Hougen HMD900: Compact Fixed-Base Capacity & Package

HMD900's advantage is the compact fixed-base package

Hougen lists a 115V, 50/60Hz electrical system at 9A, an 8A motor and one 450 RPM speed. The machine accepts the manufacturer's 12,000-Series and Copperhead cutters with 3/4-inch shanks, within the drill's rated diameter and depth.

At 27.7 pounds and 15-1/8 inches high, HMD900 is listed 2.3 pounds lighter and 2-7/8 inches shorter than standard HMD904. That is useful only if the cutter, feed-handle movement, controls and slug-removal space still fit the working envelope.

• Maximum annular diameter: 1-1/2 inches.
• Maximum cutting depth: 2 inches.
• Published speed: 450 RPM.

HMD900 and standard HMD904 share capacity, not package design

Both machines publish 7/16-to-1-1/2-inch annular diameter, 2-inch depth, 450 RPM and a 3/4-inch cutter interface. HMD904 adds a pilot light, positive slug ejection and a matrix of coolant, swivel, Fabricator and permanent-magnet configurations; HMD900's page describes spring slug ejection and no comparable package matrix.

A basic HMD904 is 30 pounds and 18 inches high. A swivel HMD904 is 33 pounds and provides a 1-inch-by-3/4-inch alignment area. Decide whether those features solve repeated setup work before giving up HMD900's smaller published envelope.

HMD905 is the stop rule for larger or lower-speed work

A required annular hole above 1-1/2 inches eliminates HMD900 and HMD904. HMD905 reaches 2 inches and provides 250/450 RPM gears, but grows to 35 pounds and 22-13/16 inches before swivel is added. Treat those increases as costs, not evidence of better performance on every small hole.

If the hole schedule stays inside HMD900's range, price the drill, correct cutters, pilots and lubrication as a working system. If it crosses the range or requires the lower gear, move to HMD905 before comparing fixed, swivel and Fabricator packages.

Do not infer coolant, swivel or kit contents from the family

A cutter family can include sizes larger or deeper than this particular drill permits. The fact that a cutter has a compatible shank therefore does not establish that it is approved for HMD900. Check diameter, depth and manufacturer application guidance together.

Hougen's HMD900 page does not list a swivel version or Fabricator's Kit matrix. Do not transfer HMD904/HMD905 coolant bottles, cutter kits or swivel adjustment to an HMD900 offer. The manufacturer FAQ says drills without coolant bottles can be filled through the arbor reservoir for roughly one hole; that is different from an integrated bottle.

Hougen publishes magnetic force under stated plate conditions. Those values are not a lifting rating or permission to skip surface and restraint checks. Follow the exact manual and use a safety chain; the compact body does not weaken the setup rules.