Hitachi M12V2 15 Amp 3-1/4 Horsepower Plunge Base Variable Speed Plunge Router with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets

List Price: $397.78 Discount Price: $198.00

Features:

• Powerful 3-1/4 peak horsepower variable speed plunge router
• Variable speed dial produces 8,000 to 22,000 RPMs for a wide range of cutting options
• Aluminum fan of armature; soft-grip handle
• Includes router, straight guide, centering gauge, dust adapter, guide bar, wing bolt, wrench, and collets (1/4 and 1/2 inch)
• 13.9 pounds; 5-year warranty

Accessories:
Skil 91801 Deluxe Router Edge Guide	Milescraft 1207 Router Design Inlay Kit	Milescraft 2203 5-Piece Router Bit Set for Signmaking	Milescraft 2204 3-Piece Router Bit Set for Designs/Inlays	Bosch RA1200 Deluxe Router Table

Customer Reviews:

great bang for buck [Posted on 2007-11-03]
I own it and fluted columns right out of box.no trouble with depth setting breaking.I am buying another for dedicated raised panel operation and I own 10 other routers all porter cable and hitachi.I suggest to read all operating information on product before plugging it in and then read it again with your helpers.Great bang for buck.25yr exp woodworker.

Hitachi Router [Posted on 2007-12-28]
This is my first router and I love it. I have used several other routers, but this one is better than the others I have used.

discussed [Posted on 2008-01-27]
In one day , the first da the plastic on the fine adjustment broke and stripped, right now it is in an company approved repair shop. I am really discussed.
Michael DiCastro

Many faults and defects [Posted on 2008-07-02]
For reference I have used the Hitachi M12V for years and it is a wonderful router. I purchased the M12v2 for a 2nd router assuming it would be as capable as its predecessor. It has several defects and design faults that were so blatant I returned the unit without ever using it. I will be purchasing another manufacturer's 3 hp router after this experience. I have listed problems below and attempted a general order of importance first to last.

1) The tightening sleeve in the locking collet nut will not lock in place inside the nut as its designed and when a bit is inserted the sleeve breaks loose from the nut and is pushed to the bottom of the spindle opening not allowing the bit to be tightened. Once this happens the sleeve is very difficult to remove from the spindle opening.

2) The height adjust is controlled by a lever to select screw (using the knob/shaft) or free slide for course height. When the lever is engaged into the threads to use the screw adjust, the height will often suddenly slip as if the gears are not fully engaged.2) When the unit 1st starts it chatters and growls for a 1/2 second. This is with or without the collet installed and at the lowest or fastest speed and in or out of table mount. It should soft start smoothly with no mechanical chatter.

3) The height stop bar, if fully retracted will offset from its guiding slot and then recess into the side of the router. The shaft then has to be manipulated with a screwdriver to return it to position.

4) The height adjust shaft/knob is attached by pushing the shaft over a recepticle with rubber o-rings to hold it in place. The shaft will then vibrate off during the first few seconds of vibration. This occurred consistently with only turning on and off the router and never actually cutting wood.

5) There are dowels inserted into the center of of height tension springs to prevent them from full collapse. When the springs are removed for table mounting, the dowels remain loosely in the shaft and cannot be easily removed. In the M12V these are metal and are easily removed.

6) Very heavy. Much more heavy and cumbersome then the M12V. 14 vs 12lbs.

7) I bought this for commonality with the M12V but even the hole pattern in the plate is different.

Not Perfect, best bang for your buck [Posted on 2008-07-05]
Ill start by saying that I have 2 of these and one 2 base Hitachi kit (KM12VC) and am very pleased with all of them. As others have noted there are some plastic parts that are a little disappointing, but none of mine have broken so far. I have one mounted and the other for freehand use. The edge guide seems very high quality, but the 1/2 inch collet seems a little thin walled, although I have not noticed the chatter that others have. The dust collection is a nice feature, but doesnt work as well as it could. It may not have the fit and finish of some of the far more expensive routers, but around 200, its price/ features cant be beat, and seeing that I paid much less for mine, I am quite happy. Watch for a sale that occurs quite often, I got the second one for less than 135 delivered, unbeatable for a 3 1/4 HP router.

Click here for more details and discount information...