Which router to keep?

[jlm]

Over the past couple weeks I've managed to pick up a couple good router deals at the Lowe's closeouts. I got a Hitachi M12VC a couple weeks ago for $77, and today found one of the Freud FT1700VCEK's for $96. Both are new in box with all accessories.

Now I have to decide which one to keep. I've looked them both over closely, but haven't actually applied either one to wood yet. On close inspection I really like the design and feel of the Hitachi (but not the colors and alien plastic crap). The lock lever and height adjustment are smooth as butter, and general fit and finish is quite nice, plus it's the quietest router I've ever heard. You could almost use that thing (at lower speeds, anyway) without hearing protection. But the Freud has the above-the-table features that would make life in a router table much simpler. Both are claimed "2 1/4 HP" motors, and pretty close in all other relevant specification.

I already have a PC693 2-base kit for handheld use, so whoever gets to stay will live in the router table more or less permanently.

So, which one goes back to the store?

[L. D. Jeffries]

I'd keep the Hitachi, but only because I've had one installed permanately in a router table and have nothing but good things to say about it. Sturdy, powerful and long lived; going on 8 years now! My .02 worth. Price is good too, I paid nearly $200 for mine.

[JimD]

I have used router table both with and without screw adjustment of depth from the top. With is much nicer. If the Freud gives that to you without having to buy a lift, that is a significant advantage to me. You could use a router raizer (I may be a bit off on the name) with the Hitachi but that would be nearly another $100.

Jim

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I don't understand the question. Which ONE to keep?

Seriously, if at all possible you should really keep both of them. Freud in the table and Hitachi for hand held use. I have that Hitachi in a router lift and use it exclusively for pattern trimming and small detail bits. It is pretty quite and as noted quite ugly. The Freud in the table would be great if the above table function works well. I assume you still have to go under table to disengage a locking mechanism, turn it on, etc. Direct mount routers are still quite a way off versus accuracy of a lift, but there is cost savings. Having said that I can not image what a pain removing a router from the table in order to use for hand held use would be.

Again, if possible I would keep both.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

You could use a router raizer (I may be a bit off on the name) with the Hitachi but that would be nearly another $100.

Router Razier is for the 3.25hp Hitachi M12V or M12V2, not M12VC. I have no idea why in the world they used such similar model numbers for such different routers!

[Knottscott]

Since that's not the big Hitachi, I'd definitely keep the Freud. Those above table features are terrific. My FT1700 sits in the router table most of the time, while a very good Milwaukee 5625 powerhouse sits on a shelf.

[big tim]

Of course you keep them both!

Tim

[Hellrazor]

I don't understand the question. Which ONE to keep?

The real question is which router will you buy as #3.

[Uncle Cracker]

I definitely agree! You should buy more... At least until you have one for every bit...

[LCHIEN]

Router Razier is for the 3.25hp Hitachi M12V or M12V2, not M12VC. I have no idea why in the world they used such similar model numbers for such different routers!

yeah what kind of imagination do the guys in their Router marketing dept have? 26 letters and ten numbers in thousands of combinations if you don't stick to words and that's the best they could do to differentiate them???? Very hard to remember which is which. to say the least.

[gwyneth]

Router Razier is for the 3.25hp Hitachi M12V or M12V2, not M12VC. I have no idea why in the world they used such similar model numbers for such different routers!

My theory is that the edgy marketing department that came up with the space alien designs and color scheme is trying to promote the use of "12" as an alternate term for all routers.

It hasn't caught on anywhere else but they persist with their vision.

Or, alternate thought: perhaps "12" really does mean "router" on the planet from which the designers came.

[BT3 WOODOG]

I have that Frued,and it locks & unlocks from above the table!

[jlm]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I think I'll keep the Freud, since for the $19 price difference I get the above-the-table features. Nobody seems to make a router lift that fits the smaller Hitachi, so it would probably be less ideal in the table.

[Knottscott]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I think I'll keep the Freud, since for the $19 price difference I get the above-the-table features. Nobody seems to make a router lift that fits the smaller Hitachi, so it would probably be less ideal in the table.

Considering your described usage needs, and current possession of your PC690 kit, I think you're making the best choice for table use. The Freud has more advantages in the table. Had the Hitachi been the 3hp model, or had you needed plunge capability, there'd be more compelling arguments for the Hitachi.

The price you paid for the Hitachi kit is very low....likely the lowest I've seen. If you're not going to keep it, I hope you don't return it to the point of purchase. Instead, maybe you could offer it here in the Member Classifieds, and share the deal with a member here, or you could put it Ebay and/or Craigslist and make a couple of bucks for your tool fund!

Good luck with your new router.

[LCHIEN]

naming Hitachi routers

My theory is that the edgy marketing department that came up with the space alien designs and color scheme is trying to promote the use of "12" as an alternate term for all routers.

It hasn't caught on anywhere else but they persist with their vision.

Or, alternate thought: perhaps "12" really does mean "router" on the planet from which the designers came.

i THINK 12 MEANS THAT they have 1/2" collets to accept 1/2" shank bits.
M means it has a motor and VC means very cool or somthing (has to do with the green alien coloring). V might mean variable but that would be too obvious.
So the order of the letters is key. I'm just not sure what the key is.

So MV12 is a motorized router with a 1/2" collet max capacity. Variable
and an M12VC is a very cool motorized router again with a 1/2" collet.
This leaves more flexibility so that they can also have a
12MVC router with a motor and that innovative 1/2" collet
and perhaps a future model (nothing like adding more features), the
V12MC that features, (hold onto your hats, now) a motor and an oversized 1/2" collet.


At some point, for the guys who collect antique planes, Hitachi will come out with a 12HCV router
that features (grin) a 1/2" collet and hand cranked variable speed (no motor).