I looked at this router and bought a Makita.  The Hitachi is made in Malasyia, and looked cheap compared with the Makita, which is made in the USA.  I have hade such poor luck with other tools (a Bosch drill) made in Malasyia, that I could not see getting it.  If you think you are saving $40 getting the Hitachi, you are right, and you are also getting a router worth $40 less than a Makita.