Hitachi M 12VC Manual

TECHNICAL DATA
AND
SERVICE MANUAL
ROUTER
M 12VC, KM 12VC
M 12SC, KM 12SC
SPECIFICATIONS AND PARTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR IMPROVEMENT
LIST Nos. M 12VC: 0665 KM 12VC: 0666
M 12SC: 0667 KM 12SC: 0668
Aug. 2004
M
MODELS
M 12VC, KM 12VC
M 12SC, KM 12SC
Hitachi 
Power Tools
1/2
3/8
1/4
3/8

Symbol Utilized
Competitor
Company Name Model Name
REMARK:
Throughout this TECHNICAL DATA AND SERVICE MANUAL, a symbol(s)
is(are) used in the place of company name(s) and model name(s) of
our competitor(s). The symbol(s) utilized here is(are) as follows:
PORTER CABLE 690LRVS, 693VSPK
690LR, 693LRPK
P
MAKITA
CRF1101, RF1101KIT
RF1100

Page
CONTENTS
1. PRODUCT NAME ...........................................................................................................................1
2. MARKETING OBJECTIVE .............................................................................................................1
3. APPLICATIONS ..............................................................................................................................1
4. SELLING POINTS ..........................................................................................................................1
4-1. Selling Point Descriptions .............................................................................................................. 2
5. SPECIFICATIONS ..........................................................................................................................4
6. COMPARISONS WITH SIMILAR PRODUCTS .............................................................................. 5
7. PRECAUTIONS IN SALES PROMOTION .....................................................................................6
7-1. Handling Instructions ..................................................................................................................... 6
7-2. Name Plate .................................................................................................................................... 6
8. REFERENCE MATTERS ................................................................................................................6
8-1. Collet Chuck .................................................................................................................................. 6
9. PRECAUTIONS IN DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY ............................................................7
9-1. Disassembly .................................................................................................................................. 7
9-2. Reassembly ................................................................................................................................. 12
9-3. Insulation Tests ............................................................................................................................ 13
9-4. Cleaning the Cover ...................................................................................................................... 13
9-5. No-load Current Value ................................................................................................................. 14
10. STANDARD REPAIR TIME (UNIT) SCHEDULES .....................................................................15
For Models M 12VC and M 12SC ....................................................................................................... 15
For Models KM 12VC and KM 12SC ..................................................................................................16
Assembly Diagram for M 12VC
Assembly Diagram for KM 12VC
Assembly Diagram for M 12SC
Assembly Diagram for KM 12SC

--- 1 ---
1/2
3/8
1/4
3/8
1. PRODUCT NAME
Hitachi Router, Models M 12VC ••••••• Variable speed type with fixed base
KM 12VC ••••• Variable speed type with fixed and plunge base
M 12SC •••••••Single speed type with fixed base
KM 12SC ••••• Single speed type with fixed and plunge base
2. MARKETING OBJECTIVE
The fixed-base routers have been used for the longest time in the U.S.A. and they are still popular. Recently,
some manufacturers have brought out their fixed-base routers as a kit including the plunge base targeting on
sales in home centers, and these routers have been well reputed. To cope with this situation and also to respond
to the demand from Lowe's, we have developed the fixed-base routers Models M 12VC, KM 12VC, M 12SC and
KM12SC under the concept for more powerful, quiet and ergonomically styled models to plainly differentiate them
from the competitors. With the new fixed-base routers Models M 12VC, KM 12VC, M 12SC and KM12SC, we aim
to expand our market share in the North American market.
3. APPLICATIONS
Groove cutting, chamfering, window cutting, trimming, shaping and pattern cutting
4. SELLING POINTS
Aggressive, ergonomic
design for an enhanced
look and feel
Powerful, 11 Amp, 2-1/4 HP motor
provides power to rout smoothly
through hardwoods
Tool-less, 2-stage motor
release clamp for quick and
accurate depth adjustments
M 12VC
Smooth cutting depth
adjustment
Nickel-plated housing

