Hitachi M12VC 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable-Speed Router

by Hitachi

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Hitachi M12VC Variable-Speed Fixed-Base Router features a powerful motor and electronic speed control for making smooth cuts in a variety of materials. A welcome addition to any workshop, this precision router features electronic speed control, quiet operation, easy depth adjustments, and more, making it ideal for fine groove cutting, chamfering, window cutting, trimming, shaping, and pattern cutting.

Features of this router include a top-mounted rotation-speed dial and nickel-plated motor housing. (Click squares to zoom in on components.)

M12VC Variable-Speed Fixed-Base Router Tool Specifications Power Input 11 Amps Horsepower 2-1/4 No-Load Speed 8,000-24,000 RPM Insulation Method Single Insulation No-Load Noise Level 79.5 dB Collect Chuck Capacity 1/2" & 1/4" Depth Adjustment System Rotate the Motor Pack Motor Clamp 2-Stage Lever Straight Edge Guide Position Front Weight 7.3 lbs.

Powerful Motor Operates Quietly
The M12VC's 11 Amp, 2-1/4 peak horsepower motor produces enough speed to cut through hardwoods with ease. Equipped with electronic speed control, the M12VC produces a no-load speed of 8,000-24,000 RPM. This means the router maintains constant RPM even as the load varies, so you'll get precise, controlled cuts in a wide range of materials.

Despite its powerful motor, the M12VC operates quietly. In fact, this router has a class-leading noise level of just 79.5dB, which means you'll get a quiet workshop, reduced vibration, and improved control.

Quick and Easy Depth Adjustments
The M12VC utilizes a two-stage motor release clamp for quick and accurate depth adjustments. The release clamp makes it easy to change from a fixed base to a plunge base (not included). Depth adjustments are also made easy by the nickel-plated motor housing, which also helps to reduce scratches and stains on the tool body.

The M12VC has a collet capacity of 1/2 inch (not included) and 1/4 inch (included).

Ergonomically Designed for Comfort and Control
Like all Hitachi tools, the M12VC is ergonomically designed to enhance comfort and control on the job. To start, this tool weighs only 7.3 pounds, making comfortable enough for freehand routing. Additionally, the handles are wrapped in Elastomer compound to reduce vibration and prevent slippage for ultimate control. For further ease of use, the fixed base offers a smooth work surface for gliding over the workpiece without scratching.

The M12VC is backed by Hitachi's industry-leading five-year warranty.

About Hitachi: A Tradition of Innovation
Hitachi Power Tools (Hitachi Koki USA, Ltd.) provides professional-grade power tools for a variety of applications, including woodwork, metalwork, concrete, drilling, cutting, and fastening. Hitachi is a leader in power tool research and development and has achieved many firsts in the power tool industry. Today, Hitachi continues the tradition of innovation and engineering with new features in addition to classic quality.

What's in the Box
M12VC Router, 1/4-inch collet chuck, centering gauge, 16mm wrench, 23mm wrench, hex bar wrench (4mm), and hex socket HD bolt M5x10 (10 pieces).

Product Description

The 2 1/4 HP model

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 12 inches ; 7.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 11 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: B0002ZZWXI
• Item model number: M12VC
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,838 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #10 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Routers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A cautionary note, November 17, 2007

By 

Bigfoot (Pacific Northwest) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hitachi M12VC 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable-Speed Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I bought this router during a promotion about a year ago. I figured for the price, I couldn't go too wrong. I use this router mounted in my router lift with good results. Positive experience echos that of many other reviews. However, I do need to sound a couple notes of caution:

1. I've had some problems with the collet(s) releasing bits. The design seems a little odd, and Its a struggle releasing some bits without damaging the collet jaws. For best results, be sure you don't fully seat the router bit. If you have problems with the bit releasing, tap it lightly with a rubber or plastic mallet before removing the bit. It should drop free. (Please see the following comment section for some updated information)

2. Buried in the manual, just before it turns to French, owners are cautioned to inspect the carbon brushes for wear. DO IT. Neither I nor my carpenter peers have had a router go through carbon brushes in less than a year, but this one did. Hitachi did honor its warranty for damage caused by worn brushes, but in my wildest dreams I wouldn't have expected the brushes to wear out with the moderate use I've given this tool. I'd buy this router again, but I'd check it more frequently.

44 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars incredible router!!!!!!, November 12, 2004

By 

steve m. (mass.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hitachi M12VC 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable-Speed Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I own them all 12 routers in all and this is by far the quietest router ive heard period.Im a pro cabinet builder/home remodeler and use my tools constantly this is very smooth and stable on its base and although its made in china it has extremely good build quality throughout.The quick lock lever for locking the router in its base is the best and easiest ive seen, no struggling here its so easy to close and lock it seems it wont hold the router in its base but it works like a charm even on heavy cuts, very good engineering..as far as power it has more than enough without bogging down to handle all but the largest raised panel bits with ease. You wont be dissapointed with this router and the price cant be beat for the quality..Now i want this in a 3-1/4 horsepower model, maybe that will be available ...

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a very solid tool for the money!, March 4, 2005

By 

Scott Pointon "Former Marine, Librarian, Wood... (Crest Hill, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hitachi M12VC 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable-Speed Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have been looking at this router for some time now and waiting for one of the woodworking magazines to include it in a head to head tool review. Unfortunately that didn't seem to be happening, so armed with a discount coupon I took the plunge...and I am happy to report that this is a very good tool. The motor is superb - very quiet for a router, especially one this powerful. The electronic variable speed works flawlessly and so far I have gotten great results hand routing in pine, oak, and walnut. Though the collett wrenches are cheap stamped things, they do the job. Speaking of colletts, this model includes one of each - 1/4" and 1/2". They seem to be of the no-frozen-bits variety so that is all good. I have not tried this router in my table yet as I feel my DeWalt 2 1/4 hp is better suited to that for its ease of adjustment and quick motor removal.

Overall, I am very impressed with the quality, fit and finish of this tool and for the money I am astounded. I don't like it quite as much as my DeWalt DW618, but with a pricetag that is $40 less it is an incredible value. I highly recommend it!