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Recently Veiwed Hitachi Guarantee
Hitachi is offering an exclusive 5-year limited warranty on select power tools. The warranty is valid only for the original purchaser of the Hitachi product. The 5-year warranty covers all Hitachi electric tools, excluding grinders, hammers, and compressors, which are warranted to the original purchaser for 1 year, and batteries, O-rings, and driver blades, which are warranted for 90 days. | | Home 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 | |
|  | |  | | | 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 | |
Our Price:
| $170.65 | |
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| $156.42 (48%)
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| | Features | Plunge and fixed base router kit with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets2-1/4-horsepower, 11 amps; variable speed (8,000 to 24,000 rpm)Nickel-plated motor housing for smooth depth adjustmentsIncludes plunge and fixed base router; 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch collet chucks, template guide adaptor, centering gauge, sub-base plate, 3 wrenches5-year warranty
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| | Description | The Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4-Peak-Horsepower Fixed/Plunge-Base Router Kit is made for fine groove cutting, chamfering, window cutting, trimming, shaping, and pattern cutting. Featuring Hitachi's ergonomic styling, a powerful motor that is the quietest in its class, a two-state motor-release clamp, easy base changes, quick depth adjustments, and more, this router kit is a valuable addition to any workshop. 
KM12VC Router Kit
Tool Specifications |
| | Amps | 11 | | Peak Horsepower | 2-1/4 HP | | Max Collet Capacity | 1/2" & 1/4" | | No-Load Speed | 8,000 - 24,000 | | No-Load Noise Level | 79.5dB | | Plunge Stroke | 2.6" | | Weight-Fixed Base | 7.3 lbs | | Weight-Plunge Base | 9.9 lbs |
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Powerful 11-amp motor features electronic speed control for consistent RPM.
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Ergonomically designed handles provide comfort and control. View larger. | 
A fine-depth adjustment knob enables precise depth control. View larger. |
Powerful, Quiet Motor Handles Hardwoods with Ease
At the heart of the KM12VC Router Kit is a powerful, 11-amp motor with 2-1/4 peak horsepower and nickel-plated housing. The motor has an adjustable no-load speed of 8,000 to 24,000 RPM for dialing in the perfect setting for the job. And the KM12VC motor features Hitachi's electronic speed control, which means this tool maintains constant RPM as the load varies, so you get precise, controlled cuts every time.Not only is the KM12VC's motor powerful, it's also quiet--at just 79-1/2 decibels (dB), it's the quietest in its class. And because less noise means less vibration during operation, this kit will give you the precise, controlled cuts you expect. Two-Stage Motor-Release Clamp for Quick and Accurate Adjustments
With a two-stage motor-release clamp, the KM12VC Router Kit lets you make quick and easy base changes and depth adjustments. And switching from the fixed base to the plunge base takes just seconds. An added bonus, the plunge base features a fine-depth adjustment knob for precise depth control. The KM12VC Router Kit is a versatile tool that accepts 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch bits, so it's compatible with the bits found in most workshops. In addition, the kit includes a 1/2-inch collet chuck and a 1/4-inch collet chuck for easy bit changes. Ergonomic Design Enhances Comfort
Hitachi designed the KM12VC to be both comfortable and portable. For comfort, the handles are ergonomically designed, which allows for control, accuracy, and precision. For portability, the fixed base weighs only 7.3 pounds, while the plunge base weighs only 9.9 pounds. Additionally, both bases, the motor, and all of the kit's accessories fit securely within an included protective case for easy travel between jobsites. This well-crafted router kit features a durable design that is backed by Hitachi's five-year warranty. What's in the Box
KM12VC Fixed and Plunge bases with Motor, 1/2-inch collet chuck, 1/4-inch collet chuck, seven template guides, lock nut, centering gauge, 16-mm wrench, 23-mm wrench, 10-mm wrench, 4-mm hex-bar wrench, sub base (B), 10 hex socket HD bolt M5x10, and case.
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| | Product Details | | Product Length: | 4.0 inches | | Product Width: | 4.0 inches | | Product Height: | 12.0 inches | | Product Weight: | 0.0 pounds | | Package Length: | 22.5 inches | | Package Width: | 16.0 inches | | Package Height: | 7.8 inches | | Package Weight: | 22.8 pounds | | Average Customer Rating: |  based on 66 reviews |
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| | Customer Reviews | Average Customer Review: ( 66 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
69 of 71 found the following review helpful:
 Impressive quality right out of the case Feb 23, 2005
By E. Rowell
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!
76 of 80 found the following review helpful:
Dare I say it? Yes, I dare: Better Than Porter Cable Mar 03, 2005
By D. R. Locker
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.
49 of 51 found the following review helpful:
 Not so hot Apr 29, 2009
By Crusty Woodworker
Hitachi KM12VC Router plunge and fixed base.
I purchased this router kit with high hopes. When I received the package i was very pleased with all of the accessories that were supplied, especially the set of guide bushings. Initially I was impressed with the power of the motor, and with how quiet it was even under load. I am still impressed by these features, even though things go downhill from there.
