Hougen Mag Drill hack

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I have a Hougen model 10914 Magnetic Drill, circa 2005 vintage that I've used for years.  My only complaints are that the high pitch of the gear reduction hurts my ears (easily fixed by ear muffs), and that there is no quill lock on it, which makes it a challenge to keep from damaging cutter tips when setting it down because the quill drops all the way down.Earlier today I decided to do something about the lack of a quill lock.  I had a couple of 8-32 knurled head thumb screws sitting unused in my tool box (leftover from a McMaster Carr purchase several years back), and they provided a fast solution.Because I use mine with annular cutters as well as the optional drill chuck, I had to install two locks.  The lower one allows me to raise the quill high enough to clear the drill chuck and drill bits, but it's difficult to access when the guide block is installed for the annular cutter chuck.  So the upper one is used for the annual cutters.If I'd wanted to disassemble it before drilling and tapping I could have gotten by with only one lock, but for a few minutes of my time spent drilling and tapping I'd rather just install two and be on to the next project, rather than the hour plus required to fully disassemble so that I could drill behind the motor.  By selecting these locations I was able to access quickly with a hand drillJust wanted to share in case someone else had the same frustrations as I did when using this otherwise great tool.

Last edited by scsmith42; 03-21-2022 at 05:00 PM.Miller Trailblazer Pro 350DMiller Suitcase MIGMiller Spectrum 2050Miller Syncrowave 250DXLincoln 210MP
Reply:Did you consider snugging up the set screws on the gibs on the dovetail?Or would that make it too difficult to raise the chuck?Miller a/c-d/c Thunderbolt XLMillermatic 180 Purox O/ASmith Littletorch O/AHobart Champion Elite
Reply:

Originally Posted by jpump5

Did you consider snugging up the set screws on the gibs on the dovetail?Or would that make it too difficult to raise the chuck?
Reply:I would think manufacturers would have come upwith some sort of latch or binder.Miller a/c-d/c Thunderbolt XLMillermatic 180 Purox O/ASmith Littletorch O/AHobart Champion Elite
Reply:I do think the mag drill manufacturers would think need that on a mag drill .Mind is same way.  I use my mag drill for line boring too. It to heavy to use for milling keyways. Used for tapping 3/4 NC It great tool I use on aluminum plate too by using a steel plate clamp to aluminum plate. Dave

Originally Posted by jpump5

I would think manufacturers would have come upwith some sort of latch or binder.
Reply:Nice Hack and I will keep it in mind if mine ever starts to do the same. I have a Hougen HMD917 - 2 3/8ths" X 3".Lincoln 330MPXLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln LN-25X Wire FeederMagnum PRO 250LX GT Spool GunModified Lincoln 225¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A OFG-AAir Carbon Arc GougingEverlast 62i Plasma CutterIngersoll Rand Type 30 14hpInstagram: #Freebird Welds
Reply:It one handiest tools. I have even use as a drill press. Most the work it did was drilling 8" to 12 " channels. If I need a power unit like welding pipe used a viable power supply and a worm gear  box turn the pipe or shaft as I  welded the pipe or shaft. Very slowly 🐌. Dave

Originally Posted by Freebirdwelds

Nice Hack and I will keep it in mind if mine ever starts to do the same. I have a Hougen HMD917 - 2 3/8ths" X 3".
Reply:

Originally Posted by smithdoor

It one handiest tools. I have even use as a drill press. Dave
Reply:Looks great 👍 Dave

Originally Posted by Lis2323

I've done the same.  I've posted these pics before but they might be of interest to some of the newer members with mag drills


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Reply:Nice mod.  Hougen is apparently aware of the issue.  On the older 904 swivel if you add the chuck kit the send a screw to limit upward travel.  It goes.between the ways at the top.  I think mine is 2013 and there there is newer version.  For what it is worth...That 904 model/year does not make the best drill press, hougen told me that years ago and my experience says you loose a lot of depth and the swivel can move of it bonds.
Reply:

Originally Posted by tapwelder

For what it is worth...That 904 model/year does not make the best drill press, hougen told me that years ago and my experience says you loose a lot of depth and the swivel can move of it bonds.