TESTED: 60 dB Makita Quiet Air Compressor [MAC210Q]

[@TheStuppets]

Hey Sam, as a retired Safety Professional, I can tell you that if you put the compressor on a foam mat (like kneeling protector) you should find a substantial noise reduction. Also almost anything placed between you and the motor (sheet of plywood leaning above, will cut down noise transfer.

[@lindawilmarth3300]

Genius! Thank you!

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks for the info!

[@yabd792]

Thank you, I will buy a foam mat as soon I get mine. 👍

[@TheOneCoop]

Sam.... I have owned/used this exact air compressor for almost 2 years now. I love it! It handles every nailer I own...makes quick work of pool floats, helps super clean my push mower of the fine leaf dust and grass clippings. I love every feature it has (size, weight, easy connections, simple operation, tool pressure kill, cord wrap brackets and the noise volume). My workshop is small....only 10' x 14' here. I use this thing all the time in that enclosed space. As others have said....having some boards between the compressor and I helps cut the sound even more. Only recently I put the compressor on some 1" thick soft plastic-foam packing blocks because I was using it close to midnight to blow up some birthday balloons for my daughter's Birthday party (she turned 5) and I wanted to make sure I did not wake anyone. The foam made a bigger change than the boards did because I was also getting a lot of resonance from my plywood floor. You are gonna love having this compressor...especially when people walk in to talk to you while it's running. Excellent video as always.

[@Samcraftcom]

Awesome to hear! I'm glad it's a great compressor and honestly would never have thought of using it for balloons, cool! :)

[@wendyburston3132]

I'm a 65 year young woman and having no real use for a compressor.... But I'm fascinated with your ability to educate in an entertaining way. And you attract people in the comments who have great suggestions..... But now I'm worried.... Had no idea I was sitting on an engine!!! In a dental chair??? Another reason not to go....😬

[@mikeE0055]

After watching your video I went out and got this exact model. For my small shop it’s perfect. It really is very quiet and so much quieter than the one I was using. Thanks for the heads up and the review. You sold me!

[@pmartin6759]

Sam you did Makita proud with your so professional presentation👍👍👍👍👍

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks 👍 It wasn't paid or sponsored, just me having fun with video editing while talking tools. :)

[@maxinedurling3425]

I love how every one was saying about the foam board my thoughts were a rubber mat like a barn mat that we use for animals. I like the idea of a board lent over it to cut the noise down as well

[@OldCurmudgeon3DP]

Corners are the recommended spot for home stereo subs due to the effect on the sound projection. Probably applies to the sound level of the compressor too.

[@patshipp9195]

To make it quieter you could cut a square of foam board and put under it while in your work shop. 💖💖

[@tomowens2720]

Hi Sam, Before you buy that machine or can't return it check out California Air Tools. Awesome incredibly quiet compressors. I bought the California Air Tools CAT-4610AC Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 1.0 hp 4.6 gallon Aluminum Twin Tank .

[@homezero]

I have a small compressor in my small shop as well. The only issue I had was at one time I had a need for a grinder/cutter and thought, I'll get a pneumatic tool. Sorry to say it was a waste of money. It was an air HOG! didn't last more than a few seconds. I've often thought I could get a second tank to add to the capacity but haven't researched what would be needed to run a hose from one to the other and then another hose to a device.

[@OldCurmudgeon3DP]

Nice-looking device. I'm still rocking a Craftsman belt drive 240V (oil in the crank) that's at least 40yrs old. Quite a bit larger than yours though. Runs slow so the noise level is less intrusive than most modern portables.

[@guybowers9094]

Well, Sam, if nothing else, I hope Makita gets a chance to see this video. You did them solid with your presentation. Also, they may have tested the compressor outside, not sure if being in a closed shop will add to the sound level

[@zoltanberkes8559]

They must measured the noise level in a special noise metering room. In such a room there is no echo, reverb, vibration. They measures what and how emitted by the machine. The measurement usually happens from a 1m distance. Therefore, these machines are louder in the real world.

[@TrevorCurrent]

As others have said, a mat under it will probably make a difference in sound. Also you're in a pretty small space with hard walls so the sound is bouncing all around in there. If you set it on the floor on a mat and then put a piece of foam, carpet, or other sound absorbing material around the sides and back, I'm sure it would reduce the noise. It would be interesting if you set it outside and ran it. With no walls to reflect sound off of you'll probably see 60db. Maybe thats how Makita measured it 😉

[@feelingtardy]

yeah, probably measured outside, jobsite conditions rather than in a shop

[@steveferguson1232]

I’ve got a 1 gallon senco that I use for my air assist on my laser

[@awlthatwoodcrafts8911]

I had a Bostitch 6-gal compressor and like you, it always scared the bejeebers out of me when it kicked on. I got the Fortress 2-gal quiet compressor from HF and it's really been a pleasure to use. I use it almost exclusively at 90 psi whether it's for a nailer or just the blowing thingy. For the nailer, it does take a while before it kicks on. For the blowing thingy, it's about the same as you got, i.e. 3-4 seconds before it kicks on, but even then, it's usable air while it's recharging. I'm not trying to say that my choice was better than yours. You made a great purchase for your shop. These ultra quiet compressors and the bee's knees when it comes to small shops. I made a little cart for mine from some scrap OSB. I put in a drawer to hold all my nails and small fittings and I store all my nailers underneath. It's so much better than having to drag that old Bostitch (hey, lets keep it clean) around.

