Last Updated on August 30, 2024 by James Walton
Are you searching for a compact router kit for your all kinds of woodwork’s? Let me tell you, the Hitachi KM12VC Router Combo Kit is a complete router kit from Hitachi. Buy it and you will have a total cost-effective package. There is a common idea among most of the professionals that for every different job, they own a different router.
But, DIY dads or many amateur woodworkers like to have a router combo kit that provides maximum versatility at a less price. So, most of the renowned manufacturers are now producing versatile wood routers, and the Hitachi KM12VC is a consequence of that.
The most amazing feature of this router is how quiet it is. Despite its huge power, it has a no-load noise level of 79.5dB. As noise is a product of vibration, so it has less vibration. Being one of the quietest routers that we’ve tested, this fact makes it less tiring to use.
System Features Come With Hitachi Router KM12VC
You have already got the best features in our today’s Hitachi Router Review. Now, it’s time to know some system features that make your money spend on this Hitachi wood router.
- Plunge base offers a very durable and comfortable use to the operators.
- Depth-adjustments are smooth.
- Two-wrenches are needed when you do bit changes.
- All you have to do is turning the motor in the base to allow depth adjustment on the fixed base.
- One of the traditional routing models in the market compared to other models.
- You will get all the details in the manual come with this Hitachi router machine.
- There is a big space around a side case. So, you can store all other necessary kits in it. And sometimes you can store the whole kit-set.
- All the necessary things like motor, collets, guide adapter, centering gauge, case, and fixed bases come with this accordingly.
Hitachi KM12VC Router- Best Features
Hitachi tools are always in top pick in the world of millions of tools. That’s the reason; there are some Hitachi lovers who only would like to buy KM12VC wood Router.
Now, we are going to talk about those highlighted features of the Hitachi Router table.
So, sit back tighter and know the worth!
Powerful Performance With Variable-Speed Motor
According to power, the Hitachi KM12VC is in the mid-range. It produces a decent 2-1/4 HP, which is sufficient to use larger 1/2-inch shank bits. The motor has an amazing speed range from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM, so you can precisely match the speed to the size of the cutter and the type of stock.
Motor Capacity
Its 11 amp 2 ¼ HP motor has the flexibility to produce the appropriate amount of speed to cut even the hardest woods. This router machine also offers electronic speed control. So, it can produce 8,000 to 24,000 RPM without load-speed.
This also allows constant consistency in RPM while the load and speed may vary. But, you still get the precise cuts using different types of materials.
No-Sound Performance
There is a myth that a heavy power motor makes bigger noise that may annoy the operator. Being having the powerful motor capacity, this router still runs without creating any sound. The fact is that this router only creates a 79.5-decibel level.
So, noiseless performance lets you concentrate on the work without any hassle issue. You will be thankful to the manufacturer for the vibration-free cutting experience. The best is to play some background music.
Soft Start
The soft start motor is another great feature of the Hitachi KM12VC. It gradually increases the speed from low to full, as well as prevents any kind of a jerk. It enables the user to handle it comfortably on start-up. It not only reduces strain and wear on the motor but also leads to longer motor life.
User-Friendly Design
Hitachi tools are always made keeping their customers in the mind. Most of the Hitachi wood routers are comfortable and user-friendly for their unique ergonomic design. Else, are you searching for a lightweight wood router? This could be the ideal one for you as it only weighs 7.3 pounds.
Accurate Fixed
Whether the router is of fixed base or plunge, it needs to adjust bit depth accurately. While using the fixed base, adjustment on the Hitachi KM12VC is done with a depth adjustment ring. To adjust the bit depth, it just releases the locking lever and turns the depth adjustment ring to raise or lower the cutter.
Turning off the adjustment ring rather than the motor is a useful feature. So the position of the power cord, the speed control, and the on/off switch does not change about the router table or the handles. If they don’t twist into an unattainable location, the power cord doesn’t get twisted.
Plunge Cuts
In a router with the plunge base, there is a fine depth adjustment knob and an adjustable turret stop for accurate depth control. So, the Hitachi plunge router could be a perfect one for you.
Elastic Handles
There are many woodcutters who have frequently complained about painful hands after working for several hours. So, a soft paddled handles are needed for the comfortable work performance. You can work without any slipping risk even.
- 2 – 1/ 4 HP motor
- You can accomplish versatile cuttings like window cutting, trimming, fine groove cutting, shaping etc.
- Excellent depth adjustment.
- Silent working environment.
- 2 stage motor release clamp.
