good deal on router

[gonar]

so I bought a jasper jig for circle cutting and when it arrived I discovered that it wasn't compatible with my el-cheapo generic no-brand $50 router.

taking this as an opportunity to get a better router, I started looking around, figuring I'd get a basic 1hp name brand router.

got lucky and found a nice hitachi 2.5 hp with both fixed and plunge bases. it's not a pro grade router, but a really nice hobbyist router. it arrived last night and it looks so nice, I thought I'd share...

anyway, hitachi km12vc, $99 + shipping (315 list), toolbarn.com

if this posting is inappropriate, moderators please purge it. just wanted to share a good deal with the folks who've helped me learn so much.

[CupCak3]

Ooh nice find. I may just jump on this.

For anyone wondering, you can see some reviews here:

http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-KM12VC-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B0002ZZWX8/

[chrisn]

I do believe that is the same model I ordered. Gotta wait till next week for it I doubt my craftsman circle jig will work on this so I'll ned some thinner wood to make a new jig.

[stangbat]

I ordered one of these and it showed up today. (Thanks for the tip, gonar) I've never owned a router before, but this looks like a good piece of equipment for $99.

I did some Googling and it looks like at least some if not all Porter Cable accessories for the 690 model routers will work with it. For example the 42160 Edge Guide. It also looks like the Jasper Circle Jigs will fit it just fine.

Craftsman has a similar router that has integrated LED work lights for $20 more.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917543000P?keyword=router

Edit: I saw this same exact Hitachi router set today (2/27) at Lowes for $179.

[chrisn]

Got mine today. I opened it up and looked at it, it is too cold outside to try it out

[mikela]

Does the Hitachi work with the Jasper 200? I am also looking at the Dewalt DW618PKV but it is considerably more.

Mike

[ThomasW]

I am also looking at the Dewalt DW618PKV but it is considerably more.

It's an ok router but the dust collection system is worthless, get the 621 instead it has an excellent dust collection system.

FWIW I have both the 618 and 621...

[JonP]

It's an ok router but the dust collection system is worthless, get the 621 instead it has an excellent dust collection system.

FWIW I have both the 618 and 621...

I keep hearing that... :W I have a 618, never tried a 621, or I might be spoiled. The 618's dust collection isn't completely non functional, only gets 50-70% of the dust. You only have it on the plunge base, anyway.

On the up side(s), you have the multi base capability. I prefer using the fixed (smaller) base when doing flush trimming and roundovering. And, being able to remove the motor will make it easy to use in a router table, if I ever get off my a$$ and install the one I bought for my table saw!

But, not having to vaccum tons of MDF dust the garage, or even the driveway, would be a nice thing!

Tradeoffs...

[stangbat]

Does the Hitachi work with the Jasper 200? I am also looking at the Dewalt DW618PKV but it is considerably more.

Mike

Yes. I've used my Hitachi KM12VC with the 200 several times over the last two weeks.

[ThomasW]

I keep hearing that... :W I have a 618, never tried a 621, or I might be spoiled. The 618's dust collection isn't completely non functional, only gets 50-70% of the dust. You only have it on the plunge base, anyway.

Jon,

It's one of those "comparatively speaking" things. I bought a refurb 621 and used it for quite a while. When the power switch broke I started looking around for a replacement and decided to get the 618 combo since it was offered at an amazing price. After one use the 618 has been gathering dust (not making it), because it's dust collection system is so poor compared to that of the 621.

If dust collection isn't a priority then the 618 package is a good deal.

Since I have a couple Hitachi MV12's for routing outdoors, I insist on good dust collection for any router that's used indoors. The 621 is the best 'low cost' router I've found that has very good dust collection, since I'm way too cheap to pay the premium for Festool products..

[Gir]

It's one of those "comparatively speaking" things. I bought a refurb 621 and used it for quite a while. When the power switch broke I started looking around for a replacement and decided to get the 618 combo since it was offered at an amazing price. After one use the 618 has been gathering dust (not making it), because it's dust collection system is so poor compared to that of the 621.

Let me know if you feel like parting with that 618

[JonP]

Jon,

It's one of those "comparatively speaking" things. I bought a refurb 621 and used it for quite a while. When the power switch broke I started looking around for a replacement and decided to get the 618 combo since it was offered at an amazing price. After one use the 618 has been gathering dust (not making it), because it's dust collection system is so poor compared to that of the 621.

If dust collection isn't a priority then the 618 package is a good deal.

Since I have a couple Hitachi MV12's for routing outdoors, I insist on good dust collection for any router that's used indoors. The 621 is the best 'low cost' router I've found that has very good dust collection, since I'm way too cheap to pay the premium for Festool products..

Festool... now we're talking money! :E

Another aspect to my opinion... it should be noted that I'm a So Cal native and resident.

My driveway is available year round, except when it's raining, and how often does that happen down here? If I had to be indoors for part of the year like many... I'd be a LOT pickier about dust removal!

A major part of my router dust control system is my garage door.... :T

[kejolly]

Thanks for the heads up gonar

Thanks for the notice gonar...mine is on order :T

[ThomasW]

Let me know if you feel like parting with that 618

I pulled the motor and have it mounted in a router table plate