Reddit reviews Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4 Peak HP Variable Speed Fixed/Plunge Base Router Kit

We found 5 Reddit comments about Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4 Peak HP Variable Speed Fixed/Plunge Base Router Kit. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.

Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT. Same great tools, with only a new name.11 Amp motor (2 1/4 Peak Horsepower), for precise, controlled cuts2 stage motor release clamp, for quick and accurate depth adjustments and base changesElectronic speed control, maintains constant RPMs even as load variesClass leading noise level, only 79.5dB for a quieter workshopIncludes: 1/2 inches Collet Chuck (323293), 1/4 inches Collet Chuck (323293), Template Guide Adapter (323272), Centering Gauge (323296), 16 millimeter Wrench (323294), 23 millimeter Wrench (323295), 4 millimeter Hex Bar Wrench (944458), Sub Base Plate (323297), Hex Socket HD Bolt M5x10 (10pcs) (949819), Case (323358)

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5 Reddit comments about Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4 Peak HP Variable Speed Fixed/Plunge Base Router Kit:

u/motayba · 4 pointsr/woodworking

If you only want to have one router, make it a full-sized router with fixed and plunge bases. If you're looking for low price, I recommend the Hitachi KM12VC.

I've used mine quite and bit and am VERY happy with it considering the price. Read the reviews, though. It's not perfect:

There is a design flaw with the 1/4" collet in that it gets stuck easily and is a royal pain to use, but the 1/2" collet works great. And as /u/NinjaCoder says, bits with the larger shank are more sturdy and more stable, so those are the ones you want to get when given a choice anyway.
The plunge base movement can be stiff, but it will loosen with oil. There's a clear plastic shield that can actually come into contact with the plunging part of the base, but if you file down the shield's edge that touches the base, it won't get in your way again. In other words, this design flaw (which you will read about in the reviews) can be eliminated in 5 minutes.
Also, you say you don't have room for a router table, but neither did I until I saw this baby at Home Depot.

It's a great portable work table AND router table. Using the black plate as a template, you can use your router to make copies out of 3/8" or 1/2" plywood and then mount workbench tools to them. I've done this with a miter box & (hand) saw, a 6" light duty workbench vice, a Kreg K5 pocket-hole jig, and a Ryobi bench sander.

No, it's not quite the same as a 400 lb wood workbench, but then you can't (easily) hang a 400 lb workbench on the wall. Anyway, I have two of these things and they basically make my garage a workshop.

u/WhatsUpDaddyCat · 2 pointsr/woodworking

I have the Hitachi and it's great value. I really like the fact that it fits Porter Cable bases. The start and stop switch could be in a better position but it's a fine tool.

u/PHATsakk43 · 2 pointsr/woodworking

The Hitachi router combo set was cheaper than Amazon when I picked it up, plus the 10% military discount made up for the sales tax.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Hitachi-2-25-HP-Variable-Speed-Combo-Fixed-Plunge-Corded-Router/50425858

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ZZWX8/ref=twister_B00QTCPZLM?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

Its not a Bosch or PC, but I like my green tools a lot. I've got four routers, two of which are Hitachi. Never had any trouble with their stuff.

u/JustCallMeMittens · 2 pointsr/woodworking

It's not necessarily for a project, he's just suggested that he wants one for quite a while. I'd like to keep it under $250. If that's not feasible, I'll just go in another direction; I don't want to get him a bottom-shelf K-mart clearance tool.

EDIT: Is this a good choice?

u/teslamap · 1 pointr/woodworking

Hitachi KM12VC - 1/4 and 1/2 collets, plunge base, soft start, variable speed, 2.25 HP, accepts many standard attachments, includes hard case, very quiet. $150 at Menards and $160 on amazon.

Has pretty good reviews. Many of the bad reviews are complaints about removing bits. Apparently, this router has an unusual bit release that partially loosens, then gets tighter, then fully loosens. It seems to give some people issues, but after ya figure out what it's doing, it's not a problem.