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

List Price: $327.07 Discount Price: $129.00

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

Accessories:
Porter-Cable 698 Bench Top Router Table	Milescraft 2202 1-1/2-Inch Router Signmaking Template Letter Set	Bosch RA1200 Deluxe Router Table	Yukon Tool YTRB12 12-Piece Router Bit Set	Yukon Tool YTRB3P 3-Piece Carbide Panel Router Bit Set

Customer Reviews:

Hitachi for the win [Posted on 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!

good buy [Posted on 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.

1/2 inch Collet tends to not release the bits [Posted on 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.

GREAT BUT HAS A FEW FLAWS [Posted on 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...

router very nice [Posted on 2008-06-13]
this inexpensive tool works very good have not had 1 problem with it used several times

Click here for more details and discount information...