Rolair jc 10 ...off to rough start

[Guilliaume woodworks]

Purchased the rolair jc 10 about a month ago. At first appearance I was really pleased, looks very well built. It's also incredibly quiet and recovery time is amazing. But...... Out of the box the drain valve wouldn't seal. No big deal, I purchased new one and popped it in. Up in running again.  Second day on the job it starts leaking slowly from regulator valve housing, further inspection discover crack. Trip to hardware store and $30 lighter, returned to job and installed new reg. valve assembly . Up in running again.  Third day on job ,I connect air hose and quick connect fitting leaking like hell.further inspection find a rubber washer in fitting had come unseated.after wasting 20 minutes trying to reseat rubber ring, I went back to hardware store for a $3 hose connector .installed it and up and running again.    So it's been a few days and it seems to be fine. I read tons of reviews  before I bought it, all were good. I've had same parts go out on many other compressors over the years, just not when they were brand new. However I feel confident that the worst is over and should have good luck from here on out. I really like this compressor and want it to work out. I'm very gentle on my tools,never abuse them,and I'm using 18 & 23ga guns only. This week it's going to get plenty of use ,so  I will give another update. Anyone else have similar experience ?

 

[peter halle]

I can't give you an experience but would suggest that you contact the dealer and the manufacturer and let them know about your experiences and also the expenses you have had to expend to keep this tool from being a warranty issue.

They need to know.

Peter

 

[ridgenj]

Probably you got a Monday morning production and as Peter said, contact your dealer or RolAir directly.
I have no issues with mine and I use it also for all my nailers.

Cheers
Luis

 

[Corwin]

I can't give you an experience but would suggest that you contact the dealer and the manufacturer and let them know about your experiences and also the expenses you have had to expend to keep this tool from being a warranty issue.

They need to know.

Peter

+1

 

[mastercabman]

I would contact ROLAIR.I had an issue when I first got mine.
Blew an intake valve.
Try to replace it and still did not run the way it was supposed to.
Talked to ROLAIR and after taking it to a service place they sent a new unit and have not had any problems since.

 

[Guilliaume woodworks]

Yes I should talk to someone at rolair, but it sounds like a hassle that could eat up some valuable time. I'm completely swamped with projects right now. And don't see the point in bothering dealer ( tool nut....who is awesome btw). If it was a major repair I would make time to address matter with rolair. I'm sure it would be covered under warranty, but again ,who has time for lengthy calls/emails, return shipping,and all that? For me,if I don't have good tools and have to stop job for repair/replacement, I'm losing money. I'm hopeful  it was a fluke because everything else about the jc 10 is perfect , small, quiet, recovery time is amazing. I bought jc 10 to replace the need to carry 2 compressors on truck. I had the mini senco for really small jobs and had larger twin tank Campbell hausefield (which is still running strong after 12 years) for larger projects.

 

[Rob Z]

Our JC 10 had the same issue with the drain plug, so I replaced it.

A month ago, it developed a problem that was serious.  While running, the motor was laboring like if it had been plugged into a really long extension cord, i.e. not enough voltage  The motor quickly overheated and never could build up air pressure in the tank. 

I took it to a local authorized warranty service shop but they couldn't fix it.  I now have it at another tool repair shop and will just pay to have it fixed rather than send it back to Wisconsin at my expense.

 

[Peter James]

Yes I should talk to someone at rolair, but it sounds like a hassle that could eat up some valuable time. I'm completely swamped with projects right now. And don't see the point in bothering dealer ( tool nut....who is awesome btw). If it was a major repair I would make time to address matter with rolair. I'm sure it would be covered under warranty, but again ,who has time for lengthy calls/emails, return shipping,and all that? For me,if I don't have good tools and have to stop job for repair/replacement, I'm losing money. I'm hopeful  it was a fluke because everything else about the jc 10 is perfect , small, quiet, recovery time is amazing. I bought jc 10 to replace the need to carry 2 compressors on truck. I had the mini senco for really small jobs and had larger twin tank Campbell hausefield (which is still running strong after 12 years) for larger projects.

WHOA.......PLEASE shoot me an email (peter@toolnut.com) or pm with order details - the rest is in my hands here. No way should this have happened....I wish you had reached out to us first - we'll do the legwork from there. Don't like reading stuff like this on a Monday.

 

[ridgenj]

Peter will provide you with the best service. They stand firm for their RolAir
products. You won't waste your time.

Cheers
Luis

 

[Guilliaume woodworks]

Peter , I just sent you serial number you requested. I've got to admit I was a little shocked that you guys responded so quickly and definitely impressed at the level of customer service. I had an issue sending email to you (on my end), so if you do not get it please let me know. Thanks again & knowing that you guys care makes me feel a little less frustrated.  [big grin].  David

 

[lhhomes]

I also had issues with my JC 10. Ran great the first week or so until it started a slow leak from the regulated air gauge. After a quick stop at Ace Hardware, I had a new valve with a 45 deg coupler to angle the gauge to a viewable position... something that should have been done during R&D. A few weeks later, another leak appeared at a brass part (don't know what its called) that allows air to bypass or something. I never had it fixed, but noticed that it allows air to continue to leak when its cold. I have to fiddle with it so that the valve stops bypassing air. Once running for a bit, the issue doesn't persist, until the next morning. Has not been an issue now that its hot over here.
I'm with GW, it seems easier to just fix the problem and get back to work, then to take the time to return the item or send it in to get it fixed. I usually do my homework looking for the best tool I can afford, because I cant afford the time it takes to fix or replace whats suppose to work correctly. Rolair makes a good product and has great value at it's competitive price, just wish I didn't have to fix it like my other green tools!

 

[ccmviking]

    My jc10 also had a cracked regulator and a rattling air filter housing.  Sean stated in a FOG posting that you guys were going to carry repair parts, but when I tried to buy them from you I was told you didn't and sent to a generic parts website that didn't have any Rolair parts.  Needless to say I also had to get the regulator replacement at Home Depot and it's worked fine since.  It's still a good value and has been running well.

 

[Rolair Compressors]

David,
Sorry for the slight delay in responding, I was just made aware of your issues about an hour ago.  Let me first say sorry for the issues and inconveniences you have dealt with.  I also want to say thank you for your patience and understanding.  Peter (at Tool Nut) has relayed to us your conversations and it’s clear you are a stand up guy.. in this day and age, your level-headed approach is most definitely appreciated.

I know you declined our offer to send a new unit, but we are at least going to insist on sending you out a care package of routine maintenance parts (set of 4 rubber feet, replacement air filter, newer-style ball valve drain cock that will be in production later this summer, check valve, and a Rolair shirt for good measure).  That will all be shipping via UPS today.

If you have ANY other issues, please call our customer service line directly at 800-310-3573. I know you mentioned not wanting to deal with a lengthy warranty process, but I can tell you that’s not how we operate.  We are very old-fashioned when it comes to customer service, and you will actually talk to a real person at our factory, who is very knowledgeable (the average length of service time is over 18 years), and fully authorized to make sure the customer is taken care of.  You will not get the run-around.

Please, for anyone else who has a question or concern, reach out and give us a call.  It’s the quickest way to take care of your needs. (Rob Z – sounds like you have a pending issue, if you give us a call we’d love to look into it and perhaps call the service center to see if we can expedite the process.)

Thanks again for the feedback.  We’re here if you need us.

Mike Kelley
Vice President
ROLAIR Air Compressors
mikek@rolair.com

 

[Rolair Compressors]

lhhomes,
Wanted to send you a quick note too.  Sounds like the valve you are referring to is the 'cold start valve' which is actually designed to open (release air) when the compressor starts, and especially in cold weather.  The valve should then close up on it's own after about 10-20 seconds of runtime and/or when the tank pressure reaches 15-20 PSI.  In warmer weather it will not stay open for as long, or perhaps at all.. which may be why you aren't experiencing this anymore now that "summer" is here. (I use air quotes because we are in Wisconsin, nothing close to resembling summer has showed up yet!)

