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The most helpful favorable review
The most helpful critical review
71 of 72 people found the following review helpful:
Dare I say it? Yes, I dare: Better Than Porter Cable
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...
Published on March 3, 2005 by D. R. Locker
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33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
Not so hot
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...
Published 15 months ago by Crusty Woodworker
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71 of 72 people found the following review helpful:
Dare I say it? Yes, I dare: Better Than Porter Cable, March 3, 2005
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 & Hardware)
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.
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60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:
Impressive quality right out of the case, February 23, 2005
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 & Hardware)
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!
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33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
Not so hot, April 28, 2009
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 & Hardware)
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.
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
Almost Perfect, December 7, 2007
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 & Hardware)
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.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
Almost perfect., January 9, 2009
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 & Hardware)
I purchased the KM12VC kit when I was doing a mess of profiles and needed a 1/2" collet router. I have also owned a Ryobi R161, Black and Decker Firestorm FS1200RP, and PC 690. The Hitachi KM12VC is by far the most pleasant tool to use in my shop. Bid depth adjustments are fairly easy, and everything works as smooth as silk. Soft start keeps the router from trying to twist out of your hands when you fire it up. Simply put, I have used a LOT of different routers over the years, running the gamut from cheap hard to work with tools, the routers costing hundreds of dollars more than the Hitachi. From a usability standpoint, I have not yet laid hands on a router I like better. But it is NOT perfect. There are things about the router I dislike. These are.
#1. Toggle switch for the on / off function. It works, but seems like it belongs in a B29, not on a woodworking router. *** UPDATE *** I have been using this router for I guess a little over a year now. I have gotten to where I really like the toggle switch. It has been trouble free, and solid. Simplicity wins the day with this switch. It works as good as the day I bought the router.
#2. Lack of a collet lock. My Ryobi and B&D both have this feature, the Hitachi doesn't. I have to manhandle 2 collet wrenches to add /remove bits. *** UPDATE *** I have found the 2 wrench routine to be very easy to get accustomed to. I find it FAR easier to do bit changes with this than the B&D.
While these are certainly negatives, the nice features, the smooth, and quiet operation, and the fact that this router has yet to leave me wanting for power, make it likely I will buy a second one so I can keep bit depth set for doing tasks like dovetails... *** UPDATE *** The negatives ended up being far less negative than I had initially thought.
I have been so impressed with this router that I am leaving the fixed base in my Ryobi BT3100 table saw extension wing. To top that off, I ordered my second one yesterday. To say I am pleased with this router is an understatement. I have spun everything from tiny bits, to massive bits with this ting. I have never been left wanting, even with a giant panel raising bit... (Just take several shallower passes and work your way to full depth...
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
First . . . a lot of looking!, February 13, 2009
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 & Hardware)
I own seven routers: Ryobi, Bosch 1619, DeWalt, PC 690 (3 and a D-handle), and have issues and appreciation for each one. I was looking for a 2-base router since none of my present routers have both.
Ryobi was my first router. It was not a very good tool. The plunge mechanism never worked smoothly or well and I never could get a 1/4" colet to retain a hold on the bit. In all fairness, this was 20 years ago and I'm sure they are much different now.
I looked at the Milwaukee, Triton, and Makita, which I will lump together. All are excellent routers and get good owner reviews. The router I eventually purchased received equal positive reviews from owners but was half the price. I saw no reason to spend the extra money on an equivalent tool.
I next looked at Bosch, although I'll never buy another Bosch router. Overall I like Bosch tools - I own Bosch jigsaws, movable table saws, drills, miter saws (2)and other Bosch power tools. The problem is that no other or third party accessories will fit my 1619! Bosch doesn't even make a clear base for their routers for heavens sake!!! I spoke with a Bosch rep at a woodworking show who said he couldn't understand why Bosch didn't offer one for purchase but I could always make one. Although I was looking at a 1617 model with two bases I read reviews where a number of people had problems with the on/off switch; something pretty basic. Can you imagine getting all set up, flip the switch and - nothing - even with a less than one-year old tool? Even worse, consider having a sharp blade spinning at over 20,000 RPM's and trying to hold it with one hand while fumbling with the plug?
I next looked at Freud, but was turned off by the owner reviews, although the price was good (cheap).
I waited to look at PC because I knew I would appreciate the quality; and all of my current attachments (templates, fences, centering guides, and even my CLEAR BASE, etc. would fit what I purchased. I knew I couldn't go wrong with another PC router. But PC routers with dual bases are in the price class with the Milwaukee, Triton, and Makita.
Out of curiosity I looked at the Hitachi, mainly because I am more than pleased with the three trouble-free Hitachi nail guns I own. All the specs looked OK and owner reviews had only minor complaints: needing two wrenches to change bits, lots of grease, sticking 1/2 inch bits in the Collette, and a hard time finding a guide fence. These problems paled in comparison to faulty switches and low power and faulty bases. Knowing what I know now I would make this purchase again. Two of the complaints I found unfounded: hard to remove bits, and no fence guide available. My Porter Cable fence fits like it was made for the Hitachi and by loosening the colet until it stops, returning the wrench and giving it a half a turn will allow you to finger loose and extract the bit easily. And, in addition, I found no excessive amount of grease on the tool. It also comes with a complete collar set, A CLEAR BASE, and a good array of accessories.