Plunge base. The plunge base was so stiff out of the box that I had to work on it for hours to get it to work properly. I finally got it to what would be called "acceptable" but I ruined a couple of chair leg mortises before I worked out the bugs. This was with a jig I have used for years with zero issues.
Collets. I have had several issues with both the 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets supplied. While routing a deep mortise with the above mentioned jig (1/2 inch carbide spiral bit) the bit came loose and spoiled the workpiece. This after I tightened it to what should have been an acceptable level with the supplied wrenches. I re-torqued the bit with even more force and now both collets stick in the spindle. The only way to remove them is with a punch and hammer. This is very frustrating. I have polished the spindle bore, and done everything I can think of to remedy the sticking collets, but nothing has worked yet.
All-in-all this has been a disappointing purchase. I only paid $134.00 from Amazon with free shipping, so I probably got what I paid for. I just keep reading about how other woodworkers love this combo. I am a machinist by trade, and have over 30 years of woodworking experience so I don't feel it is "operator error". I'm thinking I just got a dud.
I did read where some are having difficulty finding an edge guide to fit. I have a Porter-Cable edge guide 42690 that fits mine perfectly. It is available on Amazon and is a nice edge guide.
Anyway, I have had good luck in the past with Hitachi products and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. As stated earlier, I just think this was a lemon.
23 of 23 found the following review helpful:
 Almost Perfect Dec 07, 2007
By A. Reynolds
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.
22 of 22 found the following review helpful:
First . . . a lot of looking! Feb 14, 2009
By R. MCPHERRON
"interested"
I own seven routers: Ryobi, Bosch 1619, DeWalt, PC 690 (3 and a D-handle), and have issues and appreciation for each one. I was looking for a 2-base router since none of my present routers have both.
Ryobi was my first router. It was not a very good tool. The plunge mechanism never worked smoothly or well and I never could get a 1/4" colet to retain a hold on the bit. In all fairness, this was 20 years ago and I'm sure they are much different now.
I looked at the Milwaukee, Triton, and Makita, which I will lump together. All are excellent routers and get good owner reviews. The router I eventually purchased received equal positive reviews from owners but was half the price. I saw no reason to spend the extra money on an equivalent tool.
I next looked at Bosch, although I'll never buy another Bosch router. Overall I like Bosch tools - I own Bosch jigsaws, movable table saws, drills, miter saws (2)and other Bosch power tools. The problem is that no other or third party accessories will fit my 1619! Bosch doesn't even make a clear base for their routers for heavens sake!!! I spoke with a Bosch rep at a woodworking show who said he couldn't understand why Bosch didn't offer one for purchase but I could always make one. Although I was looking at a 1617 model with two bases I read reviews where a number of people had problems with the on/off switch; something pretty basic. Can you imagine getting all set up, flip the switch and - nothing - even with a less than one-year old tool? Even worse, consider having a sharp blade spinning at over 20,000 RPM's and trying to hold it with one hand while fumbling with the plug?
I next looked at Freud, but was turned off by the owner reviews, although the price was good (cheap).
I waited to look at PC because I knew I would appreciate the quality; and all of my current attachments (templates, fences, centering guides, and even my CLEAR BASE, etc. would fit what I purchased. I knew I couldn't go wrong with another PC router. But PC routers with dual bases are in the price class with the Milwaukee, Triton, and Makita.
Out of curiosity I looked at the Hitachi, mainly because I am more than pleased with the three trouble-free Hitachi nail guns I own. All the specs looked OK and owner reviews had only minor complaints: needing two wrenches to change bits, lots of grease, sticking 1/2 inch bits in the Collette, and a hard time finding a guide fence. These problems paled in comparison to faulty switches and low power and faulty bases. Knowing what I know now I would make this purchase again. Two of the complaints I found unfounded: hard to remove bits, and no fence guide available. My Porter Cable fence fits like it was made for the Hitachi and by loosening the colet until it stops, returning the wrench and giving it a half a turn will allow you to finger loose and extract the bit easily. And, in addition, I found no excessive amount of grease on the tool. It also comes with a complete collar set, A CLEAR BASE, and a good array of accessories.
I suppose that what finally determined my purchase was the price - not the best reason for buying a power tool. Had I not purchased this I would have gone with the PC, because of my positive personal experience and the accessory question. My experience with the Hitachi has not left me disappointed. It is a solid tool, that performs as advertised. When I have used it for a year or so, then I can make a determination about its durability, but it operates thus far without any defects. I am not disappointed with this purchase. When Bosch figures out that everyone who buys a router needs a clear base and may not want to make one, and when its base plate has holes that line up with anything else found on the market - then I'll take them more seriously.
I really like my Hitachi as well as any of my other routers and consider its quality to be better than some and at least equivalent in operation and features to others. The price savings on this quality tool is only a bonus - not THE best reason for making this purchase! I now use the Hitachi and PC 690 almost exclussivly ... with use leaning more to the Hitachi since it has a plunge base AND the regular base of my 690. Having the 690's allows for leaving bits in the router (like for dovetailing) so my settings are the same each time, and the Hatachi gives me the extra plunge ability.
My only reason for 4 stars lies within my personality - I have a hard time finding anything perfect. . . maybe something will come up later?
See all 66 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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