Hitachi M12VC 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Router |  | Brand: Hitachi
Category: Home Improvement
List Price: $245.87
Buy New: $107.99
as of 3/19/2010 15:12 CDT details
You Save: $137.88 (56%)
New (14) from $107.99
Rating:  31 reviews
Media: Tools & Hardware
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 7.3
Dimensions (in): 4 x 4 x 12
MPN: M12VC
Model: M12VC
UPC: 717709008298
EAN: 0717709008298
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Powered by an 11-amp variable speed motors, ranging from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM with soft start | | • | Electronic feedback system allows the bit to maintain the set RPM throughout all cuts | | • | Easy-to-use fixed base dials up and down along heavy duty grooves | | • | Includes 1-1/2-collet chuck, 1 1/4-collet chuck, 1 23mm wrench, 1 16mm wrench, 1 template guide adapter, and 1 template guide centering adjuster | | • | Backed by 5-year warranty |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The 2 1 4 HP model No. M12VC router from Hitachi combines a sweet design with Hitachi's unmatched electronic feedback router motor. The router is powered by an 11A variable speed motor with a RPM range of 8000 to 24,000 and Hitachi's electronic feedback s
Amazon.com Product Description
The Hitachi M12VC Variable-Speed Fixed-Base Router features a powerful motor and electronic speed control for making smooth cuts in a variety of materials. A welcome addition to any workshop, this precision router features electronic speed control, quiet operation, easy depth adjustments, and more, making it ideal for fine groove cutting, chamfering, window cutting, trimming, shaping, and pattern cutting. |  |
Features of this router include a top-mounted rotation-speed dial and nickel-plated motor housing.
(Click squares to zoom in on components.) |
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M12VC Variable-Speed Fixed-Base Router
Tool Specifications
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| | Power Input | 11 Amps | | Horsepower | 2-1/4 | | No-Load Speed | 8,000-24,000 RPM | | Insulation Method | Single Insulation | | No-Load Noise Level | 79.5 dB | | Collect Chuck Capacity | 1/2" & 1/4" | | Depth Adjustment System | Rotate the Motor Pack | | Motor Clamp | 2-Stage Lever | | Straight Edge Guide Position | Front | | Weight | 7.3 lbs. |
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Powerful Motor Operates Quietly
The M12VC's 11 Amp, 2-1/4 peak horsepower motor produces enough speed to cut through hardwoods with ease. Equipped with electronic speed control, the M12VC produces a no-load speed of 8,000-24,000 RPM. This means the router maintains constant RPM even as the load varies, so you'll get precise, controlled cuts in a wide range of materials.Despite its powerful motor, the M12VC operates quietly. In fact, this router has a class-leading noise level of just 79.5dB, which means you'll get a quiet workshop, reduced vibration, and improved control. Quick and Easy Depth Adjustments
The M12VC utilizes a two-stage motor release clamp for quick and accurate depth adjustments. The release clamp makes it easy to change from a fixed base to a plunge base (not included). Depth adjustments are also made easy by the nickel-plated motor housing, which also helps to reduce scratches and stains on the tool body. The M12VC has a collet capacity of 1/2 inch (not included) and 1/4 inch (included). Ergonomically Designed for Comfort and Control
Like all Hitachi tools, the M12VC is ergonomically designed to enhance comfort and control on the job. To start, this tool weighs only 7.3 pounds, making comfortable enough for freehand routing. Additionally, the handles are wrapped in Elastomer compound to reduce vibration and prevent slippage for ultimate control. For further ease of use, the fixed base offers a smooth work surface for gliding over the workpiece without scratching. The M12VC is backed by Hitachi's industry-leading five-year warranty. About Hitachi: A Tradition of Innovation
Hitachi Power Tools (Hitachi Koki USA, Ltd.) provides professional-grade power tools for a variety of applications, including woodwork, metalwork, concrete, drilling, cutting, and fastening. Hitachi is a leader in power tool research and development and has achieved many firsts in the power tool industry. Today, Hitachi continues the tradition of innovation and engineering with new features in addition to classic quality. What's in the Box
M12VC Router, 1/4-inch collet chuck, centering gauge, 16mm wrench, 23mm wrench, hex bar wrench (4mm), and hex socket HD bolt M5x10 (10 pieces).
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 31
Excellent Router February 13, 2010
Steven M. Petr (Oshkosh, WI USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've been using a router for over 30 years and have had good luck with most routers except the craftman which I have had problems with. I bought the Hitachi router to replaced my craftsman. I like the feel and performance of the Hitachi, however there is some drawbacks with it. First, there's no light within the bit area to help you see the work the bits doing while you are using it by hand vs mounted to a table. I had to ensure I had a lot of light while working indoors. Second, the on/off switch isn't on the handle for ease of use. The on/off switch is located at the top of the router. This makes it awkward when using this router by hand. The price and warranty make up for the two drawbacks I've mentioned.
opinion February 8, 2010
Boris Supin
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Having a good experience with the Hitachi brand I've purchased this one as an addition to my newly built third router table. Despite router's relatively medium power (1-3/4 HP), it managed to handle all tasks thrown at it with dignity (obviously, at lower speeds) from router carving a soap dish to complicated interlocking dovetail joinery.
