Hitachi M12V2 15 amp 3-1/4-Horsepower Plunge Base Variable Speed Plunge Router with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch Collets
- 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
Includes: Straight Guide – 956797, Centering Gauge – 325233, Dust Adapter – 325215, Guide Bar – 325216, Wing Bolt – 301806, Wrench – 323293, 1/4″ Collet – 323293, 1/2″ Collet – 301795.
Easily converts to table use. Bits can be easily changed from a table mounting as the collet chuck is designed to protrude 6mm from the upper side of the table. Equipped with an improved collet chuck that secures the bit into the armature shaft for maximum hold. Dust guide diverts dust and debris away from the w
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(out of 43 reviews)
List Price: $ 397.78
Price: $ 202.20
Review by Robin K for Hitachi M12V2 15 amp 3-1/4-Horsepower Plunge Base Variable Speed Plunge Router with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch Collets
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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.
Review by F Niles for Hitachi M12V2 15 amp 3-1/4-Horsepower Plunge Base Variable Speed Plunge Router with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch Collets
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I wanted to get a router to mount in a table and after doing a bit of research I decided to buy this Hitachi. I haven’t used it a lot, but I am very pleased so far. The controls are easy to use, it has plenty of power, runs smooth in all speeds and best of all, even though it is table mounted bit changes are easily done from above the table!
I bought it on Amazon for $159 with free shipping…at that price I think it is one one the best values in it’s class. Plus hitachi warranties this product for 5 years.
As I said at the I haven’t used it a whole lot, but I have no doubt that it will perform well in its intended use!
Review by C. Young for Hitachi M12V2 15 amp 3-1/4-Horsepower Plunge Base Variable Speed Plunge Router with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch Collets
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I was looking for a large, powerful router for woodworking to replace an old router I own. This one has performed beyond my expectations. It is much larger in size than I imagined, but all the controls, clamps, adjustments, etc. were thought out and executed so well, that its size hasn’t been an issue at all.
Review by RT for Hitachi M12V2 15 amp 3-1/4-Horsepower Plunge Base Variable Speed Plunge Router with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch Collets
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I was needing a router to be used with a ProMax Cast Iron Table. I looked at several routers before deciding on this one. I saw the tool had a very good warranty, but questioned the low price. However, this is one deal where quality, power and design are excellant. Also did not have to buy anything extra for fine tuning, i.e. a router lift. After using it for a while I find only one minor issue. The collet likes to hug the bit. I have several other routers, including Bosch, Milwaukee an old Black and Decker and etc. Their power ranges from 3/4 hp to 3 1/4. They are all good tools and do what they were built for. However, the Hitachi will clearly hold it’s own with my other routers. Won’t waste time thinking if I need another router.
Review by Patrick T. Robinson for Hitachi M12V2 15 amp 3-1/4-Horsepower Plunge Base Variable Speed Plunge Router with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch Collets
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I bought this router as an upgrade from a crappy, underpowered Craftsman 1/4″ router that I had for years. That thing was so bad that it turned me off from using routers, and I hardly touched it for years. It was underpowered, wouldn’t hold a bit, and screamed like a banchee even under light cuts.
Now that I have this new M12V2 I love routing again! It’s awesome.
High Points:
Power: This thing is powerful! I just ordered some panel raising bits and have no doubt this will drive those very well. I will try to get back in here and give an update after some experience with these big bits. I has powered through 3/4″ cuts easily (even when I tried to hog too much)
Plunge: Smooth as silk!
Speed control: Having it on the handle is really, really nice. It is right under your right thumb. I use it for every startup and shutdown. It gives you a reall feel of control.
Table mount: Mounted easily, and height control is easy with the standard height adjustment knob.
Low Points:
Size: This thing is BIG and heavy. You will probably want to have a smaller router as well to complement this router.
Collet: So far I have been having trouble getting bits into and out of the collet. Hopefully this will wear in and get easier. I will try to do an update after a couple of months.
Overall I am thrilled.
Patrick Robinson
Washington Woodworker
Update: I have had this router for 6 months now and still love it. The collet has loosened up nicely and bits come out easily. You need to make sure that the collet is snapped together when you put the bits in place, or they will be hard to remove. It has a ton of power. I have been driving large bits and it just plows through hard woods. It works great in my router table!