May 19, 2020 - Hougen Manufacturing Inc., Swartz Creek, Michigan, has released a new and improved HMD904 portable magnetic drill. The HMD904 with its powerful performance, lightweight size, small footprint and hole capacity is the most popular model in the line of Hougen magnetic drills.
A new hidden motor cord design incorporates the cord into the drills motor casing and housing. This major design change increases the safety of the drill and reduces maintenance to a minimum. The overall height has been lowered by a 1-1/2 in. which allows the drill to fit into tighter areas. Other features included in the drill are: a pilot light that is built into the magnet and allows the operator to more efficiently and quickly line up the pilot with the holes center location in low light conditions. Powering the drill is a proprietary Hougen motor with an aluminum casing to improve durability. The drill also includes a two-stage magnet which increases magnetic holding power by 30 percent when the drill motor is turned on. This saves energy and increases magnet life. The arbor system utilizes a 5/8 in. slot drive for more rigidity, hole accuracy, positive slug ejection and quicker use of accessories such as drill chucks and tapping attachments.
The HMD904 has many additional features that make the drill easier to use; a more robust housing design with an ergonomic carrying handle, a spot to hold the hex wrench, reversible feed handles and a d-ring on the back of the magnet for quickly attaching the safety chain. A redesigned heavy-duty carrying case is included with the HMD904. For additional productivity, a few different versions of the HMD904 are available including models with a swivel base magnet, a coolant bottle and fabricators kits.
The HMD904 magnetic drill weighs just 30 lbs (13.6 kg), measures 18 in. H x 7-3/4 in. W x 11-5/8 in. L (457mm x 197mm x 295mm) and provides drilling capacities from 7/16 in. up to 1-1/2 in. (12 - 38mm) diameter and 2 in. (50mm) depth of cut. The drill has an electrical rating of 9A and a 450 RPM motor.
For safety the HMD904 incorporates Hougen’s exclusive features to ensure a safe work environment—including a no-adjustment safety switch, which shuts down the drill motor if lift of the magnetic base is detected... plus an LED indicator that monitors this sensor and alerts if the safety switch is not properly engaged. A two-stage power on switch prevents drill rotation unless the magnet has first been engaged, and, in the case of a power interruption, safety circuitry will keep the drill motor off after power is restored until the start button is manually depressed. The HMD904 is made in the USA.