[@darleneclark6098]

Your videos keep getting more professional 😁👍

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks 😁

[@brendahogue5487]

Love your videos and enjoy watching them every time they come on. May the Lord bless and protect you and your family

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks so much, same to you!

[@steveferguson1232]

I have the husky 20 gallon quiet compressor in my shop and we can stand next to it running and carry on a normal talking conversation

[@heffe2001]

I ended up getting one of the Harbor Freight Fortress 2g compressors when I got my big 100w Co2, and I've measured it from 3' at right at 61db average. I've got it sitting on a concrete floor with a scrap of carpet under it. It's in a corner with the laser to one side, and the wall on the other, so all sound it maeks is focused towards were I was measuring it from. I'd definitely say the Makita is a MUCH better brand than the Fortress, but so far it's run for a year handling my air assist for my laser (it runs almost constantly while cutting/engraving though), and me using it as a blower, along with a large nail gun when we had to frame in a window that we removed (I'd get maybe 3-4 hits on the nailer before it'd cycle on, but I had the pressure set way too high, lol). The Fortress also has 2 attachment points, one on the front, one on the right side, so I can leave my air assist plugged in, and still attach a hose if necessary. If and when it dies, I'll definitely look at the Makita though, but I'd have to do something about the lack of a side attachment port...

[@heffe2001]

Looks like Mak has a slightly larger low-noise model, MAC320Q which has 2 outputs, plus is a 1.5hp, 3g tank. Might have to look at that one when the time comes to replace mine. Also, if you want really quiet and affordable but larger, look at the California Air Tools 8g (8010 model, 60db rated also), it comes in around the same price as the Makita.

[@norm5785]

Congratulations on your purchase. Thank you for sharing your new air compressor with us today. Stay warm, safe, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[@darleneclark6098]

Hey there from Henry county VA

[@MaxWattage]

Thanks, although sound pressure level is measured in dB at 1m. At any other distance your reading is invalid as SPL diminishes with distance according to the inverse square law.

[@georgewilmore7599]

Nice review my air compressor is loader than the makita . I guess the cheaper you go the loader the compressor.

[@randyhamilton3395]

Makita should be clear about how they test the sound level. Some "quiet" generators do show that they are tested outdoors at a distance of 23 feet, which is a reasonable real-life test. For a shop compressor, a testing standard of 6 feet indoors seems about right to me. I still would like to have this one. I would appreciate seeing side by side sound measurements with similar compressors advertised as quiet if you get a chance to do that. Nice review, Sam.

[@riley8704]

That monolouge earned my like. Funny stuff, dude.

[@hauboutno7691]

I've been looking at a couple of compressors, that all seem to be built on the same platform: Rolair JC10PLUS, this Makita, and the Fortress 2 gallon Quiet. If you look at the Rolair, which is essentially "top of the line", it does not have a closed in panel on the front, or that roll cage thing on the back. Try taking the front panel and the roll cage off your Makita and see if it makes it quieter. Also, I would try the compressor in the center of the room, in the ground. A foam pad under (a cheap neoprene foam yoga mat from walmart) the compressor will decouple it from the hard floor and help out as well.

[@bambambundy6]

It sounds pretty quiet to me. Maybe your sound gage is off. I've talked about building a small shed to put my compressor in. It's very loud but it will run a shop full of air tool all at once.

[@PitstainHobbies]

I had similar noise readings on my MAC210Q, if we already know most tool companies apparently always have their specs on the box a bit off it is likely they are testing to some self invented industry standard in an isolated environment with the sound meter a particular distance from the device, I don't doubt in a padded 400sq ft room with nothing else in it they somehow managed a 60db test result so they could slap it on the box. I have mine about 20 feet away sitting on a 2"thick slab of Styrofoam on the floor behind a cabinet and barely hear it at all while working with some music playing. Good review by the way, it's a very nice little compressor for the money.

[@debbiemorgan-thompson5369]

It’s certainly quieter than my Craftsman pancake compresses!

[@debbiemorgan-thompson5369]

I meant compressor!

