As I was posting this I realized each setting maybe 3,000 rpm. If that's the case setting 1=8,000, 2=11,000, 3=14000, 4=17,000 and 5=20,000 rpm. Could someone confirm my logic?
Hitachi M12V Router Speeds
Regarding the shank speeds at the 5 settings the owner's manual is useless. Over the years I either used large bits for shaping panels or small bits for stiles, rails and rabbit cuts. I've expanded my table routing to include various bit sizes in between and am guessing speeds on test pieces. I'd rather know what the no-load speeds are at each of the 5 settings. All the manual tells me is the no-load speed at setting 1 is 8,000 and setting 5 is 20,000. If anyone knows the no-load speeds at 2,3 and 4 I would appreciate your help. Thank you.
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G'day @Wfmacii , welcome to the forum.
I have only used that iconic router one time, many yrs ago, but did not have the manual...
I have only used that iconic router one time, many yrs ago, but did not have the manual...
I have owned the Hitachi M12V for years and used it with many router bits. What I found that works best is the following: Bits 1 to 2 inches should be run somewhere around 18,000 rpm, while 2- to 2 ½-inch bits operate around 16,000 rpm, and bits 3 inches or bigger at 12,000 rpm or below [source: Router Workshop]. Sticking to these guidelines will help ensure smooth cuts.
BobandRick, I appreciate the router speed guidance. However, I'm not sure the of the rpm's related to the speed numbers on the dial. As mentioned above, I made an educated guess but would be greatful for a confirmation.I have owned the Hitachi M12V for years and used it with many router bits. What I found that works best is the following: Bits 1 to 2 inches should be run somewhere around 18,000 rpm, while 2- to 2 ½-inch bits operate around 16,000 rpm, and bits 3 inches or bigger at 12,000 rpm or below [source: Router Workshop]. Sticking to these guidelines will help ensure smooth cuts.
A summary of my estimated speeds:
Dial 4=17,000, 5=20,000 if so 4 or 5 would work for bits 1-2". I typically use setting 5.
Dial 3=14,000 4=17,000 if so bits 2-2 1/2" would be used Dial setting 3 or 4. I typically use setting 4.
Dial 3=14,000 if so bits 2 1/2-3" would be set at 3. I typically use setting 3.
Dial 2=11,000 3=14,000 if so bits 3-3 1/2" would work on setting 2 or 3. I typically use setting 2 for these bits.
I have had mixed results with these settings which is why I was inquiring about the Routers RPMs at each setting. The user manual doesn't list the speeds like my porter cable manual did.
Your feedback would appreciated especially with you experience with the Hitachi Router. In the past I used a remote speed controller that gave me better results than guessing with the router speed dial. They no longer make the controller. So, I've been trying to guess the speeds with the Dial and as I said have had mixed results.
Thank you for you reply.
Yes, those estimates look good to me...I am at a bit of a disadvantage because I use the sound of the router's spindle speed with the router bit mounted and not the numbers as of the settings. Then make a test cut. Remember the rake and angle of the cutter edges also play into the efficiency of the cut so not all 3-inch cutters will cut the same on specific wood species. That makes it tough to get it down to a specific numbers game. Just a thought, RRBobandRick, I appreciate the router speed guidance. However, I'm not sure the of the rpm's related to the speed numbers on the dial. As mentioned above, I made an educated guess but would be greatful for a confirmation.
A summary of my estimated speeds:
Dial 4=17,000, 5=20,000 if so 4 or 5 would work for bits 1-2". I typically use setting 5.
Dial 3=14,000 4=17,000 if so bits 2-2 1/2" would be used Dial setting 3 or 4. I typically use setting 4.
Dial 3=14,000 if so bits 2 1/2-3" would be set at 3. I typically use setting 3.
Dial 2=11,000 3=14,000 if so bits 3-3 1/2" would work on setting 2 or 3. I typically use setting 2 for these bits.
I have had mixed results with these settings which is why I was inquiring about the Routers RPMs at each setting. The user manual doesn't list the speeds like my porter cable manual did.
Your feedback would appreciated especially with you experience with the Hitachi Router. In the past I used a remote speed controller that gave me better results than guessing with the router speed dial. They no longer make the controller. So, I've been trying to guess the speeds with the Dial and as I said have had mixed results.
Thank you for you reply.
Wfmacii, I think you are overthinking things here. The speed selector is not an absolute thing, there is no exact correlation between the position of the speed selector and the actual RPM. The actual RPM is also a function of the voltage applied to the machine and the load imposed by the but working against the timber. The load is in turn a function of your feed rate, the actual style of bit, the number of flutes, how wide and deep it is cutting, and of course the characteristics of the material you are cutting into.
A few of the later up market routers have load sensing incorporated into their speed controller module to negate some of the factors above, but there is nothing that locks the motor speed to a position on the dial repeatably. The numbers on the adjustor merely give an indication of the adjustor position,
A few of the later up market routers have load sensing incorporated into their speed controller module to negate some of the factors above, but there is nothing that locks the motor speed to a position on the dial repeatably. The numbers on the adjustor merely give an indication of the adjustor position,
I've owned five different makes and seven different models of routers, including two of yours. Safe bit speed is very important for bits over 1", but quality results depend upon rate of feed and depth of cut, and both vary with the wood specie. Your problem is common with several older makes, so I just parted with $30-$40 and bought a laser tach to use on all my machines. After making labels for each machine, I have a reference I can use in the future.As I was posting this I realized each setting maybe 3,000 rpm. If that's the case setting 1=8,000, 2=11,000, 3=14000, 4=17,000 and 5=20,000 rpm. Could someone confirm my logic?
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