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

Editorial Review
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, the KM12VC comes with both plunge and fixed base attachments. These bases attach easily to the motor and detach with a simple release clamp for quick, tool-free changes that keep workflow interruptions to a minimum.

Ergonomically placed handles and easy-to-use depth dial ensure control and accuracy.

The 11 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower motor routs clean lines through all types of wood with control and precision. This powerful motor has the lowest noise level in its class (only 80 dB), and less noise means less vibration -- not to mention a more pleasant working environment.

The KM12VC also features a steady, secure electronic speed control to maintain constant RPM even as the workload varies, and a durable nickel-plating to help guarantee smooth cutting depth adjustment and a permanent resistance to scratches and stains. Packed with high-end convenience features and presented in a sleek, aggressively ergonomic design, this set offers modern style and advanced technology in one exceptional kit.

Key Technical Specs:

Motor: 2-1/4 (peak) horsepower, nickel-plated
Motor clamp: 2-stage lever
Bases: fixed and plunge
Amps: 11
No-load noise level: 79.5 dB
Max Collet Capacity: 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch
No-load Speed: 8000 - 24,000
Plunge Stroke: 2.6 inches

What's in the Box
Hitachi’s KM12VC comes complete with motor, fixed base, plunge base, 1/2 and 1/4-inch collet chucks, 10mm, 16mm and 23mm wrench wrenches, a 4mm hex bar wrench, seven template guides, template guide adapter, lock nut, centering gauge, sub base plate, 10 hex socket bolts, and a carrying case.

Warranty
Hitachi warrants this kit to be free from defect in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the original purchase date. (Warranty extends to original purchaser.)

Hitachi Power Tools
In 1994, Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. was renamed Hitachi Koki U.S.A. to denote the addition of manufacturing to the United States. Hitachi Koki U.S.A. carries an extensive line of professional grade tools and accessories for residential construction, commercial construction, tradesman and do-it-yourselfers. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with satellite offices in Valencia CA and Toronto ONT, Hitachi Koki U.S.A. supplies nearly 4000 retail locations, both independent and home center, and supports over 1000 authorized service centers. Many Hitachi tools are designed and offered for use only in North America. With dozens of new models already in development, Hitachi Koki U.S.A. enters the 21st century continuing to offer the highest level of professional power tools available.

BULLETS: 1. Plunge and fixed base router kit with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets 2. 2-1/4-horsepower, 11 amps; variable speed (8,000 to 24,000 rpm) 3. Nickel-plated motor housing for smooth depth adjustments 4. Includes motor, bases, collets, 4 wrenches, 7 template guides and adapter, centering gauge, sub base plate, 10 hex socket bolts, lock nut, case 5. Fixed base weighs 7.3 pounds; plunge base weighs 9.9 pounds; kit weighs 22.8 pounds shipped; 5-year limited manufacturer's warranty
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Customer Reviews

Hitachi for the win

2008-03-22
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!

Great router

2008-01-09
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.

Almost Perfect

2007-12-07
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.

Never better

2007-12-06
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.

Nice First Router

2007-09-13
First off, this is the first router I've ever owned. I used the fixed base to cut finger joints for a sliding shelf I was building and it did an excellent job. Only issue so far with it is that some of the parts seem to have a little too much grease. Otherwise, very happy with purchase.

LOVE IT

2008-07-16
HI I HAVE FOUR ROUTERS AND THIS KM12VC IS BY FAR THE BEST,
IT IS SO SMOOTH AND A LOT MORE QUIET THEN THE OTHERS.I AM REALLY GOING TWO
ENJOY IT FOR A LONG TIME. BEST OF ALL IS HOW CAN YOU BEAT A FIVE YEAR WARRENTY.WONDERFULL ROUTER LOVE IT.

router very nice

2008-06-13
this inexpensive tool works very good have not had 1 problem with it used several times

GREAT BUT HAS A FEW FLAWS

2008-05-17
I AM NEW TO WOODWORKING AND THIS IS MY FIRST ROUTER, THE BIGGEST PROBLEM I HAVE WITH THIS ROUTER IS THE INSTRUCTIONS. THEY ARE NOT WELL DETAILED AT ALL, STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH ADJUSTING HEIGTH OF BIT . HITACHI REALLY NEEDS TO WORK ON EXPLAINING THE OPERATIONAL ASPECTS OF THIS ROUTER BETTER, THERE SEEMS TO BE MORE EXPANATION IN FRENCH THEN THERE DOES ENGLISH, OVER-ALL VERY PLEASED WITH PURCHASE...

1/2 inch Collet tends to not release the bits

2008-05-01
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.

good buy

2008-04-29
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.