The pros: Base of the router does fit in pre-drilled aluminum Rockler router plate that had bene originally designed and labeled "for Porter Cable 690 only". This plate had bene sitting in my shop for over two years, but I've never had a chance to outfit it with PC brand router, since both of my Porter- Cables are set for specific tasks and I prefer not to change the settings. Woodhaven or similar brand offers base plates on Amazon for Hitachi M12VC and Porter cable as separate ones (so does Rockler). I'm glad that there is no need to special order anything and these two models are interchangeable. Just make sure that you orient the handles right, when positioning the baseplate- otherwise, the router won't fit into your table opening- learned the hard way that the handles are about two inches wider in certain position than the standard 9" X 12" aluminum base. The noise is minimal in decibels, although there is a lot of metallic clunking (first, I've thought that the internal bearings should "broken in", but, even after over sixty hours, the metal noise exists, though no signs of mechanical defects). The cam lock on the body is great and thankfully provides a positive grip with minimum effort. Mine had been too loose and the body originally slipped down during the cut, once positioned in the table, but it took only two twists/ turns of the crank to make things perfect. I prefer using the story sticks for setups, so the depth dial was not important, although it proved rather accurate (checked it, but won't be using this feature). The best part is the little shoulder on the collets for the wrenches that prevents any slippage. In my Porter Cables the wrenches always came together slipping and sliding to the small "neck" area between the collet and the shaft. This router's shoulder prevent this, what makes changing bits a breeze. I didn't use the 1/4' collet, but the half inch one has a cute double locking feature: the initial tightening allows placing the bit in the correct position to prevent bottoming out and the second half turn after that securely locks it in place (that was also a concern, after reading the review about router bits coming loose). I typically read only negative comments prior to purchasing anything- that allows a better understanding of the overall rating of the tools, since sometimes a perfect tool might get a one star only because it had been damaged in shipping, arrived late or for some other silly irrelevant reason. Another good feature of this tool- is the ability of the collet to protrude slightly over the base: sometimes, even with a two inch long bit, one can miss that couple thousands of an inch to get to the desired depth, especially mortising thick table legs (on most routers that table insert consumes already 1/4" of the possible height, but not on this one). The handles are nice and soft, although I wasn't planing to use this particular router as a handheld, but rounding over free hand/ upright proved to be effortless. The brushes don't show much wear after 60+ hours (I've purchased this router only a week ago). On one of them the contact was poor initially- showed uneven wear, but I've fixed that by stretching slightly the spring. Rubber cord is long and great- once properly stretched doesn't have any memory like cheap plastic armored ones. Variable speed is good: it comes in six settings, but you'll have to set your rotations by ear (to me, the dial somewhere between 4 and 5 seems like about 20 RPM, and that's where I'd leave it for bowl rough plowing at 1/4" depth- yes, if can handle that without bogging and skipping 1/8" increments with cherry at least). The price of $118 with free shipping seems very fair.
The cons: made in China (thus probably the clunking noise) and ugly looks (but who cares about sticking out chunks of metallic auto paint, when the router is out of sight most of the time, when mounted on the table?). The 1/4" collet that came with my router develops eccentric movement- I believe it's just a faulty one, since a ½" bit, being off center, could easily rout a 3/4" dado. The bit doesn't slip out, but I decided not using this collet (anyway 1/4" shanks produce more heat and always suitable for majority of the works). The main downside is lack of the soft start. When I first fired the router without any collets or bits- just to check the power, it twisted my wrists like the cumbersome "Skill" that I've purchased back in early 90-s. Since then I've probably spoiled myself with more advanced tools, most of which had soft start as a standard feature. Even that sudden jerking has caught me by surprise first time, I'm still unable to get used to this procedure at the start when your arms are tired in a knot by inertia created from sudden increase of speed from 0 to 24,000 RPM. That might be a good feature on a car merging the highway traffic, but not for hand held operations (well, my router sits in the table now, and initial rev is subsided by the beefy construction). The power on/ off switch that came with my router is protruding slightly above the base. Not much- only about 1/4', but that makes it slightly uncomfortable while changing bits with the wobbly router dancing upside down on the workbench and once I've plugged the router with the switch "on" (not a big deal, since the router had bene already seated in the table, although a possible hazard, if anything would be touching it).
I am taking one star away from this wonderful tool only because the lack of the soft start. I double checked the technical data and couldn't find any advertisement about that feature on this particular router, although believe that the jerking created on my unit is way out of hand or "more into hands" (it could very easily be just a lemon, but I won't be going through the hassle of exchanging/ returning). Other little cons are not important and the router is great.
 best router for the money December 13, 2009
SAF (CA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
eronomically sound. low noise. somewhat light for a powerful router. great buy all around. theres nothing on the market which is better (for the price).
Good router November 15, 2009
Connie S. Richardson (S.E. Texas USA)
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is my first router and I love it. Performed like I imagined. It may be a year before I use it again so it's not going to be used hard. The router worked well for what I needed it for.
 could be better October 21, 2009
L. dawson (ontario canada)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
had this router for only a short while so can not comment long term runs well works great both bases are easy to use it has two tools to change the bits which i favor [the two wrenches supplied are poor to say the least] the thing that i realy do not like is the collet nut nobody uses square nuts on anything but this has a square nut four sided collet and is very hard to change bits unless you remove the motor from the base
Showing reviews 1-5 of 31
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