--- 2 ---
4-1. Selling Point Descriptions
(1) Tool-less 2-stage motor release clamp for quick and accurate depth adjustments
The Models M 12VC, M 12SC, KM 12VC and KM 12SC are provided with the lever that has the 2-stage
locking mechanism to secure the housing temporarily.
For the conventional routers, there was a fear that the housing might slide down by its own weight when
adjusting the cutting depth while the lever was in the released position (Fig. 1) or the cutting depth might be
changed when shifting the lever from the released position to the secured position (Fig. 3). Because the new
lever of the Models M 12VC, M 12SC, KM 12VC and KM 12SC can lightly secure the housing at the
temporarily secured position (Fig. 2), the housing does not slide down by its own weight and the cutting depth
is not changed when shifting the lever to the secured position. In addition, the cutting depth is finely
adjustable thanks to the temporary securing function. How to use the 2-stage lock lever is exemplified below.
Note:
The motor housing can be temporarily secured by clamping the
lever (the motor housing does not slide down by its own weight).
If the motor housing slides down, make adjustments by tightening
the knob nut. Turning the knob nut clockwise tightens the lever,
while turning the knob nut counterclockwise loosens the lever.
Fig. 1
Fig. 3
Fig. 2
Lever
Fixed base
Housing
Lever
Knob nut
Released position (Fig. 1)
Shift the lever to the fully opened position in order to
move the housing widely for rough cutting depth
adjustment, bit replacement or changing to the plunge
base.
Temporarily secured position (Fig. 2)
Shift the lever until you feel a click at the center position
between the secured position and the released position.
The cutting depth is finely adjustable at this position as
the housing does not slide down by its own weight.
Fixed position (Fig. 3)
Shift the lever to the secured position after fine
adjustment of the cutting depth at the temporarily
secured position.
1
2
3

--- 3 ---
(2) Powerful, 11 Amp, 2-1/4 HP motor provides power to rout smoothly through hardwoods
A motor that is most powerful and fastest in the class was developed
for the Models M 12VC, M 12SC, KM 12VC and KM 12SC. The fan is
made of aluminum and it has a ring-shaped junction at the outer
circumference as shown in Fig. 4. Thanks to the unique structure, the
moment of inertia of the armature that is an element for increasing the
cutting efficiency is increased and the class-top cutting speed is
obtained.
Fig. 4
Table 1 Comparison between the motor size and the moment of inertia
of the armature
Armature
Fan
Graph of usable feeding force vs. cutting speed
(3) Extremely low noise level - only 80 dB
The noise level of the Models M 12VC, M 12SC, KM 12VC and KM 12SC is 80 dB or less. It is the lowest
noise level in the class.
(4) Nickel-plated housing
The Models M 12VC, M 12SC, KM 12VC and KM 12SC have a nickel-plated housing. Thanks to this housing,
the cutting depth can be smoothly adjusted. In addition, the housing is scratch-proof and easy to remove
stains.
M 12VC/SC P C
72 mm dia. x 50 81 mm dia. x 45 72 mm dia. x 50
1.46 1.30 1.05
Motor size (mm)
Moment of inertia of the
armature x 10-4 (kg•m2)
Maker
M 12VC (M 12SC, KM 12VC/SC)Model
HITACHI
Noise level (dB) 79.5
PC
82.087.3
Feeding force (kgf)
1.5 5.5 6.5
4.5
3.5
2.5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Cutting speed (m/min)
C
P
HITACHI M 12VC
Test conditions:
Power source: 120 V, 60 Hz
Workpiece: MDF
Bit used: Straight bit dia. 1/2"
Ring-shaped
junction

