06-20
After listening to others complain about receiving their compressors damaged, I was concerned. However, the problem seemed to be with UPS, not Fedex. So I ordered the compressor, next day delivery. The unit arrived today via Fedex and was in perfect condition.
The compressor is everything folks have said. Quiet, powerful and quality built. I can add nothing more nor praise it more highly than others before me. Absolutely 100% satisfied.
Can't go wrong ! 2008-06-17
If you need a compressor that will run up o 2 nail guns, do it quietly and not cost an arm and a leg, this is the one.
As a siding contractor I use my compressor everyday and I hate the roar of most compressors. This unit runs at 1750 RPM and is significantly quieter than my old Porter Cable and my Grip Rite oiless compressors.
So far so good with this unit and I'd recommend it to anyone that asks.
