Hougen vs Jet: Drill Presses Compared by Specs
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You are comparing the hougen vs jet drill press options for your shop. Both tools handle metalworking tasks, but they serve different purposes. The Hougen HMD900 is a magnetic drill designed for portability and fixed surfaces. The Jet JWBS-10 is a benchtop drill press for stationary work. You need to decide based on whether you need to move the machine or drill large holes in a fixed location.
Key differences
| Aspect | Hougen HMD900 Magnetic Drill | Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Magnetic | Benchtop |
| Swing | Not listed | 10 in |
| Spindle Speed | Not listed | 5-speed (630–3300 RPM) |
| Hole Capacity | 1.5" | Not listed |
| Voltage | 115V | 120V |
| Weight | 27 pounds | 48.5 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Hougen HMD900 Magnetic Drill if
- You need to drill on vertical surfaces or large structures.
- You require a lighter tool that is easy to carry to job sites.
- You are drilling steel plates where magnetic holding is essential.
Choose Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press if
- You need a stationary machine for general workshop use.
- You want variable speed settings for different materials.
- You need a table that tilts for angled drilling operations.
Verdict: The Hougen HMD900 is the better choice for portable, on-site drilling on metal surfaces. The Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press is ideal for stationary workshop tasks requiring speed control and table adjustments. Choose the Hougen for mobility and the Jet for versatility in a fixed location.
Hougen vs Jet Drill Press Specs
machine type
The Hougen HMD900 is a magnetic drill, while the Jet is a benchtop drill press. This difference defines their primary use. The Hougen unit attaches to steel surfaces, making it ideal for on-site work or heavy plate drilling. You do not need a stable table to use it. The Jet machine sits on a workbench and requires a solid surface. It is designed for repetitive tasks in a fixed location. If you move between jobsites, the Hougen offers clear portability. If you stay in one shop, the Jet provides a stable platform for precision work.
swing capacity
The Jet drill press features a 10-inch swing. This allows you to drill holes up to 5 inches from the center of the spindle. This is useful for drilling near the edge of wide sheets or large components. The Hougen magnetic drill lists a hole capacity of 1.5 inches. This refers to the diameter of the hole it can cut, not the distance from the center. The Jet offers a much larger working radius for wide materials. The Hougen is limited to smaller diameter holes but excels in vertical penetration on thick steel. Choose the Jet for wide sheets and the Hougen for thick plate.
speed settings
The Jet drill press provides five optimized speeds ranging from 630 to 3300 RPM. This range lets you adjust for different materials, from slow drilling in hard metals to faster speeds in softer ones. The Hougen data does not list specific RPM values or speed settings. Magnetic drills often have variable speed controls, but the exact range is not provided in the specs. Without this data, you cannot compare the precision of speed control. The Jet gives you clear, documented options for various drilling applications. This makes it easier to select the right speed for your specific material.
voltage
The Jet drill press operates on 120V power. This is the standard household voltage in most US workshops. You can plug it into a regular outlet without needing special wiring. The Hougen magnetic drill also runs on 115V. This is effectively the same standard household power. Both machines can be used in typical home or professional shops without electrical upgrades. There is no significant difference in power availability or convenience. You can place either tool wherever you have a standard outlet. Both options are equally compatible with standard residential electrical systems.
table tilt
The Jet drill press includes a table that tilts up to 45 degrees in both directions. This feature allows you to drill angled holes without holding the workpiece by hand. It provides stable support for bevel drilling. The Hougen magnetic drill does not list a tilting table in its specifications. Magnetic drills typically rely on the flat steel surface they are attached to. If you need angled holes, you must angle the magnetic base itself. The Jet offers a dedicated mechanical solution for angled drilling. This makes it more versatile for complex fabrication tasks requiring precision angles.
portability
The Hougen HMD900 weighs 27 pounds. It is compact and designed to be carried to the workpiece. You can magnetize it to any steel surface and move it easily. The Jet drill press weighs 48.5 pounds. It is heavier and larger, designed to stay on a bench. While the Jet is described as easy to move around a shop, it is not portable in the same way. The Hougen is significantly lighter and more compact. If you need to take your drilling tool to a job site, the Hougen is the better choice. The Jet is better for stationary, high-volume work.
Which drill press fits your workflow
Field technicians needing portable steel drilling
The Hougen HMD900 weighs 27 pounds and uses magnetic mounting. This allows you to drill 1.5-inch holes in fixed steel surfaces without moving heavy workpieces. Its compact dimensions of 11 by 6.75 inches make it easy to carry to job sites. The slot drive arbor ensures quick accessory changes and improved accuracy during on-site operations.
Shop workers needing versatile benchtop drilling
The Jet JWBS-10 offers a 10-inch swing and variable speeds from 630 to 3300 RPM. This range supports five optimized speeds for different materials. The table tilts 45 degrees for angled work. Running on 120V power, it fits standard outlets. At 48.5 pounds, it stays stable on your bench while handling core drilling applications with precision.
Users requiring angled drilling capability
The Jet model features a table that tilts up to 45 degrees. This allows you to drill angled holes with stable material support. The 10-inch swing provides ample space for larger projects. Combined with its 120V operation and variable speed control, it adapts to various workshop tasks. The benchtop design keeps it securely in place during use.