--- 4 ---
M 12VC/SC
1/2" collet chuck .......................................................................................1
1/4" collet chuck .......................................................................................1
23 mm wrench ......................................................................................... 1
16 mm wrench ......................................................................................... 1
Template guide adapter ........................................................................... 1
Template guide centering adjuster ...........................................................1
KM 12VC/SC
1/2" collet chuck .......................................................................................1
1/4" collet chuck .......................................................................................1
23 mm wrench ......................................................................................... 1
16 mm wrench ......................................................................................... 1
10 mm wrench ......................................................................................... 1
Template guide adapter ........................................................................... 1
Template guide centering adjuster ...........................................................1
Template guide (porter cable type) .......................................................... 7
Chip shield ...............................................................................................1
Diameter of large sub base ...................................................................... 1
Case ......................................................................................................... 1
5. SPECIFICATIONS
Collect chuck capacity
Type of motor
No-load
Full-load
Weight
1/2" and 1/4"
Single-phase AC commutator motor
7.3 lbs. (3.3 kg) with fixed base
9.9 lbs. (4.5 kg) with plunge base
Enclosure Head cover (B)
Housing, stator holder, head cover (A)
Model M 12VC, M 12SC, KM 12VC, KM 12SC
Single-phase AC 60 Hz
120 V, 11 A
Speed 8,000 to 24,000/min. (M 12VC, KM 12VC)
24,000/min. (M 12SC, KM 12SC)
Standard accessories
Nylon resin
Diecast aluminum alloy
(silver metal plating)
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Type of power source
Voltage and input
Insulation method Single insulation
•••••••••••••
Main body stroke 66 mm (2.6") (Plunge base type)
8,000 to 23,000/min. (M 12VC, KM 12VC)
23,000/min. (M 12SC, KM 12SC)

--- 5 ---
6. COMPARISONS WITH SIMILAR PRODUCTS
Maker
Model name
(HP)
(/min.)
(dB)
Horse power
No-load speed
Insulation method
Fixed base
Cutting depth adjustment system
To clamp motor
HITACHI
M 12VC, KM 12VC
(M 12SC, KM 12SC)
11 (11)
Single insulation
79.5
1/2" & 1/4"
Rotate the motor pack
2-1/4 (2-1/4)
8,000 to 24,000
(24,000)
Straight (edge) guide attachment
position
Weight
(Actually measured value)
Template guide centering adjuster
Template guide
P
11 (11)
Single insulation
87.3
1/2" & 1/4"
1-3/4 (1-3/4)
10,000 to 27,500
(27,500)
C
11 (11)
Single insulation
82.0
1/2" & 1/4"
2-1/4 (2-1/4)
8,000 to 24,000
(24,000)
(A)Power input
No-load noise level
Collect chuck capacity
(lbs.)
Fasten clamp lever
(2-stage)
Front
Plunge base
Fine depth adjustment
Plunge lock lever
Provided
Straight (edge) guide attachment
position
Weight
(Actually measured value) (lbs.)
Returns automatically
to locked position
Front and back
(9.9)
Provided
Provided (7 pcs.)
Rotate the motor pack Rotate the motor pack
Fasten clamp lever Fasten clamp lever
Front Front
Provided Provided
Returns automatically
to locked position
Returns automatically
to locked position
Back Front
Not provided Not provided
Not provided Not provided
( ): Single speed type
(10.1) 9.3 (9.4)
7.3 (7.3) (7.3) 7.1 (7.4)

--- 6 ---
7. PRECAUTIONS IN SALES PROMOTION
In the interest of promoting the safest and most efficient use of the Models M 12VC/SC and KM 12VC/SC Routers
by all of our customers, it is very important that at the time of sale the salesperson carefully ensures that the buyer
seriously recognizes the importance of the contents of the Handling Instructions, and fully understands the
meaning of the precautions listed on the Caution Plate attached to each tool.
7-1. Handling Instructions
Although every effort is made in each step of design, manufacture and inspection to provide protection against
safety hazards, the dangers inherent in the use of any electric power tool cannot be completely eliminated.
Accordingly, general precautions and suggestions for the use of electric power tools, and specific precautions and
suggestions for the use of the Router is listed in the Handling Instructions to enhance the safe, efficient use of the
tool by the customer. Salespersons must be thoroughly familiar with the contents of the Handling Instructions to
be able to offer appropriate guidance to the customer during sales promotion.
7-2. Name Plate
Each tool is provided with a Name Plate which lists the following basic safety precautions in the use of the tool.
8. REFERENCE MATTERS
8-1. Collet Chuck
The collet chuck portion consists of a collet chuck and a collet nut. The collet chuck and nut are assembled as a
single unit to maintain desired dimensional accuracy. Therefore, when replacing the collet chuck portion, be sure
to replace it entirely.

