Router kit: Hitachi Vs. Rigid Vs. ??

[tfischer]

Hi all-- been awhile since I've posted here, unfortunately haven't had much shop time this year.

I was doing a small project the other day and my trusty, but cheap, old router died a spectacular death (threw out the top bearing, spewing balls everywhere, making a heckuva racket, and scaring the jeebies out of me...)

Anyway, I'm looking to replace it. I want something reasonably good, since the router is such an important tool, but I also need to watch the budget. I alos think I want one of the multi-base kits (plunge & fixed).

I came across the Hitachi KM12VC kit on Amazon for only $121. I went to Lowes to check it out (they wanted $180) and it looks nice. Most reviews are positive, but some had a couple minor reservations.

Just for comparison, I went to the BORG and checked out what RIGID had. I love the RIGID tools I have and, as expected, was impressed by their router kit offering (R29301 I think). It was pretty nice -- with such 'upgrades' as collet lock, dust collection, LED lights (that evidently actually work well, according to the reviews, above-the-table height adjustment, etc. But it's $200 (plus I'd have to pay sales tax).

So any thoughts? Am I going to be happy with the Hitachi and the $80+ savings, or am I always going to regret stepping up? $200 also buys the Bosch kit, but it lacks most of the same extra features as the Hitachi...

Interested in feedback. I know most people tend to either love or hate what they have, and know little about other models, but...

-Tim

[sandoz71]

I have the Rigid kit and love it. Powerful and quiet it really does the job. Base changing can be a bit finicky though. Nothing major just needs to be finessed sometimes. The LEDs really do make a help. I think I got mine about a year ago for sub-200. I can’t speak to the Hitachi kit but can say you won’t go wrong with the Rigid.

[dbhost]

I have the KM12VC and LOVE it. I looked at the Ridgid and it was nice, but was out of my price range when I was buying. I had a hard limit of $150.00. I have NO regrets with the Hitachi.

***UPDATE***

I had to add this bit here. The only Ridgid combo kits I have seen are the ones in the HD display, and we all know how tool department displays are notoriously trashed. BUT... The plunge base Ridgid felt "notchy" during the plunge stroke. The Hitachi, is smooth throughout it's entire operation. There are some lacks with the Hitachi, the LED light that Ridgid has is lacking on the Hitachi, but that is something I never use anyway. I like to physically line my bits up. I don't use the laser my my CMS either. I have gotten to the point I am convinced that those things are just gimmicks.

The more serious lack though, is the lack of a dust collection port. It IS offered as an accessory through Hitachi, but I have learned through experience with my B&D Firestorm plunger that the hose is a HUGE hassle when routing free hand, and my table has dust collection already anyway... I do ALL of my freehand routing out in the driveway anyway because I have WAY more room to move around...

Don't get me wrong, the Ridgid Stuff I own, I like, a LOT, but I just couldn't justify the extra $80.00 (+ $6.60 tax) for the Ridgid when I could get the KM12VC combo kit, and nearly another one, or a complete KM12V motor and fixed base to keep in the router table.

[Knottscott]

I dunno about the Ridgid or the plunge base for the Hitachi, but I am very pleased with the fixed base Hitachi M12VC. It replaced a nice Bosch 1617 for handheld and dovetail work.

[jhart]

Hey Tim, good to see you back at the forum. When I was looking a for a new router a while ago, I narrowed down to the DeWalt 618 or the Bosch 1617. Both seem to be favored by folks on the forum. Went with the DeWalt as I felt the plunge was smoother when I tried both of them side by side. Been very happy with my decision. Have heard good things about the Hitachi, but have never used one. Didn't like the smoothness of the Ridgid when I tried it.
My advice is to go to some retailers and try them out on the showfloor to see how it feels in your hand and how it works overall.

Are you doing your Christmas lights again this year?

[SARGE..g-47]

I have a Milwaukee 3 1/2 HP under my router table for about 6 years and love it. I had the switch go out on a Bosch (common on their router) so I sold it and a DW 621. The DW has a great plunge but you have to add a large base on it as it had the old oval Elu design and can get tippy. And the depth of cut is simply just not enough for my needs above the table.

I took a chance on the new (at that time) Milwaukee 2 1/4 HP combo kit simply on respect for my "hoss" 3 1/2 HP Milwaukee. The best gamble I ever made and Milwaukee rules the roost at my shop at this point. The plunge is great and I love the body grip fixed base for those applications requiring a fixed base.

Around $209 now at Amazon as I payed around $269 when they first came out. I don't mind as it has paid for itself as just another power-ful, well executed Milwaukee machine.

[tfischer]

Are you doing your Christmas lights again this year?

We will be. Been working on some behind-the-scenes stuff for awhile. Lights won't start going up for a few weeks yet, though, which is why I had some time to dabble in the shop!

-Tim

[axa]

What I like about my Rigid is that its above table height adjustment capable.
Meaning there is hex 'key' accessibility through the base.
And with a small modification to the motor, I have above the table bit changes.
(The modification was to make an additional slot in the motor offsetting the lift higher)

The stationary base permanently in the table and plunge base out for hand use. Not sure what other routers can do this at this price point... And I have NO idea why it doesn't come stock like this.

And believe it or not, the BORG matched a 20% coupon from harbor freight. Good deal.

Speaking of which they once matched a 30% HF coupon for me, when I bought the Rigid planer. Sure didnt hurt a new HF just opened down the street.

[tfischer]

Well I bit the bullet and picked up the Rigid tonight. Not 100% sure I'll keep it but I'm about 99% sure I first went to Lowes to look at the Hitachi again -- the plunge base just didn't feel 'beefy' enough for me. I had a hard time coughing up the extra $80 for the Rigid but I think I'll be happier in the long run. They matched a 10% Lowes coupon I had so that helped. I took it out of the box and played with it in our family room - haven't had it out in the shop yet. The LED's look fun and useful

Now I need to marry this thing to my BT3K router table. I'm assuming all I need to do is drill the new hole pattern in my router table accessory base, remove the subbase from the Rigid router, pick up some longer screws, and attach it that way? Also can you use a standard (wood) countersink bit on aluminum or do I have to pick up a dedicated metal one just to do three holes?

Thanks!
-Tim

[LCHIEN]

... Also can you use a standard (wood) countersink bit on aluminum or do I have to pick up a dedicated metal one just to do three holes?

Thanks!
-Tim

Standard countersinking bit will work fine on aluminum.