Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Hitachi KM12VC Router plunge and fixed base. I purchased this router kit with high hopes. When I received the package i was very pleased with all of the accessories that were supplied, especially the set of guide bushings. Initially I was impressed with the power of the motor, and with how quiet it was even under load. I am still impressed by these features, even though things go downhill from there. Plunge base. The plunge base was so stiff out of the box that I had to work on it for hours to get it to work properly. I finally got it to what would be called "acceptable" but I ruined a couple of chair leg mortises before I worked out the bugs. This was with a jig I have used for years with zero issues. Collets. I have had several issues with both the 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets supplied. While routing a deep mortise with the above mentioned jig (1/2 inch carbide spiral bit) the bit came loose and spoiled the workpiece. This after I tightened it to what should have been an acceptable level with the supplied wrenches. I re-torqued the bit with even more force and now both collets stick in the spindle. The only way to remove them is with a punch and hammer. This is very frustrating. I have polished the spindle bore, and done everything I can think of to remedy the sticking collets, but nothing has worked yet. All-in-all this has been a disappointing purchase. I only paid $134.00 from Amazon with free shipping, so I probably got what I paid for. I just keep reading about how other woodworkers love this combo. I am a machinist by trade, and have over 30 years of woodworking experience so I don't feel it is "operator error". I'm thinking I just got a dud. I did read where some are having difficulty finding an edge guide to fit. I have a Porter-Cable edge guide 42690 that fits mine perfectly. It is available on Amazon and is a nice edge guide. Anyway, I have had good luck in the past with Hitachi products and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. As stated earlier, I just think this was a lemon.