--- 7 ---
9. PRECAUTIONS IN DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY
The [Bold] numbers in the descriptions below correspond to the item numbers in the Parts Lists and exploded
assembly diagram for the Model M 12VC. The disassembly and reassembly procedures described are the same
for the Models M 12VC, M 12SC, KM 12VC and KM 12SC.
CAUTION: Prior to commencing disassembly, inspection or other maintenance, ensure without fail that
the plug is disconnected from the power source.
9-1. Disassembly
9-1-1. Main body
(1) First, remove the bit. If further disassembly is attempted with the bit mounted on the router, it may cause
damage to the cutting edges of the bit and/or serious injury to the handler.
(2) Removal of Head Cover (A) [4] and (B) [3] (Fig. 5)
Remove the Machine Screw (W/Washers) M4 x 8 (Black) [2] and three Machine Screws (W/Washers)
M4 x 55 (Black) [1]. Then Head Cover (A) [4] and Head Cover (B) [3] can be removed from the Stator Holder
Ass'y [22].
Head Cover (A) [4]
Stator Holder Ass'y [22]
Fig. 5
Head Cover (B) [3]
Machine Screw
(W/Washers) M4 x 55 [1] Machine Screw
(W/Washers) M4 x 8 [2]
(3) Separating the Housing [32] and the Stator Holder Ass'y [22] (Fig. 6)
Remove the two Brush Caps [18] and two Carbon Brushes (1 Pair) [19]. Tap the upper portion of the carbon
brush chamber of the Stator Holder Ass'y [22] with a flat-blade screwdriver and a wooden hammer. (At this
time, wrap the tip of the flat-blade screwdriver with a cloth to prevent the upper portion of the carbon brush
chamber from being scratched. Be careful not to damage the Brush Holder [20].) Insert a flat-blade
screwdriver into the gap between the Housing [32] and the Stator Holder Ass'y [22] when it is widened about
2 mm, and remove the Housing [32] from the Stator Holder Ass'y [22].

--- 8 ---
(4) Disassembly of the Armature Ass'y 120 V [31] (Fig. 7)
First, remove the Collet Chuck 1/2" [36] (or [501]) with the Wrench 23 mm [506] and the Wrench 16 mm [505].
And remove the Thrust Nut [35] with wrenches. Then remove the Armature Ass'y 120 V [31] from the Housing
[32]. To remove the Magnet [26] from the Armature Ass'y 120 V [31], being very careful not to damage the
magnet component, fit a 14 mm wrench onto the hexagonal portion of the Magnet [26], and loosen and
remove it from the Armature Ass'y 120 V [31].
Armature Ass'y 120 V [31]
Magnet [26]
Housing [32]
Thrust Nut [35]
Collet Chuck 1/2" [36]
Fig. 7
Housing [32]
Stator Holder Ass'y [22]
Fig. 6
Carbon Brush (1 Pair) [19]
Brush Cap [18]

--- 9 ---
Machine Screw (W/Sp. Washer)
M5 x 60 [30]
Stator Ass'y 120 V [29]
Brush Terminal [28]
Fig. 8
Controller Circuit [14]
Stator Holder Ass'y [22]
Switch Holder [15]
(5) Disassembly of the Stator Ass'y 120 V [29] (Fig. 8)
First, remove the Controller Circuit [14] from the Stator Holder Ass'y [22]. Second, disconnect the Brush
Terminals [28] of the Stator Ass'y 120 V [29] from the Brush Holders [20]. And remove two Machine Screws
(W/Sp. Washer) M5 x 60 [30]. Then, with a wooden hammer, gently tap on the lower end of the Stator Holder
Ass'y [22] to loosen and remove the Stator Ass'y 120 V [29] from the Stator Holder Ass'y [22].
9-1-2. Fixed Base
(1) Removal of the Ring [37] and the Stopper Pin [38] from Base (A) [39] (Fig. 9)
Insert a flat-blade screwdriver between Base (A) [39] and the Ring [37] and pry the Ring [37] off. Remove the
Stopper Pin [38].
Ring [37]
Base (A) [39]
Stopper Pin [38]
Fig. 9