The products compared
Hougen HMD900 Magnetic Drill
Best for: structural steel fabrication and on-site drilling
- Hole Capacity
- 1.5"
- Voltage
- 115V
- Configuration
- Magnetic
- Dimensions
- 11 × 6.75 × 15 inches
- Weight
- 27 pounds
View on Amazon: Hougen HMD900 Magnetic Drill Affiliate link
The Hougen HMD900 is a 115V magnetic drill press designed for stationary metalworking. It features a 1.5-inch hole capacity and a slot drive arbor for quick accessory changes. The unit weighs 27 pounds and measures 11 inches in length. Its ergonomic housing and spring slug ejection enhance safety. This tool suits users needing portable, high-accuracy drilling on steel structures.
Pros
- 1.5-inch maximum hole capacity
- Slot drive arbor for quick accessory changes
- Spring slug ejection for safety
- Compact 27-pound weight
Cons
- Limited to 1.5-inch hole diameter
- Slot drive arbor limits standard chuck compatibility
- No variable speed control listed
Good fit if
- You need to drill thick steel plates
- You require a portable magnetic drill
- You value quick accessory changes
Skip if
- You need to drill wood
- You require a standard keyed chuck
- You need variable speed control
Verdict: Hougen HMD900 Magnetic Drill Press is ideal for fabricators drilling structural steel. It offers precise hole placement with its magnetic base and slot drive arbor. This unit is a practical tool for on-site metalwork.
Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press
Best for: small workshops and angled drilling tasks
- Motor Power
- 1/3 HP, 6.2A
- Spindle Speed
- 630 to 3300 RPM, 5 speeds
- Swing
- 10 Inch
- Chuck Capacity
- JT33 Chuck, 1/16-1/2"
- Voltage
- 120V
- Amperage
- 6.2 A
View on Amazon: Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press Affiliate link
This JET benchtop drill press offers a 10-inch swing and a 5-speed spindle range from 630 to 3300 RPM. It operates on standard 120V household power and weighs 48.5 pounds. The table tilts up to 45 degrees for angled work. You get a compact unit that fits well in smaller shops. It handles core drilling applications with ease while remaining easy to reposition.
Pros
- 10-inch swing capacity for varied drilling needs
- 5-speed range from 630 to 3300 RPM
- Table tilts ±45° for angled drilling
- Compact 48.5 lb weight for easy movement
Cons
- 120V operation limits power for heavy industrial tasks
- 5-speed range is narrower than variable-speed models
- 10-inch swing restricts workpiece diameter
Good fit if
- You need a compact drill press for a small workshop
- You require angled drilling capabilities with a tilting table
- You prefer a lightweight unit that is easy to move
Skip if
- You need to drill large diameter holes beyond 10 inches
- You require precise variable speed control for delicate materials
- You need a heavy-duty industrial press for continuous use
Verdict: JET 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press is a solid choice for hobbyists who value portability and versatility. It fits users who need angled drilling and a compact footprint without sacrificing essential speed ranges.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Hougen HMD900 Magnetic Drill | Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | not stated | 1/3 HP, 6.2A |
| Spindle Speed | not stated | 630 to 3300 RPM, 5 speeds |
| Hole Capacity | 1.5" | not stated |
| Swing | not stated | 10 Inch |
| Chuck Capacity | not stated | JT33 Chuck, 1/16-1/2" |
| Voltage | 115V | 120V |
| Configuration | Magnetic | not stated |
| Amperage | not stated | 6.2 A |
| Dimensions | 11 × 6.75 × 15 inches | 13.4 × 19 × 28.8 inches |
| Weight | 27 pounds | 48.5 pounds |
| Color | Multicolor | not stated |
| Model | 0900101 | JWBS-10 |
Frequently asked questions
Can the Hougen HMD900 drill into wood?
The Hougen HMD900 is a magnetic drill designed for structural steel fabrication. Its magnetic base requires a ferrous surface to operate, which means it cannot attach to wood. You should use the Jet JWBS-10 for wood projects, as its benchtop design offers the versatility needed for non-metallic materials and general workshop tasks.
Which drill press is lighter and easier to move?
The Hougen HMD900 is significantly lighter, weighing only 27 pounds. This makes it ideal for field technicians who need to carry equipment to job sites. In contrast, the Jet JWBS-10 weighs 48.5 pounds. Its heavier build provides stability for benchtop use but makes it less portable than the magnetic drill option.
What is the maximum swing capacity of the Jet drill press?
The Jet JWBS-10 features a 10-inch swing capacity. This specification determines the maximum distance from the spindle center to the column, defining the widest workpiece you can drill. It allows you to handle larger materials on the benchtop. The Hougen HMD900 does not list a swing capacity, as it mounts directly to the workpiece.
Does the Hougen HMD900 require a separate stand?
No, the Hougen HMD900 does not require a separate stand. It uses a magnetic base to attach directly to steel surfaces. This design is practical for on-site metalwork where you need precise hole placement without moving heavy structural steel. You simply place it on the target surface and drill.
What voltage do these drill presses operate on?
The Hougen HMD900 operates on 115V power. This is standard for most North American workshops and job sites. The Jet JWBS-10 is a benchtop unit that typically uses standard household voltage. Both tools are designed for common electrical setups, ensuring compatibility with your existing shop power supply without needing special transformers.
Which drill press is better for angled drilling?
The Jet JWBS-10 is better for angled drilling tasks. Its benchtop design allows you to tilt the head to drill at various angles. This versatility is valuable for hobbyists and small workshops. The Hougen HMD900 is a magnetic drill focused on vertical drilling in structural steel, so it is not suited for angled work.