Thoughts on the Hitachi M12VC Router?

I bought one, but have not used it yet. I bought it based on the reviews to have a second router for my dovetail fixture. One note of caution is even though they are listed as the M12VC some of them only come with the 1/4 inch collet and the 1/2 inch is accessory. I bought mine from Menards with has both. The one on the Lowes web only list the 1/4.

Bill

-- Bill R

I’ve had one for a few years. I like how quiet and light it is. It’s been a solid performer, and is a great value, but I’ve never tried it under the table. It should work fine, but I think it’ll be old school for bit and height changes, as I don’t believe there’s any above table adjustments.

Ever consider a speed controller for the MW?

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

”Ever consider a speed controller for the MW?”

Ah I hadn’t thought about that. Thanks, knotscott! And thank you, Bill, for the heads up on the collets.

I have one. I have the full kit with both bases and two collets. Mine is usually mounted in my CNC machine, but I get it out when I need heft in my router table. Knotscott is right that you can’t do height and bit changes from the top. I think it’s an excellent router and a great value.

Even if you do get a speed controller for the MW, having separate routers for hand and table use is really nice….I’d hate to talk you out of doing that if that was your plan.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

Great router – quietest/smoothest in its class.

-- Optimists are usually disappointed. Pessimists are either right or pleasantly surprised. I tend to be a disappointed pessimist.

I’ll likely get both the speed controller and the router. MLCS has a a heavy duty controller for $40.00. The quiet factor is also a big selling point. My Milwaukee screams like a banshee…

I don’t know about the 2.25 hp version, but I sure didn’t have any luck with the big M12V.
Very poor 1/4” collet sleeves let bits slip.
I decided on the Dewalt 618 instead.

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush