New Hitachi Routers not as good as the old ones???

[ACV]

Hello,

I have heard a rumor that Hitachi has a new guy developing their routers and they are not as good as they have been in past years.

I phoned a store in the city and they said that they wouldn't even sell me the Hitachi that they had on the shelf. I was looking at the 3 1/4 Plunge, 2 1/4 Fixed and 2 1/4 Combo kit.

I have been swayed to go with either the Porter Cable or Dewalt...pushing towards the PC895PK.

Looking for input on the Hitachi and should it give preference over the Porter Cable.

Thank you,
Allison

[Joe Lyddon]

I recently got the KM12VC combo... I really like it!

Real smooth slow start... Much quieter than other routers I have.

It's working for me...

[Mike]

Allison, A recent comparison of 3-1/4 HP routers gave top rating to the Bosch 1619. Unless you are planning on doing a lot of heavy duty routing a 2-1/4 HP model is much easier to handle free hand and in a table will do most jobs. Last year Wood magazine did a comparison of the 2-1/4 HP combo kits and they top rated the Bosch 1617EVSPK. That said, all the 2-1/4 HP combo kits have performed well for our members. It is a matter of personal choice, which one feels best to you. You would be happy with either of your choices. One thing to consider: Since Black & Decker now owns DeWalt and Porter Cable we have heard rumors the DeWalt routers are going to be discontinued. I have seen no sign of this but if true parts could be difficult to find. At this time the best value for your money in the US is the Hitachi KM12VC, it is priced about $50 less than any others.

[bobj3]

Hi Allison

Many members of the FORUM have and use the Hitachi Routers and for the price you can't beat it, a 3 1/4HP plunge router for about 150.00 that's hard to beat, if you look at the PC 3 1/4HP it can put a big hole in you bank act. BUT I do like the PC routers over the Hitachi when you get into the 2 1/4HP size....
I now find I'm wanting the new PC battery type router after watching Bob & Rick use them on the RWS but they are not cheap, I also like the PC routers because you can get so many extra items for them and the items you can get just about anywhere.
But I must say I have a Freud 3 1/4HP plunge in one of my router tables and I got it for a 110.oo bucks from Amazon and it's a great router for the price also.

Some of the members have and use Bosch and they say they are the best router on the market today so I guess it comes down to what YOU like and what works right for you ,it's like buying a car in a way it must be something you like.

Good Luck in your quest for the best

Bj

[joseph f]

It would seem unlikely that dewalt routers would be discontinued ,they are the elu format or design . they sold so many dewalts .that is just my thoughts .
When i went on a search for a kit last year the pc plunge on the several i picked up had a lot of slop ,the bosch was better but the dewalts had none . i as comparing the 2plus HP range plunge and fixed base kits .

[Router is still my name]

1-Dewalt DW625 = My fav. The most ballanced , New ones not as good as old type2/elu, different base and make. Made in ?
1-Bosch 1617EVS = Best all around, Reasonably priced. made in USA?
2- Fein RT 1800 = 3nd best, Quietest, most expensive, you add the extras and you're in for 500-600. made in Germany
3-Hitachi M12v = Extremely good, least expensive, $110-145, new ones not as good as japan made. will be discontinued soon. made in Malaysia

You can call router technology / router Raizer guys (they have evey router there is) and talk to them.

[GoonMan]

Hello ACV,

I have the Bosch 1617 EVS and the 1619 EVS which is mounted in my table. I like them both for me. (I plan on making a table or 2 soon and may have them both mounted.) But the best advise is go and handle both the fixed and plunge base routers and see what feels best in your hands. That is what I did even though I could have gotten a cheaper priced router I went with what felt best in my hands not price. I like using my 1617 free hand because it feels great and works for me. If it does not feel right in your hands you will not like using it on the many projects you will make using your router.

[challagan]

Man, I would hate to see Dewalt get out of the game. I love my DW625 and I also really like the DW 618 PK. Its hard to believe that little dewalt is a 2 1/4 HP router. I is the best feeling router I have ever held. Nice and sqwatty feel to it. I have always heard that the Hitachi is a dang good router for the price. Would hate to see them make changes and ruin a good thing!

Corey

[Dave_Willemain]

I would be VERY surprised if DeWalt routers would be discontinued. Black & Decker acquired DeWalt a looong time ago and has consistently explanded and promoted the DeWalt line while growing its B&D brand and acquiring numerous others.

I am not on of the many true-blue dyed in the wool DeWalt fans. My favorite routers are Bosch, Bosch made Craftsman Pro & Frued. But there are many others that do not want anything else, a rare loyalty today.

The advise to try and find what works best for you is great advice but it has caused domestic discord now and then -- the red-head does not understand why I have sooo many.

I have a 690 I like alot but it is a little colorless in my mind.

Originally Posted by Mike

Allison, A recent comparison of 3-1/4 HP routers gave top rating to the Bosch 1619. Unless you are planning on doing a lot of heavy duty routing a 2-1/4 HP model is much easier to handle free hand and in a table will do most jobs. Last year Wood magazine did a comparison of the 2-1/4 HP combo kits and they top rated the Bosch 1617EVSPK. That said, all the 2-1/4 HP combo kits have performed well for our members. It is a matter of personal choice, which one feels best to you. You would be happy with either of your choices. One thing to consider: Since Black & Decker now owns DeWalt and Porter Cable we have heard rumors the DeWalt routers are going to be discontinued. I have seen no sign of this but if true parts could be difficult to find. At this time the best value for your money in the US is the Hitachi KM12VC, it is priced about $50 less than any others.

[AxlMyk]

Well, this thread was 2 years old, and Dewalt routers are still around.