I suppose that what finally determined my purchase was the price - not the best reason for buying a power tool. Had I not purchased this I would have gone with the PC, because of my positive personal experience and the accessory question. My experience with the Hitachi has not left me disappointed. It is a solid tool, that performs as advertised. When I have used it for a year or so, then I can make a determination about its durability, but it operates thus far without any defects. I am not disappointed with this purchase. When Bosch figures out that everyone who buys a router needs a clear base and may not want to make one, and when its base plate has holes that line up with anything else found on the market - then I'll take them more seriously.
I really like my Hitachi as well as any of my other routers and consider its quality to be better than some and at least equivalent in operation and features to others. The price savings on this quality tool is only a bonus - not THE best reason for making this purchase! I now use the Hitachi and PC 690 almost exclussivly ... with use leaning more to the Hitachi since it has a plunge base AND the regular base of my 690. Having the 690's allows for leaving bits in the router (like for dovetailing) so my settings are the same each time, and the Hatachi gives me the extra plunge ability.
My only reason for 4 stars lies within my personality - I have a hard time finding anything perfect. . . maybe something will come up later?
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
Superb router (from someone who uses it daily), April 20, 2009
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 & Hardware)
This Hitachi router is a great router and for the price, really can't be beat.
Now if you read any of the other reviews you know why this router keeps a solid four+ star rating. The features, the power, easy of use, all of that is in this package so I'm not going to delve into the details of what makes this a good router, I'm just going to stick with the issues I have with it.
First off the speed control. The router is adjustable from 8K-24K RPMs. However figuring out what speed you have the router set to is hard because the knob is labeled 1-6... which makes it really hard (if not impossible) to accurately tell what speed you have it set on. So I have to constantly remember that 1 is 8000 RPMs, 2 is 11200, 3 is 14400, 4 is 17600, 5 is 20800, and 6 is 24000. Minus a half a star.
Second the plunge control. It might be because I haven't had a new router for years, but I find that the plunge control lever on the Hitachi hard to use/press and get a smooth plunging action out of it. I've been using a Porter Cable for years and how the plunging action differs from these two routers is very surprising. I think I might have to break it in for a year or two before it gets as smooth as the PC's. Minus half a star.
After that the only other issues I have with it are the on/off switch (not all that easy to use and it won't automatically shut the router off when placed upside down like my PC router) and the fact that it's made in China and has a TON of plastic bits and pieces all over it. I own several other Hitachi tools that have the same amount of plastic on them as this router and they are lasting and working just fine, so I don't think this is all that big of an issue, minus a half a star.
So in the end this is a great router with a ton of features at a really great price, but is NOT as good as my Porter Cable. Three and a half stars.
Pros:
Price.
Both a plunge and fixed base included.
1/2" and 1/4" collets included.
Great power, not once have I had an issue with it bogging down.
Includes wrenches.
Five year warranty, totally awesome.
Quieter then my Porter Cable and Craftsman.
Cons:
Speed control not labeled with the RPM speed, instead labeled with 1-6... worthless.
On/off switch not as easy to use as my other routers.
Made in China.
Not sure on how all of the plastic is going to hold up over the years, verdict is still out on this one.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
Never better, December 5, 2007
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 & Hardware)
I have been an avid woodworker for many years. This is without a doubt the best and easiest to use router I have ever owned. I have always used Porter Cable or some other big name brand. But this guy puts them all to shame. It's very well machined, the motor and base plate fit together tighter than others and they still move very freely. The whole router just feels better made. You can see & feel the quality of this router the minute you lift it out of the storage case. Which by the way is the nicest case I have ever seen. I usually toss the cases I get but this one is so well thought out I kept it to store all the extras that came with the router and other things I like to keep close for routing.
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
Nice Router, January 24, 2006
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 & Hardware)
Bought the Hitachi KM12VC router kit while Hitachi was offering a mail in rebate for the palm sander. I still have not received the sander, but the router is great. It has plenty of power and it is very quiet for a router. I am still looking for the edge guide...it is proving to be quite elusive...I may just have to buy a universal guide. Overall, the router seems very solid and should last a long time. 4 stars due to hard to find hitachi accessories.
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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
Great Router..., April 17, 2007
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 & Hardware)
I'll have to concur with the other reviewers here in that this is a great router. My only gripe is the fact that you can't find an Edge Guide for this thing. I have a few jigs that I've made for use with a router, but the edge guide would be a nice item to compliment this machine and it seems to be non-existent. Hitachi could at least make a suggestion as to another manufacturers edge guide that might work. Otherwise, I guess I'll be making my own.
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