Buy Hitachi KM12VC 11 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch ColletsHitachi KM12VC 11 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets Product Description:
- Plunge and fixed base router kit with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets
- 2-1/4-horsepower, 11 amps; variable speed (8,000 to 24,000 rpm)
- Nickel-plated motor housing for smooth depth adjustments
- Includes plunge and fixed base router; 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch collet chucks, template guide adaptor, centering gauge, sub-base plate, 3 wrenches
- 5-year warranty
- 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch collet chucks
- Comes with a 5-year limited warranty
- Features 2-1/4-horsepower, 11-Amps and variable speeds (8,000 to 24,000-RPM)
- Plunge and fixed base router kit
Product Description
Hitachi KM12VC 11-Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
76 of 79 people found the following review helpful.
Impressive quality right out of the case
By E. Rowell
The first thing that I noticed about this router is how solid it is. The motor is surprisingly hefty for its size. I love the ease at which I can switch from the fixed base to the plunge base. The soft start is smooth and yet powerful. One of the things that made me decide on this Hitachi was the fact that I was constantly seeing it being used in the background of woodworking magazine article photos as well as on the covers and in advertisements for different products related to routers. The base locks are a breeze to use, they hold tight and are easily adjustable. I would have been satistied had I paid even more for it regardless of the free palm sander which is also a fine piece of equipment. It is true that it takes two wrenches to loosen the Collette but that is a give and take situation. Locking colletes are convenient but all that extra engineering in the motor housing just isn't necessary and I feel that it would tend to detract from the solid feel and quality of the motor. The router maintains it's RPM under a considerable load. I love this machine and would highly recommend it!
81 of 86 people found the following review helpful.Dare I say it? Yes, I dare: Better Than Porter Cable
By D. R. Locker
I played around with a bunch of routers and router combo packs before settling on this one. I played with the Bosch, Porter Cable, Dewalt, Milwalkee, and Makita, but none of them felt so solid in my hand or ergonically precise as the Hitachi.Getting it out and using it (a lot already) has only confirmed my decision. This is my first router to own, but I have used and fidgeted with a number of them. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.I really like the smooth feel of the locks on these, and the precision with which you can set them. The depth stop on the plunge base has a great design and the spring is firm enough to force you to make a smooth entry, rather than the motor 'falling' into the workpiece.The motor is a work of art. It is so smooth and quiet compared to many routers. As sound is a product of vibration, I tend to think that a router that is quiet and powerful at the same time is going to be more precise and smooth than a loud and powerful one. It's true that you have to use 2 wrenches to loosen the collet, but I feel more confident in its durability than a locking collet (as noted by another reviewer).I really think this the best 2 1/4 HP router combo on the market. Yes, even better than the old vanguards like Porter Cable and Bosch. It doesn't hurt that it is also a bit cheaper than most.Now if Hitachi would make a D-handle and include the edge guide in the package, then it truly would be the perfect router. But even without those, I still highly recommend this router, whether you buy it with the combo or just the fixed base.
71 of 75 people found the following review helpful.
Not so hot
By Crusty Woodworker
Hitachi KM12VC Router plunge and fixed base.I purchased this router kit with high hopes. When I received the package i was very pleased with all of the accessories that were supplied, especially the set of guide bushings. Initially I was impressed with the power of the motor, and with how quiet it was even under load. I am still impressed by these features, even though things go downhill from there.Plunge base. The plunge base was so stiff out of the box that I had to work on it for hours to get it to work properly. I finally got it to what would be called "acceptable" but I ruined a couple of chair leg mortises before I worked out the bugs. This was with a jig I have used for years with zero issues.Collets. I have had several issues with both the 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets supplied. While routing a deep mortise with the above mentioned jig (1/2 inch carbide spiral bit) the bit came loose and spoiled the workpiece. This after I tightened it to what should have been an acceptable level with the supplied wrenches. I re-torqued the bit with even more force and now both collets stick in the spindle. The only way to remove them is with a punch and hammer. This is very frustrating. I have polished the spindle bore, and done everything I can think of to remedy the sticking collets, but nothing has worked yet.All-in-all this has been a disappointing purchase. I only paid $134.00 from Amazon with free shipping, so I probably got what I paid for. I just keep reading about how other woodworkers love this combo. I am a machinist by trade, and have over 30 years of woodworking experience so I don't feel it is "operator error". I'm thinking I just got a dud.I did read where some are having difficulty finding an edge guide to fit. I have a Porter-Cable edge guide 42690 that fits mine perfectly. It is available on Amazon and is a nice edge guide.Anyway, I have had good luck in the past with Hitachi products and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. As stated earlier, I just think this was a lemon.
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