What do I buy for small shop air compressor?

[adugas]

Hi
I been kicking around the idea of upgrading my small 2gallon Dewalt oil-free air compressor. I got it as a gift a few years ago but I think it's lived out its life. It runs well but lately it appears to running more frequetly trying to charge and noise driving me nuts.
I was looking at getting some thing alittle bigger but still potable enough to store in the garage or throw in a tool trailer to go for a job, oh and to run quiet!!!
Ive done alittle research but not much but kinda leaning toward Markita 2400. I'm open to anything and would love to hear your recommendation?

Cheers

 

[Throwback7r]

Rolair jc10

Senco 1010n

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/0/44664/rolair-jc10--1hp-oil-less-25-gallon-air-compressor-.aspx

 

[wintu]

i got makita mac 700 today its good relatively quiet and definitely better then my 10 year old cambell husfeld

 

[festooltim]

I have been looking at the Rolair VT25big. Not sure hale quiet it would be but I like the size the wheels and the cfm's. My shop compressor was stolen so I need to replace it. I have the JC10 I use for trim and it is super quiet but for nailing of a roof or floor it doesn't cut it. So I take my shop compressor when I need it which isn't very often. So most of time it sits in the shop. I have been thinking of just getting a cheapo from Harbor Freight because I can't put out to much money.
I had a porter cable twin tank it was a good compressor had no problem keeping up with a framing gun or even running a air chisel it did pretty good. Hard to find one that will put out almost 6 cfm's at 90 psi and run of 110 volts without being as big as a house.

 

[otis04]

I had a Rolair and loved the compressor.  It worked well for years with no complaints.  One day the motor shorted and I had to have a compressor on short order.  Bought a DeWalt and have never been happy with the machine.  Specific complaints are the layout (highly personal, I know), seems heavier, high starting amps, excessive vibration.  I would definitely go with the Rolair.
That said, I think most of the actual compressors are manufactured by the same company so it is mostly how they are packaged.

 

[abgoto]

...It runs well but lately it appears to running more frequetly trying to charge and noise driving me nuts.

If it is running more frequently, your compressor hose may have a small air leak.  Try tightening up the connectors on both ends of the hose.  I had the same issue with a Porter Cable compressor and tightening the connectors substantially reduced the frequency of the charging cycle.

 

[GregBradley]

I have Makita MAC2400, two MAC700, and a Senco PC1010. They each have their uses. I think if you want a compressor that can be carried but is mostly designed to sit in a shop, the MAC2400 is a great choice. The MAC700 is actually a bit quieter than the MAC2400 if you don't need the capacity of the larger unit, the dual outlets, or the more finished look and more enclosed roll cage construction.

 

[adugas]

I have Makita MAC2400, two MAC700, and a Senco PC1010. They each have their uses. I think if you want a compressor that can be carried but is mostly designed to sit in a shop, the MAC2400 is a great choice. The MAC700 is actually a bit quieter than the MAC2400 if you don't need the capacity of the larger unit, the dual outlets, or the more finished look and more enclosed roll cage construction.

Thanks Greg, what would be the downside or any problems you had worth either of the markita?

 

[RKA]

I have a MAC700.  Only issue early on was a rusted coupler which in turn sent debris into the regulator.  Makita wanted over $70 for the gauge and regulator assembly, so I ended up finding a stainless coupler and a cheap gauge/regulator assembly.  All good since then. 

My criticisms about it are it's heavy if you plan to move it around a lot.  And the cooling fins are easily damaged if you're not careful.  If you transport it, make sure you have a way to latch it upright.  It will tip over easily otherwise.  Otherwise, it's reasonably quiet and solid.  I wouldn't want the bigger brother unless it was dedicated to the shop.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I have had the 2400 for 5 years.  Never an issue, never changed the oil, rarely remember to drain the tank.

It is quiet, starts on every circuit,  keeps up with multiple guns. 

It is kind of heavy though.

 

[polarsea1]

I have a MAC700.  Only issue early on was a rusted coupler which in turn sent debris into the regulator.  Makita wanted over $70 for the gauge and regulator assembly, so I ended up finding a stainless coupler and a cheap gauge/regulator assembly.  All good since then. 

My criticisms about it are it's heavy if you plan to move it around a lot.  And the cooling fins are easily damaged if you're not careful.  If you transport it, make sure you have a way to latch it upright.  It will tip over easily otherwise.  Otherwise, it's reasonably quiet and solid.  I wouldn't want the bigger brother unless it was dedicated to the shop.

+1 on the weight, for what it is this thing is heavy. I have a shop air compressor and if I'd put some thought into it I would have bought something more portable. It is quiet.

 

[GregBradley]

I have had zero issues with mine. The first MAC700 works perfectly after 10 years. I agree with poster about it not being stable in a truck due to the narrow, tall size. That does make it easy to carry. The MAC2400 is much lower & wider so bangs into your legs when carrying with one hand by the top handle. Its easy to wheel around on a truck but would not be pleasant hauling up stairs or around in dirt at a job site.

I went with the MAC2400 to use as my home shop compressor where it won't get carried around much. The dashboard setup and the dual connections really make it a nicer unit except for weight.

 

[mlfaber]

I have had the MAC 2400 for the past 5 or 6 years and love it.  Never an issue, and does everything I need it for being shop based.  The only down side is it weighs around 75 lbs.  I made a small rolling base for it and the weight is no longer an issue.  I originally bought the 700 but quickly returned it for the 2400.

 

[adugas]

Update, finally pulled the trigger and got the MAC2400 compressor!! I got it last weekend and even found it on sale. Also took the time once I got it home to knock together a small cart to give it a new home and used my Domino. Still need to add a drawer and some trim that next weekend project.
Just thought id share
Cheers

 

[RKA]

Good stuff!  Real solid compressor that should serve you well for many years to come.  I like your hose reel...need to get me one of those as soon as I find a better dust collection strategy! 

 

[wow]

Nice!

Bonus points for the Flexzilla hose. They're all I use now.

 

[adugas]

Nice!

Bonus points for the Flexzilla hose. They're all I use now.

You cant have a new compressor without a new hose can ya? [eek] I had to get one , just didn't feel right using the old one on new compressor [cool]