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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30 Customer Reviews Posted
- 1/2 inch Collet tends to not release the bits
- I've had this router for about a year and a half and have used it mostly with 1/4 inch bits but recently have started to use it with 1/2 bits. I've found that even though the bits and collet are clean, it just does not release the bits very easily. In fact, it's very hard to get the bits out sometimes. After a few times, the 1/2 collet came appart (the little fingers that tightened around the bit). Maybe I had a bad collet all this time but in the mean time I had to buy another router to finish a job (PC690) and must say that I love the way the PC690 feels much better than the Hitachi. The center of gravity of the Hitachi feels too high compared to the 690. Granted, the 690 has no variable speed which is nice in the hitachi. The other thing I've noticed while using a dovetail machine is that the plastic base of the Hitachi does not slide as easily as the one of the PC. Overall, it's a nice router but like someone else said, it seemed like a deal with the free random orbital sander and all.
- 2008-05-01, 3 of 4 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- good buy
- This is a good deal, for a router with this HP. It is plenty powerful enough to run a panel raising bit. It also comes with two bases and a set of guide bushings. Very happy with it.
- 2008-04-29, 2 of 2 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Hitachi for the win
- Value is the one one word that sums up this kit. I don't want to beat a dead horse, but I agree that you'll be hard pressed to find a better deal than this Hitachi kit. I've never used the Bosch that so many rave about, but I have used the Porter Cable kit and some old Craftsman fixed base routers. I'd put the Hitachi at about the same level as the Porter Cable. Better availability of accessories would put it at or above the PC in my opinion. It's solid and easy to use. The only two very minor gripes for me are the position of the on/off switch and the stiffness of the plunge base (I probably just need to lube it). The gripes aren't enough to warrant less than 5 stars though. I look forward to using this router for years to come!
- 2008-03-22, 2 of 2 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Great router
- I bought this router when I decided to make my own trim for my house. I have two older routers, both of which only will do 1/4 inch shank bits. I have been impressed thusfar by its versatility and smooth operation. The variable speed is a great feature and being able to keep one base in the router table and use the other one for hand routing works like a dream. The only problem I have encountered thusfar is that the 1/2 inch collet doesn't want to let go of the bit when I change bits. I will order another collet as this one must be defective.
- 2008-01-09, 0 of 0 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Almost Perfect
- This is a great router set and there is nothing at this quality level which approaches this price. I have only used the router so far on a couple of projects, using both the fixed base and the plunge base, and the router performed very predictably. That is about the highest compliment that I can give, that it acted 'very predictably'. Whenever working with power tools, especially because of their potential to do serious bodily injury, you always want to feel like your tools are working as you expect them to. This instills confidence and keeps your work environment safe.
The Hitachi router has a very smooth startup, quickly comes to speed, and is quite stable and suprisingly quiet in operation. So far from my limited use of the product it appears to have the power to plow through larger pieces of wood when using sizeable bits (in excess of 1") without straining the motor or losing speed. The electronic speed control works well and this is probably the quietest router I've ever used. So far I've been quite happy with the performance.
The one aspect that I think keeps this from being a five star router is the need to use two wrenches to change bits. Although it is not really difficult to change bits with these wrenches it can be awkward, and for an advanced power tool it seems like this aspect of it is a bit rudimentary. I would have preferred to see a more sophisticated mechanism in place.
So far everything else is great. The bases can be swapped out with each other in a matter of seconds and the depth settings and plunge stop are easy to set. Overall I am very pleased and look forward to many years of reliable use. - 2007-12-07, 10 of 10 people found this review helpful, Rated:
