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

by Hitachi

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4-Peak-Horsepower Fixed/Plunge-Base Router Kit is made for fine groove cutting, chamfering, window cutting, trimming, shaping, and pattern cutting. Featuring Hitachi's ergonomic styling, a powerful motor that is the quietest in its class, a two-state motor-release clamp, easy base changes, quick depth adjustments, and more, this router kit is a valuable addition to any workshop.

KM12VC Router Kit Tool Specifications Amps 11 Peak Horsepower 2-1/4 HP Max Collet Capacity 1/2" & 1/4" No-Load Speed 8,000 - 24,000 No-Load Noise Level 79.5dB Plunge Stroke 2.6" Weight-Fixed Base 7.3 lbs Weight-Plunge Base 9.9 lbs

Powerful 11-amp motor features electronic speed control for consistent RPM.

Ergonomically designed handles provide comfort and control. View larger.

A fine-depth adjustment knob enables precise depth control. View larger.

Powerful, Quiet Motor Handles Hardwoods with Ease
At the heart of the KM12VC Router Kit is a powerful, 11-amp motor with 2-1/4 peak horsepower and nickel-plated housing. The motor has an adjustable no-load speed of 8,000 to 24,000 RPM for dialing in the perfect setting for the job. And the KM12VC motor features Hitachi's electronic speed control, which means this tool maintains constant RPM as the load varies, so you get precise, controlled cuts every time.

Not only is the KM12VC's motor powerful, it's also quiet--at just 79-1/2 decibels (dB), it's the quietest in its class. And because less noise means less vibration during operation, this kit will give you the precise, controlled cuts you expect.

Two-Stage Motor-Release Clamp for Quick and Accurate Adjustments
With a two-stage motor-release clamp, the KM12VC Router Kit lets you make quick and easy base changes and depth adjustments. And switching from the fixed base to the plunge base takes just seconds. An added bonus, the plunge base features a fine-depth adjustment knob for precise depth control.

The KM12VC Router Kit is a versatile tool that accepts 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch bits, so it's compatible with the bits found in most workshops. In addition, the kit includes a 1/2-inch collet chuck and a 1/4-inch collet chuck for easy bit changes.

Ergonomic Design Enhances Comfort
Hitachi designed the KM12VC to be both comfortable and portable. For comfort, the handles are ergonomically designed, which allows for control, accuracy, and precision. For portability, the fixed base weighs only 7.3 pounds, while the plunge base weighs only 9.9 pounds. Additionally, both bases, the motor, and all of the kit's accessories fit securely within an included protective case for easy travel between jobsites.

This well-crafted router kit features a durable design that is backed by Hitachi's five-year warranty.

What's in the Box
KM12VC Fixed and Plunge bases with Motor, 1/2-inch collet chuck, 1/4-inch collet chuck, seven template guides, lock nut, centering gauge, 16-mm wrench, 23-mm wrench, 10-mm wrench, 4-mm hex-bar wrench, sub base (B), 10 hex socket HD bolt M5x10, and case.

From the Manufacturer

The all new 2 1/4 hp router from Hitachi combine a sweet design with Hitachi's unmatched electronic feedback router motor. The KM12VC and M12VC routers are powered by an 11 Amp variable speed motors with a RPM range of 8,000 to 24,000 and Hitachi's electronic feedback system which allows the bit to maintain the set RPM throughout all cuts. This increases cut performance and reduces unwanted tear out. Both 1/2" and 1/4" bits can be used in this tool along with many templates and guides. The easy to use fixed base dials up and down along heavy duty grooves while the scale ring reads the exact depth of cut. The KM12VC is the kit version and this tool comes with both the fixed and plunge base. M12VC includes fixed base only.

Product Details

Product Manual [1.52mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 12 inches
• Shipping Weight: 22.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0002ZZWX8
• Item model number: KM12VC
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,596 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #23 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Routers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive quality right out of the case, February 23, 2005

By 

E. Rowell (Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 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 (Tools & Home Improvement)

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!

76 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dare I say it? Yes, I dare: Better Than Porter Cable, March 3, 2005

By 

D. R. Locker (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 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 (Tools & Home Improvement)

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.

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not so hot, April 28, 2009

By 

Crusty Woodworker (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 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 (Tools & Home Improvement)

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.