This video would not have been possible without the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council’s Access and Career Development Grant and the work of Ron Langton.
Review: Best tool money I've spent in a long time - by dddddmorgan @ LumberJocks.com ~ woodworking community
I’ve had several Porter Cable pancake compressors, mostly a special included with a nail gun purchase from the big box store. Like everyone else this has produced a love/hate relationship. Love the light weight and portability but hate the racket.
Since we purchased the house were in I’ve been working on setting up shop in the garage and I was thrilled when my boss let me buy a big Porter Cable air compressor that we weren’t using at work. I thought to myself “This will be better” yeah right…
I get in trouble with the wife because I will be working in the garage and forget to turn the compressor off and when it fills up at 1:00 in the morning you can hear it throughout the whole house.
I’ve been putting up with these issues for three years until now. Stopped in to a local supply for some sandpaper, I’m build an altar and prayer rail for a local church (side work). My little PC pancake is so annoying that I bought another 100’ hose to put the thing outside. Talking with my salesman about my problems he steered me to this beautiful little Rolair.
2. If I forget to turn it off nobody knows. When I hauled it into the chapel the Vicar gave me a dirty look until I turned it on, then he gave me his most angelic smile.
2. Induction motor, powerful enough to top off the tank in seconds (also the reason for all the quiet it makes).
Bought one a couple of years ago. It is a great little compressor. I too bought it for the noise level.
Like you, I have a Porter Cable pancake compressor from HD, and it sounds like a lawn mower when I turn it on. I see Ace Tool is selling the Rolair JC10 for $239. They have a demo video on their website, and the quietness is amazing. Thanks for the review. I think I’ll be following up on this.
Not to be a buzz kill, but the JC10 is “NOT” made in America… However, it is tested in the US before it ever hits a store.
Rolair also uses the term “Assembled In the USA” as they do use parts from over seas (Honda Motors on certain models).
With that said, they are still a incredible Wisconsin based Company who ONLY builds compressors, and they Kick Butt! Their inspection process ensures even the over seas products work like they should before we ever receive it.
Seems like a pretty straight-up company, but indeed their smaller pancake compressors are made overseas (and then inspected at their plant in Wisconsin). Their statement above is worth a read in my opinion.
Overall they are as good a quality as you can get for the money, and in my opinion the best bang for the buck in this size.
I decided to keep my big “rattler” for the occasional task, that is until I can afford a bigger Rolair.
I have the VT20TB and love it. 1700 rpms instead of 3500. Big piston. Plenty of air and I can work in the shop while it is running. I used to move the pancake out for everything. It was too noisy even with ear protection. Rolair is expensive but worth it.
When my PC pancake dies I’ll be getting one of these or a Senco. Problem is I don’t think the PC is gonna die any time too soon.
Thanks for the review. I’ve been looking for a new air compressor for a while now, but haven’t decided on which one yet. Noise level is my main concern as I want to work in the evenings in my garage. The Rolair is definitely one to add to my shortlist. I had a quick look on their website and see that they rate it at 60 db! Very impressive. I’ve looked at quite a few air compressors online and the CAT 6310 is the only other air compressor that can match that db rating. The CAT is a bit cheaper, but not sure if the quality will match the Rolair.
Almost bought one of these, but went with the Senco instead. The Senco is oiled, which I believe will last longer, but it’s a noisy beast. Kind of wish I went with the quieter Rolair.
Well for what it’s worth my experience is that the oil lubricated motors won’t last any longer than a quality induction motor. My big thing is I don’t have to worry about spilling oil if I take the compressor inside. Most of the side work I do is in very nice homes that I couldn’t afford to replace carpet or marble and such. But you could be right, the oil lubed might last longer, I have no empirical evidence, just the limited use I’ve had. Quite honestly I don’t think I’ll use it enough to ever wear it out.
Bob, check out the other compressors in the Rolair line that are bigger. They are rated at a whopping 70 db! Still quieter than my old PC pancake.
My brother-in-law steered me to this compressor and it is well worth the money. Quiet, clean, easy to handle and move about the shop. I love it! Would highly recommend to a friend. Made in the good ole USA too!!