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
 | Average Customer Rating: Recommend 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,… Product details and pricing info |
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28 Customer Reviews Posted
- Seems to be a quality router.
- After reading review's and checking out this router at a local store, I deceided to purchase it online for a lot less. 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. 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. Some people say you need a 3hp router for cutting the raised panels but this 2 1/4 hp done the job just fine. 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. 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? If so I will be very very satisfied.
- 2008-10-03, 0 of 0 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Good product, good deal
- 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. 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. Consequently, I did not bother to read the inadequate directions on assembling and using the plunge router. It seemed pretty obvious. I did notice that the plunge base dispersed the dust in a very haphazard fashion--not sure if I didn't align the motor correctly or what, but I blew out the dust using an air compressor. I'll now check the directions to see if that helps. Other than that, no problems. Oh, I bought a Bosch 5/8" straight bit and it was a good choice for dado cuts.
- 2008-10-03, 0 of 0 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Great kit
- This kit is very high quality and perfect for a beginner such as myself. The kit comes with everything you may need to get started. The only minor problem is that it was a bit of a challenge to find router tables that this would mount to. 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.
- 2008-09-18, 0 of 0 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Great buy
- This is the first plunge router I have used, I needed to get one to cut holes for some subwoofers I built. 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. I read about others having problems with the collets. 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.
Overall the router is easy to use, has good power and runs very smoothly. The other routers I have used were all your standard issue porter cable's and they do not run nearly as smooth. 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. The adjustable speed is nice but I have only really used the higher settings. Perhaps if different router bits came with a guide as to what kind of RPM they work with best it would be more useful.
The case is nice although the little compartment in there I throw all the cutting template thing in always opens and dumps them out. Both the plunge and fixed base seem pretty nicely made. 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.
overall I wish I bought this a long time ago. 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. - 2008-08-29, 1 of 1 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Plunge right in!
- This Router kit is terrific and a great price too.
We have used it while building our porches and decks and can't wait to try it out on some more artistic projects. - 2008-08-28, 0 of 0 people found this review helpful, Rated:
