Hitachi KM12VC Variable Speed Router w/ 2 Bases - $139

[jcmchris]

Hitachi KM12VC 2 1/4 horsepower variable speed router with plunge and fixed bases for $132 w/ free shipping.

link

[siliconbauhaus]

must have missed it...its back to 189 now.....d'oh

[Vermonster]

And now $191.89

Don't you love Amazon's "dynamic pricing".

[jcmchris]

Still good.

Look to the right and you will see the $139 price.

[FL Buckeye]

Still looks good to me too, except it says would ship in 1 to 2 months. Guess if you can wait that long...

[maxparot]

Lowes carries this model so you may be able to get a price match.

[asdf]

Check out the fine print on the right, under "More Buying Choices":

Amazon.com
Price: $139.99
Usually ships in 1 to 2 months

[Pakaderm]

Is this a good first router? I've been watching the Bosch 1617 @ amazon but the price has remained constant for quick some time. Would this be a good choice for me?

-Pak

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Is this a good first router? I've been watching the Bosch 1617 @ amazon but the price has remained constant for quick some time. Would this be a good choice for me?

-Pak

Without question, it would be a perfectly fine first router. More folks have the Bosch, but reviews show only minor differences between most dual base kits.

[gsmittle]

You guys are terrible!!!

Trying to get me in trouble with LOML!!!!

Must resist......clicking link button......

Amazon.....NOOOOOOOOOOOO.......

No, honey, of course I wouldn't order a tool I don't need right away!

g.

[Pakaderm]

Without question, it would be a perfectly fine first router. More folks have the Bosch, but reviews show only minor differences between most dual base kits.

Thanks Jeffrey. I ordered one. I suppose if something else comes along until it ships I'll look at that. Now, about router bits.... Should I get a kit or buy them 1-3 at a time for each project?

-Pak

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Trying to get me in trouble with LOML!!!!

Must resist......clicking link button......

Amazon.....NOOOOOOOOOOOO.......

No, honey, of course I wouldn't order a tool I don't need right away!

g.

Dude! It has a 1 month back order. The way I see it you are anticipating a future need of a tool that you will need right away!

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Thanks Jeffrey. I ordered one. I suppose if something else comes along until it ships I'll look at that. Now, about router bits.... Should I get a kit or buy them 1-3 at a time for each project?

-Pak

Very frequently asked question and everyone has their opinion. Some will advise to buy just the bits you need as you need them and buy highest quality possible. Some will advise to buy a basic 7 - 15 piece high end set for around $100 and supplement as needed. Others will advise to buy a large medium quality 35 - 50 piece set and if one of them break or get dull and it is a frequently used bit then replace with high end bit.

I am in the last catagory. Bought the 1/2" collet set from holbren.com

http://www.holbren.com/product.php?p...6&cat=0&page=1

IMHO Brian (owner of Holbren and frequent poster here at BT3) picked the best profiles and there are real no useless profiles like you find in some of the sets. His 35 piece set is $100 and there is a 10% discount for BT3 members (don't remember code off hand). Free shipping. I have used this set a LOT and it has peformed well. I broke one key hole type bit and he immediately replaced it with no questions. In fact I was inquiring as to order another and 2 days later it showed up in the mail. Brian is known for his excellent service. Note that Holbren.com also sells higher end Whitesides bits. I recently purchased a plywood size straight bit for high end, very expensive hardwood plywood. I decided to go with Whitesides on that as I wanted the best quality possible.
Bits that I have bought outside the set include plywood bit (to snugly fit undersized plywood), slot cutters from Bosch for some intensive tounge and groove, a couple Freud raised panel sets, a Makita raised panel set (watch for that special which is frequently posted on the bargin alerts forum, great set around $30!). I also have purchased "back up" profiles that are frequently used in the Holbren set when I catch them on sale at Woodcraft. Woodcraft often has a $5 bit sale where they sell 10 - 15 profiles for $5 each. These are pretty decent bits. I figure sooner or later the rabbeting bit in the Holbren set will wear out and I'll have the WC back ups.

[siliconbauhaus]

as it's on back order...does that mean they bill you right away for it or wait until it ships ?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

as it's on back order...does that mean they bill you right away for it or wait until it ships ?

In my experience they don't charge until they have the item in stock and begin the pre-shipment phase. Note that Amazon is real good about giving worst case senerio wait times. It could say 1-2 months and ship next week.