--- 10 ---
(2) Disassembly of Lever (A) Ass'y [50] (Fig. 10)
Being very careful not to lose the Spring [56], loosen and remove the Knob Nut [57]. And remove Lever (A)
Ass'y [50], Lever Sleeve [54] and Lever Holder [55]. When removing the Hex. Socket Set Screw M5 x 8 [53],
be very careful not to lose Spring (C) [52] and Steel Ball D3.97 [51].
Fig. 10
Knob Nut [57]
Steel Ball D3.97 [51]
Base (A) [39]
Fig. 11
Lever Sleeve [54]
Spring (C) [52]
Hex. Socket Set Screw M5 x 8 [53]
Lever Holder [55]
Spring [56]
9-1-3. Plunge Base for Models KM 12VC and KM 12SC
(1) Separating Base (B) [97] and the Housing Holder [73] (Fig. 11)
Spring (L) [67]
Nut M10 [84]
Lever (B) [91] Housing Holder [73]
Special Nut (A) M10 [86]
Holder Cover [88]
Base (B) [97]
Machine Screw
(W/Washers)
M5 x 16 (Black)
[87]
Knob [85]
Spring (R) [72]
Lever (A) Ass'y [50]
With fixing Lever (B) [91], remove the Nut M10
[84] with a hex. bar wrench 10 mm. And then
remove the Knob [85] and Special Nut (A) M10
[86]. Release Lever (B) [91] and pull out the
Housing Holder [73]. Remove the four
Machine Screws (W/Washers) M5 x 16 (Black)
[87] and remove the Holder Cover [88].
Caution: When pulling out the Housing Holder
[73], be careful not to pop out Spring (L)
[67] and Spring (R) [72].

--- 11 ---
(2) Removal of Lever (B) [91] (Fig. 12)
Remove the Machine Screw (W/Washers) M4 x 12 (Black) [81] with a Phillips screwdriver being careful not to
pop out Lever (B) [91] and the Lock Spring [89]. Then Lever (B) [91], Lock Screw [90] and Lock Spring [89]
can be removed from the Housing Holder [73].
Fig. 12
Lock Screw [90]
Lever (B) [91]
Machine Screw (W/Washers)
M4 x 12 (Black) [81]
Housing Holder [73]
Lock Spring [89]

--- 12 ---
9-2. Reassembly
Reassembly can be accomplished by following the disassembly procedures in reverse. However, special
attention should be paid to the following points.
(1) Reassembly of Lever (B) [91] to the Housing Holder [73]
Mount Base (B) [97] and the Housing Holder [73]. Push the Lock Screw [90] in as far as it will go. Hook the
Lock Spring [89] on both the Housing Holder [73] and Lever (B) [91]. Being careful not to loosen the Lock
Screw [90], turn Lever (B) [91]. When Lever (B) [91] is positioned as shown in Fig. 13, insert the Lock Screw
[90] into Lever (B) [91] and secure them with the Machine Screw (W/Washers) M4 x 12 (Black) [81].
(2) Wiring procedure (Fig. 14)
During installation, be careful not to pinch the lead wires between Stator Holder Ass'y [22] and Head Cover (A)
[4], Head Cover (B) [3].
Piller terminal
Fig. 13
Lever (B) [91]
Fig. 14
Connector
Switch
Control