Also of note, if the tank drain is open even slightly, or if the regulator is not closed, it will cause the cold start valve to stay open longer or in some cases prevent it from closing altogether as the tanks never build up enough pressure.

But regardless, if this valve gives you any more trouble, just give us a call.  That's an important valve because it allows the motor to start easier in cold weather, and enhances the life hours of your compressor.  It's definitely a good idea to make sure it's working properly.

Thanks again for your purchase, and remember we're here if you need us.

Mike Kelley
Vice President
ROLAIR Air Compressors
mikek@rolair.com

 

[ridgenj]

Mike Kelley,

I wish my RolAir will break in order to be able to get your "silk customer care" package. Promised already not to break it.....

Peter provides very personalize services too.

Two good companies to deal with.

Seth, probably it would be a good idea to have a list of this kind of companies like the one with "aftermarket". This will make a lot of people happier.

Cheers
Luis

 

[Tinker]

Sometime during the past winter, I had that safety valve stick open.  There is a little backflow button in the center of it that lets the air out.  Most of the time, i just put my finger over it and block air flow and it seals up instantly.  That time, I think it was colder than usual.  I had started the compressor to build pressure while i hooked up my sno plow.  When i went back to it, the valve still had not sealed.  Just a zzzt with good old WD-40 and a minute later, I had full pressure and checked my tire pressures.  What a difference from my old Craftsman compressors.  With them, when i heard air hissing, something had usually come apart. This JC 10 is the best compressor i have ever had of any brand. 
Tinker

 

[Kevin Johnson]

I bought a JC-10 earlier this year. Every time I read about the great customer service from Rolair it makes me happier with my purchase.  It is great compressor too.  Much quieter and easier to start than my old Emglo.

 

[Rolair Compressors]

Luis,
Cheers to you as well! Thanks for the kind words.  How about we compromise on the customer care package... if you agree not to purposely break your compressor, I’ll agree to send you a free Rolair shirt.. deal?   Just shoot me your address when you get a chance - we want our gear worn by people who love good tools.  This seems like a fit to me.

Also, Kevin and Tinker.. thank you for your kind words, and I’m glad you love your JC10.  We try our best, but admittedly we aren’t perfect.  Your positive feedback is definitely appreciated, and I’d love to send you both some Rolair stuff to go with your nice looking compressor. Shoot me your address when you can.

With that, I should just mention that the moderators on this board are really good and they reached out when we first joined to make sure we used it properly (i.e. not for promotion).  So I want to be careful and respectful of their wishes.  So let me just finish with this..

We are aware this board is filled with a lot people who have used Rolair for years.  Thank you.  We’re extremely grateful for the many kind words that have been shared here.  If you have a story to pass along, please do so to my email below. I love to hear them.  And hey, if some Rolair stuff happens to show up in the mail a few days later.. maybe it was just coincidence.

Thanks again,

Mike Kelley
mikek@rolair.com

 

[ridgenj]

Mike, done deal and many thanks!

 

[Kevin D.]

Not saying this for a T-Shirt, but when I went to buy mine a month ago or so here in Canada, I had a few concerns on this side of the border that I wanted clarified before pulling the trigger as they are not widely available up here, and a well respected woodworking fellow on a Canadian forum having a few issues with his retailer in his more remote location in Saskatchewan in getting proper info on Rolair product. 

While I had to leave a message for a callback, I received that callback within an hour, and spoke at length with the Rolair rep on the phone who answered all my concerns as well as made me feel like they seem like one of those firms that we don't see very often any longer with an emphasis on customer service and being proactive and not reactive like so many other tool manufacturers are nowadays.

The rep had even gone thru the trouble of giving the names and extension telephone numbers of the appropriate parties to pass on to the other forumite on the other forum to get better information on their product direct from them.  Now that's exempliary imo, and I had no problem doing so.

http://forum.canadianwoodworking.com/showthread.php?47893-Finally-had-it-with-the-banging&p=468761#post468761