I have had the M12V2 for about two weeks now. I use it in a table and don't have a lift. The springs are removed to make height adjustment easier.
This router will NOT win any beauty contests. It's green and UGLY! :lol:
To change bits, I remove my router plate insert and set the router at the top of its height adjustment. There is a quick release feature on the height adjustment threaded rod that makes it easy. My opening is around 3.6 inches diameter. It is NOT possible to change the bits above table with a small diameter insert. The wrench won't fit and you can't reach the button that locks the shaft. I press the button with a screwdriver and turn the wrench. It's not very difficult.
The tool they give you to adjust the router up/down is plastic and a little cheesy but it does work okay and is accurate. There's not any torque invloved, you're just rotating the threaded rod to move the router up/down.
The router runs very smoothly and has plenty of power.
I bought this router so I could make raised panels. It spins the big bits just fine. My old router plate had a small opening. I made a temporary plate out of red oak, then bought an aluminum plate from Benchdog. The plate was supposed to be pre-drilled to fit but Hitachi changed the hole arrangement on the new model, it has dififferent spacing than the M12V, and the pre-drilled plate would not work. I ended up ordering another plate without holes and drilled my own (interesting).
You're welcome to run by my shop and check it out if you want. I'm in Rocky Mount.
Chuck