--- 13 ---
(4) Tightening torque of screws and bolts:
Machine Screw (W/Sp. Washer) M5 x 60 [30] 3.4 0.7 N•m (35 7 kgf•cm)
Hex. Socket Set Screw M5 x 8 [21] 0.7 0.2 N•m (7.5 2.5 kgf•cm)
Machine Screw (W/Washers) M4 (Black) [2] [13] [81] 1.8 0.4 N•m (18 4 kgf•cm)
Machine Screw (W/Washers) M6 x 40 (Black) [40] [68] 4.9 0.1 N•m (50 10 kgf•cm)
Flat Hd. Screw M5 x 12 [46] [99] 3.4 0.7 N•m (35 7 kgf•cm)
Machine Screw (W/Washers) M4 x 55 (Black) [1] 1.8 0.4 N•m (18 4 kgf•cm)
Piller Terminal [11] 0.39 0.1 N•m (4 1 kgf•cm)
Machine Screw M5 x 6 [48] 3.4 0.7 N•m (35 7 kgf•cm)
Machine Screw (W/Washers) M4 x 16 [5] 1.8 0.4 N•m (18 4 kgf•cm)
Machine Screw (W/Sp. Washer) M4 x 6 [7] 1.8 0.4 N•m (18 4 kgf•cm)
Machine Screw M4 x 10 [75] 1.8 0.4 N•m (18 4 kgf•cm)
Machine Screw M5 x 20 (Black) [78] 3.4 0.7 N•m (35 7 kgf•cm)
Machine Screw M5 x 35 (Black) [83] 3.4 0.7 N•m (35 7 kgf•cm)
Nut M10 [84] 9.8 2 N•m (100 20 kgf•cm)
Machine Screw (W/Washers) M5 x 16 (Black) [87] 3.4 0.7 N•m (35 7 kgf•cm)
(3) Wiring diagram (Fig. 15)
Fig. 15
Armature
9-3. Insulation Tests
On completion of disassembly and repair, measure the insulation resistance and conduct the insulation tests
(dielectric strength test).
Insulation resistance: 7 M Ωor more with 500 V DC megohm tester
Dielectric strength: AC 2,500 V/1 minute, with no abnormalities
9-4. Cleaning the Cover
Clean the exterior of the tool with a soft cloth moistened with soapy water, and dry thoroughly.

--- 14 ---
9-5. No-load Current Value
After no-load operation for 30 minutes, the no-load current value should be as specified below at a frequency of
60 Hz.
Voltage (V)
4.0Current (A)
120
Note: For the Models M 12VC and KM 12VC, check the no-load current value by setting the dial to "6".

--- 15 ---
10. STANDARD REPAIR TIME (UNIT) SCHEDULES
MODEL 10 20 30 40
Fixed
Variable 60 min.
50
M 12VC Work Flow
Handle (A)
Handle (B)
Collet Chuck
Housing
Sub Base (A)
Switch
Controller
Circuit
Switch Holder
Cord
General Assembly
Armature Ass'y
Rubber Ring
Magnet
Ball Bearing
608VV
Ball Bearing
6004VV
Head Cover (A)
Head Cover (B)
M 12SC
Lever (A) Ass'y
Ring
Stopper Pin
Base (A)
Stator Holder
Ass'y
Stator Ass'y

--- 16 ---
MODEL 10 20 30 40
Fixed
Variable 60 min.
50
KM 12VC Work Flow
Handle (A)
Handle (B)
Collet Chuck
Housing
Sub Base (A)
Switch
Controller
Circuit
Switch Holder
Cord
General Assembly
of router Armature Ass'y
Rubber Ring
Magnet
Ball Bearing
608VV
Ball Bearing
6004VV
Head Cover (A)
Head Cover (B)
KM 12SC
Lever (A) Ass'y
Ring
Stopper Pin
Base (A)
Stator Holder
Ass'y
Stator Ass'y
General Assembly
of plunge base
Handle (A)
Handle (B)
Stopper Block Base (B)
Housing Holder
Lever (A)
Lever (B)
Holder Cover

ELECTRIC TOOL PARTS LIST
LIST NO. 0665
ROUTER
Model M 12VC
2004
•
8
•
5
(E1)
Hitachi Power Tools
10
11
12
14
15 13
13
16
17
19
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
45
46
47
48
40
41
42
43
44
42
37 46
50 57
41 40
55
56 57
58
54
18
20 21
2
3
4
1
9
78
56
25
501
505 506
502 503 504
51
50
52 53
49