- Being less weight, you can easily carry it.
- You can face troubles for bit release
- Carbon brushes may not work appropriately
Technical Details in a Glance
Tool Dimensions | 4 x 22.2 x 116 in |
Highlighted Feature | Plunge |
Source Of The Power | Corded-Electric |
Color | Green |
Weight | 9.9 pounds |
Operating Voltage | 120 volts |
FAQ On Hitachi KM12VC Wood Routers
There are always some queries on the people’s mind about the products they are going to buy, right?
Well, we are going to highlight some most important FAQ about Hitachi KM12VC routers.
Question: Does the router come with a case?
Answer: Though some people complained about the tool that the router doesn’t come with the case. But, the Hitachi manufacture offers a green molded-plastic case. In the case, you can store the router plunge, wrenches, and other components.
Question: How to set the depth setting while using each base?
Answer: You can easily raise or lower the bit by rotating. It has a ring around it which has 64th of an inch graduations. So, when you change a bit, there occurs a placement of the bit. And it is a repeating process.
Question: How to do fine adjustments?
Answer: Keeping the router unplugged, you have to install a router bit. Make sure you are keeping the router body free just by lifting the cam lever.
You have to rotate the router body until the top of the bit is even with the surface bottom of the router. This is so easy work to do. That’s mean you have to set the router on a piece of wood and keep rotating until the bit is stick to wood.
If you want to clamp the router body then do it by closing the cam lever. And to lock the height, close the cam lever at the required point.
Question: Does this Hitachi wood router backed by the manufacturer?
Answer: The manufacturer of Hitachi KM12VC offers a warranty for it. You can read its warranty and support disclosure from its authentication site or Amazon.
Question: What Are the Special features of it?
Answer: Variable speed and plunge are one of the most unique features of it that makes it different from other routers
What Do Others Say? –Customer Reviews
The Hitachi KM12VC has been reviewed more than 240 times on Amazon by verified Amazon reviewers and got a score of maximum out of 5 stars on an average by the time I was writing this article. Amazing, isn’t it?
The customer reviews are as expected as its score. One user found it comfortable to change the bits. He said, ‘I have one already and bought another to use under my router table. This is an amazing, simple router that is easy to change bits on.’
Another user found it great for a neat edge. According to him, ‘If you need to trim on shelving, make your own moldings and anything that requires a nice, neat edge; you can use it to do so.’
Best Alternative Choices Instead Of Hitachi Router KM12VC
There are many people who won’t able to take decision for buying KM12VC Hitachi wood router after seeing our Hitachi km12vc review.
So, we are bringing two alternatives to it.
Bosch Router Power Tools 1617EVSPK
Bosch is one of the most reputed authorities to create tools for the craftsmen. It includes the most powerful 2.5 horsepower motor with the combination of plunge and fixed base tool.
Most of the woodworker loves it for its multiple features like soft-start and variable speed dial. This wood router let the operator works smoother for its consistency of speed under load.
There is quick clamp on the bases. So, you can easily mount it on the router table.
DEWALT Router Fixed/Plunge Base Kit, Variable Speed, 12-Amp, 2-1/4-HP (DW618PK)
Its 12-amp electronic variable speed motor allows the user to cut and rout the wood precisely. Are you going to deal with the hardest woods? Then this is the router to get now!
One of the superior features to fall in love with is dust collection. So, you are getting dust-free routing experience with the minimum dirt hassle.
Bosch is one of the most reputed authorities to create tools for the craftsmen. It includes the most powerful 2.5 horsepower motor with the combination of plunge and fixed base tool.
Most of the woodworker loves it for its multiple features like soft-start and variable speed dial. This wood router let the operator works smoother for its consistency of speed under load.
There is quick clamp on the bases. So, you can easily mount it on the router table.
Its 12-amp electronic variable speed motor allows the user to cut and rout the wood precisely. Are you going to deal with the hardest woods? Then this is the router to get now!
One of the superior features to fall in love with is dust collection. So, you are getting dust-free routing experience with the minimum dirt hassle.
Final Verdict
As an expert user of the wood router, I have a long experience and read different Hitachi reviews. Trust me, I found the Hitachi KM12VC router with the best quality. It has all the necessary tools, last longer and needs less servicing than its competitors. So, if you are planning to buy an amazing router for your job, you need to make sure the router is the perfect one and contains all the necessary features to carry out your tasks smoothly. If you still in confuse to choose the best wood routers, please don’t miss my complete buying guide on the Best wood router reviews.