[@HalfAssHomestead]

Sam, you really should place this centrally by the lasers. You never know when you are going to want to add some air assist for cutting stuff on them.

[@tryptamineodyssey]

Thanks for the review! Definitely gonna pick this up

[@RichardsWorld]

They probably have ways to fudge the numbers. If you use it outdoors on grass you might get 60dB while it is running.

[@lindawilmarth3300]

I have a California air ultra quiet and it’s still super loud. Wondering if this one would be less noisy

[@pointblankokc]

I've been eyeballing this same compressor. I've had an old Craftsman 30 gallon I bought new back in 2003. It's so loud it'll make you wanna not be anywhere near it. Sick of the noise so shopping around for one like this.

[@pascalvilair3196]

Merci Sam ! Bien apprécié ton vidéo !

[@johnsimeonidis7518]

Very thorough testing! Super helpful, thanks!!

[@AnonymousGameWarden]

The air didn't look that strong when you were blowing it at 90psi. Is it strong enough to blow clumps of grass off a mower deck/blade? Thanks loved your video!

[@EngineersHomestead]

Might check out the Kobalt 4.3 gallon quiet air compressor. Hard to judge but it sounds quieter than that Makita. I suspect Makita, harbor freight and kobalt all make a very similar 2 gallon compressor, probably all the same pump including in my 4.3 gallon model.

[@Wooster77]

I think the stated db rating is for outdoor measurement, so it’s prob around 60 outside.

[@monzased3068]

I would suggest to include pricing information in the videos in the future.

[@Samcraftcom]

With inflation, supply changes, and other factors that information would quickly be out of date. It's far easier to provide links.

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Thank you!

[@kenluning909]

Nice review Have A Blessed New Year.

[@thedeed23]

It needs a Samcraft sticker 👍

[@mikedixonphoto]

I almost peed myself when I went to fast forward, and I saw the section was called "Overly fancy video work." Ha Ha Ha Nice One!

[@justinbanks2380]

Most of the air compressors have an asterisk next to whatever they list as DB rating, if they even list one, and it usually gives the distance they did the testing, so maybe it list in the box or manual? Although the ones I've seen is usually 6-10 feet, with unfortunate as the further your use case is, the less likely you're even shopping for a quiet one in the first place, lol Great review though!

[@marykey5813]

I like Makita stuff

[@b.malnit8983]

Thank you Sam. Excellent review.

[@patriciamontague6035]

Hi from Colorado Springs 😀

[@justinbanks2380]

Loved the story with Sam test! 😂

[@Samcraftcom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@killerjms21]

Are you related to the guy from Time To Make Something youtube channel? you guys do the same think with your eyes.

[@JakeApperson]

Had it in my mind to pick up a smaller 1gal cheaper one at Home Depot but when I got there this one (which I actually wanted) was marked down to $149 so needless to say it went home with me. Great review and glad I got lucky on finding this one!

[@Samcraftcom]

Awesome score and great deal! I really like this one in my shop too.

[@arthurdeleniq]

can you test with a airbrush and put it at 20 psi ?? i'm searching a smal quiet and compact air compressor for airbrushing

[@JamesSmith-co1kt]

I have the harbor freight fortress version of this compressor and use it for my iwata airbrush. Works perfect. I had a dedicated airbrush compressor that I had to fight moisture problems every time I used it. Now I have zero issues.

[@arthurdeleniq]

@@JamesSmith-co1kt that is not what i asked ! How long it takes to empty the gallon how long it last until it kicks in ? That is what he tested on the video that is what i asked

[@TheWoodHaven]

Looks like a nice compressor and really not much more than my el cheapo, no frillo Bostich.

[@Samcraftcom]

This one replaced my 20+ year old Bostitch. ;) It was the crazy-loud one, but also served me well for many years!

[@levigodinez200]

Is it good for a spray gun?

[@sauletto1]

Hey brother , I came over here after reading your comment on Rex's channel . Just subscribed and am watching your videos now. Great job on your channel.

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks and welcome to the shop!

[@jameshubbard7965]

Hi Sam, I was wondering if you make custom small Lazer engraved data plate? I have a project I would like to put a data plate on. Thanks

[@Samcraftcom]

I made a batch of engraved black anodized aluminum tags with 3M adhesive on the back for a local business recently. Send me an email and I can show you what those looked like. [e-mail]

[@214rwoz]

Good review, thanks.

[@TheBiggerDavo]

I wonder how many people caught that holes reference

[@markbesserman7523]

Put ya 2 inch foam board around it and cut out for your air line, that’s what I am gonna do with mine

[@lawrenceessard4086]

Great info ,good job with video.😊😊😊

[@espressomatic]

Looks cool, but just too small for a shop compressor (you're going to get very frustrated using this with a blower). This is probably well suited to the masochist who wants a portable compressor for the job site (electric is better for 99% of tools). :) If you're just running a brad nailer or crown stapler and need the tools to be as small as possible, could be OK.

