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 | 
| Brand: Hitachi
List Price: $327.07
Buy New: $149.99
You Save: $177.08 (54%)
New (15) from $149.99
Rating:  28 reviews
Sales Rank: 2713
Media: Tools & Hardware
Shipping Weight (lbs): 10
Dimensions (in): 4 x 4 x 12
MPN: KM12VCK
Model: KM12VC
UPC: 717709000896
EAN: 0717709000896
ASIN: B0002ZZWX8
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Plunge and fixed base router kit with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets | | • | 2-1/4-horsepower, 11 amps; variable speed (8,000 to 24,000 rpm) | | • | Nickel-plated motor housing for smooth depth adjustments | | • | Includes plunge and fixed base router; 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch collet chucks, template guide adaptor, centering gauge, sub-base plate, 3 wrenches | | • | 5-year warranty |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
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: Read 23 more reviews...
 Dare I say it? Yes, I dare: Better Than Porter Cable March 3, 2005
D. R. Locker (Houston, TX United States)
52 out of 53 found this review helpful
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.
Impressive quality right out of the case February 23, 2005
E. Rowell (Utah)
48 out of 48 found this review helpful
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!
 Good, but the Bosch is better August 21, 2005
S. Bluhm (California)
42 out of 60 found this review helpful
I'm a sucker for a deal, and probably came out ahead with the price match guarantee and free finish sander, but I have a feeling that I'll be missing the better quality and design of the Bosch down the road.
There are a number of reasons for this conclusion. Here are a few:
1)The Bosch has a better balance in my hands, and I believe is slightly lighter.
2)The Bosch fixed router base has a better design, allowing the user to change the depth of the collet without akwardly twisting the entire router motor around in the base -- it has a simple knob that changes depth as you twist it.
3)The Bosch template guides are of a much better design.
4)The Hitachi router came smothered in grease, which is fine, I guess, but if I'm going to fork over 200 bucks, they could at least realize that the collet wrenches, bases, and motor casing don't need a slathering of thick lubricant -- only the parts that move need oil, guys.
5)The Bosch router has a much better collet. The Hitachi has two collet adaptors (1/4 and 1/2 inch shank) which are okay to deal with and are also covered in a hopeless amount of grease, yet still tend to stick to the shank when attempting a switch.
6)The Bosch motor works more smoothly than the Hitachi, which I've noticed can lag and suddenly change speeds to catch up to the variable speed dial as I twist it.
Most of my complaints are minor, and I still think I'll enjoy my purchase, but sometimes the difference between getting the job done and getting it done with an expertly designed tool is a lot bigger than the difference in purchase price.
 Nice Router January 24, 2006
KW (United States)
12 out of 14 found this review helpful
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.
Never better December 6, 2007
Bryan Hootman (Tucson AZ)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
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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