Hitachi KM12VC 11 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets

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Hitachi KM12VC 11 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets

REVIEW:

The KM12VC delivers smooth results with power and precision.

Plunge and fixed base attachments detach with a simple release clamp facilitating quick tool-free changes.

Hitachi's KM12VC: an Ideal Router for Woodworkers and Carpenters

This 1/2-inch router kit from Hitachi is built to handle all the precise groove cutting, chamfering, trimming, shaping and pattern cutting that a detail-oriented professional requires. Tough, powerful, and ready to work, the KM12VC comes with both plunge and fixed base attachments. These bases attach easily to the motor and detach with a simple release clamp for quick, tool-free changes that keep workflow interruptions to a minimum.

Ergonomically placed handles and easy-to-use depth dial ensure control and accuracy.
The 11 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower motor routs clean lines through all types of wood with control and precision. This powerful motor has the lowest noise level in its class (only 80 dB), and less noise means less vibration -- not to mention a more pleasant working environment.

The KM12VC also features a steady, secure electronic speed control to maintain constant RPM even as the workload varies, and a durable nickel-plating to help guarantee smooth cutting depth adjustment and a permanent resistance to scratches and stains. Packed with high-end convenience features and presented in a sleek, aggressively ergonomic design, this set offers modern style and advanced technology in one exceptional kit.

Key Technical Specs:

Motor: 2-1/4 (peak) horsepower, nickel-plated
Motor clamp: 2-stage lever
Bases: fixed and plunge
Amps: 11
No-load noise level: 79.5 dB
Max Collet Capacity: 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch
No-load Speed: 8000 - 24,000
Plunge Stroke: 2.6 inches

What's in the Box
Hitachi?s KM12VC comes complete with motor, fixed base, plunge base, 1/2 and 1/4-inch collet chucks, 10mm, 16mm and 23mm wrench wrenches, a 4mm hex bar wrench, seven template guides, template guide adapter, lock nut, centering gauge, sub base plate, 10 hex socket bolts, and a carrying case.

Warranty
Hitachi warrants this kit to be free from defect in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the original purchase date. (Warranty extends to original purchaser.)

Hitachi Power Tools
In 1994, Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. was renamed Hitachi Koki U.S.A. to denote the addition of manufacturing to the United States. Hitachi Koki U.S.A. carries an extensive line of professional grade tools and accessories for residential construction, commercial construction, tradesman and do-it-yourselfers. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with satellite offices in Valencia CA and Toronto ONT, Hitachi Koki U.S.A. supplies nearly 4000 retail locations, both independent and home center, and supports over 1000 authorized service centers. Many Hitachi tools are designed and offered for use only in North America. With dozens of new models already in development, Hitachi Koki U.S.A. enters the 21st century continuing to offer the highest level of professional power tools available.

BULLETS: 1. Plunge and fixed base router kit with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets 2. 2-1/4-horsepower, 11 amps; variable speed (8,000 to 24,000 rpm) 3. Nickel-plated motor housing for smooth depth adjustments 4. Includes motor, bases, collets, 4 wrenches, 7 template guides and adapter, centering gauge, sub base plate, 10 hex socket bolts, lock nut, case 5. Fixed base weighs 7.3 pounds; plunge base weighs 9.9 pounds; kit weighs 22.8 pounds shipped; 5-year limited manufacturer's warranty

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Hitachi KM12VC 11 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets Reviews

Good product with great price - loe having fixed and plunge base - case is a real nice surprise

This is where you will need to use the variable speed, you will need to set it at about half speed before making a cut on the panel, you will also have to adjust the depth of cut 2 to 3 times before making the final cut as you would also have to do with with a 3hp router. I purchased this router mainly for use on my router table with the fixed base but having the option of using it as a plunge router is a plus. If so I will be very very satisfied. After reading review's and checking out this router at a local store, I deceided to purchase it online for a lot less. I have only been using this router for a little over 3 months, but recently I have put it to pretty good test making new raised panel doors for our kitchen cabinet's and so far I am very satisfied with It's performance. So in my opinion this router look's, feel's and perform's like a quality router so the question is will it last in the long run. Some people say you need a 3hp router for cutting the raised panels but this 2 1/4 hp done the job just fine.

Oh, I bought a Bosch 5/8" straight bit and it was a good choice for dado cuts. I'll now check the directions to see if that helps. I did notice that the plunge base dispersed the dust in a very haphazard fashionnot sure if I didn't align the motor correctly or what, but I blew out the dust using an air compressor. Consequently, I did not bother to read the inadequate directions on assembling and using the plunge router. After reading other reviewers notes and before purchasing, I decided to go to a local hardware store and experiment and examine several brands of routers with fixed and plunge bases to understand how they work. I have finished two woodworking projects using the Hitachi router: the first using the fixed base, and the second using the plunge base.

I read the basic safety and operating instructions and had no problems with assembly or operation. Other than that, no problems. It seemed pretty obvious.

This kit is very high quality and perfect for a beginner such as myself. I was able to verify that it would fit in the Bosch series of tables, but if your looking to mount this to less expensive tables this may not be the router for you. The only minor problem is that it was a bit of a challenge to find router tables that this would mount to. The kit comes with everything you may need to get started.

I shopped around the local suspects, Lowes, HD etc and none of them had anything decent in the price range I wanted to spend in. Of course there are better routers out there but unless your ready to drop a few hundred bucks on one then I think this is a great product. There are so many things I didnt know you could do with a router that would have been handy. This seems like an excellent buy at $130 bucks with free shipping. Overall the router is easy to use, has good power and runs very smoothly. Also when I bought this router I thought "why would i care about a soft start." even such a small thing as that makes it nice as the router doesnt want to jump out of your hand when you turn it on.

I have found once you loosen it, you need to keep unscrewing the nut and it will get tight again and you must loosen it past that second point THEN it will release the bits very easily. The case is nice although the little compartment in there I throw all the cutting template thing in always opens and dumps them out. Having never used a plunge base It took a little bit of reading the directions to figure out what all the levers and things were for. The directions are quite poor.

Both the plunge and fixed base seem pretty nicely made. The other routers I have used were all your standard issue porter cable's and they do not run nearly as smooth. This is the first plunge router I have used, I needed to get one to cut holes for some subwoofers I built. I read about others having problems with the collets.

Perhaps if different router bits came with a guide as to what kind of RPM they work with best it would be more useful. overall I wish I bought this a long time ago. The adjustable speed is nice but I have only really used the higher settings.