[@user-justbeingme]

It's 1000 times quieter than mine.

[@edb5537]

Like your music!

[@watcherofwatchers]

It's worth noting that a difference of 10 db from its rating means it's at least twice as loud as they're claiming. It's still fairly quiet compared to the vast majority of other compressors, but functionally false marketing claims are a serious problem, especially in the tool market space.

[@antong3987]

Measurements on that type of Chinese hand-held and the way Bro measured it, ruined the baseline. So your opinion is way-off base.

[@watcherofwatchers]

@@antong3987 Your attempts to be unnecessarily pedantic have failed miserably. Please move along.

[@CenterOfAllCities]

great video

[@75keg75]

9:46 that’s what she said!!

[@retf054ewte3]

sound is less than a drill

[@Moostery]

Dang. That thing is 10x louder than they say it is.

[@vickyrupe8999]

Awesome 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

Anything over $20 is a high dollar tool for me at the moment. I can see the usefulness, but not for me at this point.

[@Dnasty1]

All these compressor makers lie i thought makita would at least keep it real. Guess i'm sticking with the CAT compressor which is also slightly above but closer to 60 than the rest.

[@DonFarmer-hq5sw]

Nice quiet compressor ruined by loud thumping background music 😮

[@ricardonarvaez1628]

Turn off the compressor and you'll see will be even quieter 😅

[@kennethoblenesjr8493]

🎅🏻

[@pmartin6759]

👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kellycarroll6829]

🌟

[@brucejordan3339]

Hey Sam , please never blow yourself or your clothing off with compressed air as the compressor and it components are all steel and very fine particles of metal could be in that air also never blow air around any of your body openings. Other than that great to see you getting something just for Sam.

[@sauletto1]

Seriously ??? First off, He is a grown man and not a child. He clearly can make his own decisions on how he uses his air to blow off . Tens of millions of craftsman have been doing the same thing for as long as compressors have been around. We are aware of the functions of it. If you are concerned about it so much that you found it necessary to make that inappropriate " "I'm a Safety Police" comment, you should apply it to yourself and realize others can make their own choices without your "oversight" of them. Second , Do you have a "Safe Space" room ? Maybe he should not physically use power tools because of possible injuries . Or hand tools because he could slip and lose a hand... or work outside because an airplane engine might fall of and land on him. Nobody wants to hear from scared people afraid of every "might" or "could" thing in a trade when the guy is just making a good video on his channel to share.

[@acalciu]

Return the compressor. Too much noise. You can buy a "dental air compressor" which runs as quiet as a refrigerator. Think about it: your dentist uses 100% air tools running at 30,000 rpm. Have you ever heard the air compressor kick in? No. And it is housed under the dental chair; right under your butt. Look for a Jun-Air 6-15 or 6-25. It is super quiet and has a 6 gallon tank. It will serve all your needs. A second hand unit will cost more than a new Makita, but factor in the price of your hearing (or your kid's hearing) and you will see the bargain in a minute. I estimate you will have to spend about 400 bucks on a used one. New, these are much pricier (still worth it).

[@antong3987]

FYI. You still have environmental resonance issues with the last set up. Industrial acoustical measurements are usually done with precision equipment, in an anechoic chamber at fixed distances of 1 meter, with the test specimen on a solid surface. Plywood floor, near or against a wall ... or on that platform. All bad ideas when trying to be pratical in measurements. Plus, as you already saw, what is defined as ambient 'background' noise has an additive effect to over all measurements ( junk Chinese SpL meter notwithstanding...). A company truly committed to designing quiet equipment will 'map' the sound field around a product - or in other words - have the microphone measure the sound pressure level (SpL) at a wide array of angles or positions off-the-product under test... and then they take the average of all those microphone positions to smooth out the rating. Sound pressure ratings also entail a thing called A-weighting, which in simple terms, takes into account how the human ear dampens sound across the frequency spectrum. Chi-comm hand helds like the one you used have garbage weighting factors designed in. A meter like that is only really useful for measuring coarse magnitudes of SpL differences in industrial work and heavy machinery environments - not scientific validation or proving Specs! So in a nutshell. Your measurements are far from industry acceptable... making your conclusion borked!

[@patshipp9195]

💖💖🙏🙏👍👍

[@karencary3312]

It was noisy.

[@SpiritTracker7]

It's "relatively" quiet compared to other air compressors, but no, thinking you can run and do YT videos lol... that's just silly.

[@mergeform]

No more quality, this and everything else will fail within the year.

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Thanks for the review. I also like @TheStuppets suggestion; great idea. Subscribed!