Thread: Maxus EX8017 X-Lite air compressor

hi,

400 Aus dollars is not much, that would be 180 Euros. The maximum achievable pressure would be 135 psi (= approx. 9 bar), but the pump may struggle for some time to reach that, especially when it has run for more than 100 hours or so and the first leakages of tiny cylinder wall scratches start to manifest themselves. The motor draws about 900 Watts, and again there is this marketing lie that dares to equal power consumption to raw horsepower. The truth will be more like 0,5 to 0,7 hp (400 to 500 Watts output).
The compressor is said to displace 2.5 cfm of air at 40 psi pressure and 1.9 cfm at 90 psi, which is an honest way of presenting such figures. Aluminium tanks were once a choice that was frowned upon, but the structural strength and welding seem quality of aluminium is so good nowadays (bear in mind the modern rugged choices in alu frames for cars, motorbikes and mountain- and BMX- bikes and also several decades of aircraft and boat technology), that this is no longer an issue. These tanks being rustproof is indeed an advantage, it takes acid or caustics laden air to seriously corrode aluminium in compressor tanks.

Some craftsmen seem to be taken in by this machine:

http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1496&articleID=704486

But for myself i would have a slight objection against oilless pistons and cylinders, since the alternative lubircation this system relies on is based on solid materials, which do not show ideal flexibility. Oil adapt itself to any shape as the liquid it is, it forms a thin film that lubricates but also seals. It even washes or dissolves dirt from the cylinder wall, with the piston and its rings acting as a squeegie. In oilless compressors, the material in question is often based on Teflon, which can wear and is far less able to seal of tiny scratches caused by dirt in the system. This dirt has a chance to enter the cylinder when the intake filter is poorly maintained and soiled or leaky. I found an excerpt in an article to underline what i mean:

"There are distinct differences between "oil free", "oil less" and oil lubricated compressed air with filtration. Often, the terms "oil free and "oil less" are used interchangeably because they both refer to compressors with no oil in the compression chamber. More specifically, "oil less" compressors have no oil anywhere in the running gear, crankcase or compression end. Typically "oil-less" compressors refer to reciprocating (piston style) units whereby the crank bearing and bushings are sealed and permanently lubricated, as are the wrist pin bearings. The valves consist of aluminum alloys and stainless steel for enhanced life. Lubrication is achieved by Teflon (or similar material) composite rider and compression rings which expand as they wear. The advantage of oil less reciprocating technology is that this type of compressor is relatively efficient and produces totally oil free air. Additionally they are typically economical to purchase. Familiar manufacturers for this type of compressor include Quincy (QRD series) and Powerex (OT series). The size ranges from ½ HP to 30 HP. They are popular with laboratory, medical and pharmaceutical applications. The biggest drawbacks of the oil less reciprocating compressors are the higher maintenance requirements, vibration and noise issues".

This excerpt was taken from this site:

http://www.airenergy.com/m/_general/reports_body.asp?riIDReport=5

So, if proper care is taken of this machine and reasonable exceptations are demanded from it, then this EX 8017 compressor is worthwhile for the money you mentioned.

regards

gerhard

thanks for your detailed response gerhard.

after reading that article it emphasizes the better range in the states.

Still in the article they referred to them as being more for finish and trim, and the occasional framing nailer shots. I think I need something that is up for more than "occasional". Can anyone suggest a minimum size?? I will only ever be running one gun, but for something like nailing off chipboard flooring, I want my compressor to keep up.

Any other compact lightweight models avail locally anyone has experience with?

I have the maxus you asked about. I only do fixing (only occasional framing) and only 1 gun.
I wouldn't get it if I was doing a lot of framing. (note I've only had it for a cpl months).
Main reason I got it was for light weight (back probs.)
Haven't had any problems, so far, but I'll let you know in 4 or 5 years.
cheers
TM

UPDATE - Picked up one today.

First impressions, its light!

Its fairly quiet for a direct drive, still not belt drive quietness.

The 5yr limited warranty is very LIMITED and after reading the exclusions, I'm not sure what it covers, if anything, so don't let that influence your purchase decision.

The manual doesn't give me much confidence. "Oilless compressors are designed for a variety of home tasks. These compressors can power small pneumatic tools, but work ideally for brad nailers, finishing nailers and staplers." But the box advertises them as running 2 finish nailers or 1 framing nailer continuously. Will see.

Haven't had a chance to use it yet. My hose fittings don't fit, so I'll have to get some tomorrow.

Well this post is a few years old, so you fellows that bought the machine. What are your comments now ?
les

Mine is still going strong....but I would stand by my previous comments.
I don't use it to run a framing gun (occassional), and use it regularly to run 1, only, fixing gun.
It has never missed a beat.
I even did a bit of spraying with it once....it did the job, but I had to wait, regularly for the pressure to pick up....definitely not recommended.
Overall, within the above specs, it's a good machine.
(I would use it at least 3 days a week, sometimes all day). (I also have cordless framer and fixing guns, so it's not my only option.)
HTH
TM

I have the MAX POWERLITE compressor which is lightweight and oilless and will run up to 2 framing guns.
After reading Gerhard's post I'm hoping it is a very high quality oilless compressor as it runs at 400PSI and cost me about $4000.00.
I was told by the sales rep for MAX that it should only need servicing after 2000 hours.
It doesn't get really heavy use but I do hope it lasts the distance.

For any one interested in these compressors here's the link to the European website.
They have just released a new model that is lighter,a bit quieter and will go up to 500 PSI

MAX Co.,Ltd. /

The maxus is OK. I use it with all my guns, including the framer and coil gun.

I like that its so small and light, but there are definitely compromises.

The good:

-The air supply is constant, better than a cheap nasty compressor
-There is plenty of pressure and its easy to adjust
-It seems to run fairly cool, even when running it for a while doesn't really heat up
-Quiet for direct drive

But

The tanks are small you can only fire a few framing nails before it starts up.

The main thing I was disappointed with was the size of the pump, it takes ages to pump up, and there isn't enough air to use the blow gun continuously.

For the size/weight is great. Very handy. I most of the time I prefer to get it out than f**k around with my gas guns